An orgy is a type of group sex in which several people engage in consensual sex with one another. Participants typically engage in sexual activity in the same room, rather than splitting off into smaller groups. As the group stays together, there is usually some level of contact between most of the people involved, with partners swapped throughout the experience.
The term orgy comes from the ancient Greek "orgia," which referred to an ecstatic form of cult worship. Because these cult rituals were secret and held at night, they may have involved sex, as a modern orgy does.
Types of Orgies
The different types of orgies include:
- Heterosexual orgy: Cisgender women and men have sexual interactions with someone of a different gender identity (ie, women with men and men with women.)
- Bisexual orgy: Participants enjoy sexual interactions with people of any gender.
- Lesbian orgy: Participants identify as lesbian and enjoy sexual interactions with other lesbians.
- Gang bang: Participants direct their sexual attention towards one focal person.
- Bukkake orgy: Participants ejaculate over one focal person.
- Soft swing orgy: Participants enjoy non-penetrative sexual activity, including sexual touching and oral sex. In some cases, soft swing orgies may include penetrative sex with established partners.
- Dogging orgy: Participants enjoy sexual interactions with others outdoors.
Orgy Sex Positions
Just as there are many types of orgy, there are also many different positions participants may enjoy. Along with common sex positions, like missionary and reverse cowgirl, participants may also try positions made for group sex:
- Daisy chain or pinwheel: Participants gather in a circle, where each person gives oral pleasure to the person in front of them and receives pleasure from the person behind them.
- Double Cowgirl: A participant with a penis or strap-on lies on their back to penetrate someone straddling their hips while giving oral pleasure to someone straddling their face.
- Triple Missionary: A participant lies on their back to receive penetrative sex and give oral sex to someone squatting over their face. Another participant may then penetrate the person receiving oral sex from behind.
- Doubling Threesome or Double Dinner: A participant lays on their back to give oral sex to someone straddling their face and receives oral sex from someone positioned between their legs.
How common is group sex?
A 2016 study from TimeOut New York found that 31% of respondents surveyed had had group sex. A third of people who’d had group sex had engaged in a foursome or "moresome." A 2015 survey suggests that the American average is much lower, with 6% of women and 12% of men stating they’d had group sex before. Less than 3% of both genders had done so in the past year, suggesting group sex may not be a common occurrence.
That doesn’t mean people aren’t thinking about it, though. In his 2018 book “Tell Me What You Want: The Science of Sexual Desire and How It Can Help You Improve Your Sex Life,” social psychologist Justin Lehmiller reported that 74% of people fantasized about orgies. He also noted that group sex, including threesomes, was the most common fantasy among those surveyed. More than a third of respondents said it was their favorite sexual fantasy.
How many people does it take to make an orgy?
Some people believe that an orgy must have five or more participants, claiming group sex with three people is a threesome and group sex with four people is a foursome. However, others insist that four people is enough for an orgy. While there is no upper limit to the number of participants in an orgy, most people agree that quality is much more important than quantity.
Orgies in Pornography
Because participating in an orgy is a common sexual fantasy, it is often depicted in pornography. Orgy porn can depict a wide range of orgy fantasies, such as college students at wild fraternity parties and middle-aged fetishists who throw events to indulge their kinks. Viewing orgy porn can be a good way for people interested in orgies to satisfy their fantasies. People may simply enjoy viewing orgy porn or use it to supplement participating in orgies.
More About Orgy
The participants in an orgy are more likely to be unknown or unconnected to each other than swingers, who tend to have group sex within a community that includes many people they know. While it can be challenging, these tips can help people interested in orgies plan and enjoy this kind of group sex.
Are orgies legal?
Laws around orgies vary around the world, and even between states. Orgies are technically illegal in some American states, such as Utah. In this state, orgies fall under the category of fornication, which is a class B misdemeanor. Such laws are considered "dead laws" because they are not prosecuted. Some states also have rules that prohibit things that may occur during an orgy, such as public nudity. Orgies with an entrance fee may be illegal due to laws against prostitution and brothels, which are illegal in every state but Nevada.
It's unlikely that law enforcers will prosecute any consenting adults participating in an orgy in a private place. In 2017, a representative from the Utah Attorney General's Office even admitted that the state has not prosecuted anyone for fornication since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned sodomy laws in 2003. If you're planning to host or attend an orgy, it's still a good idea to understand the laws in your jurisdiction and how they may apply.
How to Plan an Orgy
People planning an orgy must decide who to invite. They may invite people they know or friends of friends they think might make good guests. Good guests may be adventurous singles or couples open to sexual experimentation. People who’ve participated in orgies before can help other participants feel more comfortable.
After finalizing the guest list, the organizer can send out invitations. Stating the type of orgy planned and house rules, including rules for consent, helps people who will attend understand what to expect. Sending invitations via text, email, or a private group on social media helps the organizer maintain control of their guest list. Making the guest list viewable to all invited also lets attendees see whether they’re comfortable with the other guests.
Organizers should supply everything their guests might need, including condoms, dental dams, gloves and lube. They should also make sure there are clean towels, mouthwash and a shower so guests can practice good hygiene. The venue should be clean and welcoming. It’s a good idea to designate rooms for sex and chill spaces for socializing. Creating a playlist can also enhance the party.
How to Find an Orgy
People who don’t want to plan their own orgy might find one to join. Online kink websites and social media communities can help people make connections and get invited to orgies. Some communities also post about mixers or events where group sex may take place.
Tips for a Safe and Successful Orgy
Safer sex practices and active consent are the cornerstones of a safe and successful orgy. Wearing condoms and dental dams can minimize the risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Hosts may supply non-porous sex toys, but participants should leave their own at home to further reduce the risk of spreading STIs. Participants should be able to say no to any sexual encounter they don’t want to participate in, at any time. They should never feel pressured to play with others. Getting consent before an orgy and using established safewords can help people know whether their play partners are willing participants at all times. In fact, there is some general etiquette around most orgies that can help keep participants safe and ensure everyone has a good time.
Mak Adikami, a certified sex and relationship expert and the co-founder of LustyBoy.com, also recommends regular breaks and check-ins. "Orgies can be intense, both physically and emotionally," he explained. "Encourage participants to take breaks and regularly check in with themselves and others. This allows for a moment to recharge, hydrate and ensure everyone is still having a positive experience."
He also recommends making an effort to ensure all participants are having a good time. "Be mindful of individuals who may feel left out or overwhelmed. Communicate openly and make sure everyone feels seen, heard and included."
While drugs and alcohol tend to be present at all kinds of parties, people's opinions on using them at orgies are mixed. Some people believe it's crucial to keep orgies drug and alcohol free, or at least limit them. Others us a RACK protocol, leaving individual participants to decide what level of risk is acceptable for them.
Because privacy is an important aspect of orgy safety, many orgies have rules about electronic devices and other privacy controls. In general, what happens at an orgy stays at an orgy!
