Why do people hold their breath as they approach orgasm?

The reason people hold their breath as they approach orgasm is because their thoracic diaphragm is clenching rhythmically along with their abdominal, buttock, thigh, and pelvic muscles. Orgasm, being the explosive release of sexual tension, is preceded by a buildup of tension that comes over your partner like the tide coming in. You’ll be able to see and feel the tension move through your partner’s body in waves, hear it in his or her breath. If their abdomen isn’t taut and their feet aren’t tense, that’s something to wonder about.