Some people orgasm during penetration alone; others prefer or need external clitoral stimulation. A broad statistic cannot tell you which touch will work for your body.
Penetration and external touch can happen together
There is no need to choose one or the other. You can use a hand or an external toy alongside penetration if you enjoy both. You can also choose external touch without penetration.
The position and angle can change where contact happens. If you want to experiment, make a small adjustment and ask whether it feels better. No position or curved toy guarantees an orgasm.
Describe the contact you want
'I'd like you to keep touching my clitoris' is clearer than hoping a partner notices what is missing. You can show pressure or placement with your own hand if you want to, and ask the partner to stay with a rhythm you like.
Avoid comparing a person's response with previous partners or a percentage in an article. Anatomy, circumstances and preferred touch vary, and no single explanation accounts for everyone's experience.
If orgasm is difficult
Try focusing on a kind of contact that feels pleasurable rather than repeatedly attempting a technique that does little for you. Stop if something hurts. Lubricant can reduce friction where appropriate but cannot make pain something to ignore.
If difficulty is new, persistent or upsetting, discuss it with a GP or sexual-health professional, particularly if medication or health has changed. Read our guide to orgasm difficulties for practical questions.
