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Gesselman AN, Bennett-Brown M, Dubé S, Kaufman EM, Campbell JT, Garcia JR. The lifelong orgasm gap: exploring age's impact on orgasm rates. Sex Med 2024; 12:qfae042. [PMID: 38957591 PMCID: PMC11217024 DOI: 10.1093/sexmed/qfae042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Research demonstrates significant gender- and sexual orientation-based differences in orgasm rates from sexual intercourse; however, this "orgasm gap" has not been studied with respect to age. Aim The study sought to examine age-related disparities in orgasm rates from sexual intercourse by gender and sexual orientation. Methods A survey sample of 24 752 adults from the United States, ranging in age from 18 to 100 years. Data were collected across 8 cross-sectional surveys between 2015 and 2023. Outcomes Participants reported their average rate of orgasm during sexual intercourse, from 0% to 100%. Results Orgasm rate was associated with age but with minimal effect size. In all age groups, men reported higher rates of orgasm than did women. Men's orgasm rates ranged from 70% to 85%, while women's ranged from 46% to 58%. Men reported orgasm rates between 22% and 30% higher than women's rates. Sexual orientation impacted orgasm rates by gender but not uniformly across age groups. Clinical Translation The persistence of the orgasm gap across ages necessitates a tailored approach in clinical practice and education, focusing on inclusive sexual health discussions, addressing the unique challenges of sexual minorities and aging, and emphasizing mutual satisfaction to promote sexual well-being for all. Strengths and Limitations This study is the first to examine the orgasm gap with respect to age, and does so in a large, diverse sample. Findings are limited by methodology, including single-item assessments of orgasm and a sample of single adults. Conclusion This study revealed enduring disparities in orgasm rates from sexual intercourse, likely resulting from many factors, including sociocultural norms and inadequate sex education.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda N Gesselman
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Margaret Bennett-Brown
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
- Department of Communication Studies, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX 79409, United States
| | - Simon Dubé
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Ellen M Kaufman
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Jessica T Campbell
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
| | - Justin R Garcia
- The Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
- Department of Gender Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, United States
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Beckmeyer JJ, Herbenick D, Eastman-Mueller H. Sexual pleasure during college students' most recent partnered sexual experiences. JOURNAL OF AMERICAN COLLEGE HEALTH : J OF ACH 2023; 71:2550-2561. [PMID: 34634225 DOI: 10.1080/07448481.2021.1978461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ObjectiveWe explored college students' sexual pleasure using a new self-report measure, the Body, Emotions, Sensations, Touch/Trust (B.E.S.T.) Scale of Sexual Pleasure. Participants: Data were from 3997 randomly sampled students with a partnered sexual experience. Methods: Students completed an online survey about their most recent partnered sexual experience. Data was collected in January 2020. Results: Students find the nonphysical aspects of partnered sex (e.g., emotions, trust, connection with partners) as pleasurable as physical aspects (e.g., behaviors engaged and received, bodily sensations). Self-reported arousal, wantedness, and emotional intimacy were the strongest correlates of male, female, and transgender/gender non-binary students' sexual pleasure. Few sexual behaviors were associated with sexual pleasure and only one - cuddling for women - was associated with greater sexual pleasure. Conclusions: Students find their partnered sexual experiences pleasurable. Students' sex may be more pleasurable when they feel ready for sex, desire sex, and feel close to their partners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathon J Beckmeyer
- Department of Counseling and Learning Sciences, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
| | - Heather Eastman-Mueller
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
- Department of Applied Health Science, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, USA
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3
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Georgieva M, Milhausen RR, Quinn-Nilas C. Motives between the Sheets: Understanding Obligation for Sex at Midlife and Associations with Sexual and Relationship Satisfaction. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2023; 60:315-324. [PMID: 35608313 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2022.2076278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Reasons for sex are associated with sexual and relational outcomes. This study investigated reasons for sex at last sex, with a focus on obligation (an avoidance motivation) and doing something nice for a partner (an approach motivation), and their associations with sexual and relationship satisfaction, while controlling for marital duration, age, and sexual desire. We investigated these reasons among married, midlife Canadian women (n = 324), men (n = 275), and 25 non-binary/gender queer participants 40 to 59 years of age. Participants were recruited from a Qualtrics analytics panel and completed an online questionnaire. Obligation was reported as a reason for having sex by 12.4% of women and 1.8% of men; "doing something nice" was reported by 10.2% of women and 9.5% of men. In regression analyses, women who reported having sex for obligation had significantly lower relationship satisfaction and sexual satisfaction than women who did not report this reason. In contrast, having sex to do something nice for one's partner was associated with higher sexual satisfaction among women. Findings indicate that having sex when feeling obligated may be associated with negative sexual and relational outcomes among midlife women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Georgieva
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph
| | - Robin R Milhausen
- Department of Family Relations and Applied Nutrition, University of Guelph
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Fritz N, Malic V, Fu TC, Paul B, Zhou Y, Dodge B, Fortenberry JD, Herbenick D. Porn Sex versus Real Sex: Sexual Behaviors Reported by a U.S. Probability Survey Compared to Depictions of Sex in Mainstream Internet-Based Male-Female Pornography. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2022; 51:1187-1200. [PMID: 35165802 PMCID: PMC8853281 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-021-02175-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Using data from a 2014 U.S. nationally representative probability survey and a 2014 content analysis of 2562 male-female videos from two popular pornographic websites, this study aimed to: (1) compare the prevalence of survey respondents' event-level sexual behaviors with those depicted in mainstream pornography online videos; (2) compare event-level condom use with condom use prevalence in pornographic videos; (3) compare event-level orgasm with prevalence of orgasms in pornographic videos; and (4) assess whether respondents' partnered use of pornography was associated with the sexual behaviors in which they report engaging. We found that kissing, male orgasm, female orgasm, and condom use were significantly less prevalent in the pornographic videos than in survey respondents' most recent sexual experiences. Conversely, penile-anal intercourse and fellatio were significantly more prevalent in the pornographic videos than in participants' reports of their most recent sexual experience. There were no significant differences between the prevalence of cunnilingus or sex toy use represented in the videos as compared to survey respondents' reports. Finally, we found that individuals who reported partnered pornography use during their most recent sexual experience were more likely to report having engaged in oral sex, penile-anal intercourse, and sex toy use and were also more likely to report female orgasm during their most recent sexual experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Fritz
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA.
| | - Vinny Malic
- School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Indiana University-Bloomington, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Tsung-Chieh Fu
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Bryant Paul
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Yanyan Zhou
- The Media School, Indiana University-Bloomington, 601 E Kirkwood Ave., Bloomington, IN, 47405, USA
| | - Brian Dodge
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - J Dennis Fortenberry
- Division of Adolescent Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Debby Herbenick
- Center for Sexual Health Promotion, Indiana University School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN, USA
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Ego-Centred and Partner/Activity-Focused Sexual Satisfaction: The Role of Self-Esteem and Sexual Assertiveness in Cisgender Heterosexual Women. SEX ROLES 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s11199-021-01258-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Reis J, de Oliveira L, Oliveira C, Nobre P. Psychosocial and Behavioral Aspects of Women's Sexual Pleasure: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SEXUAL HEALTH : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE WORLD ASSOCIATION FOR SEXUAL HEALTH 2021; 33:494-515. [PMID: 38595786 PMCID: PMC10903595 DOI: 10.1080/19317611.2021.1910890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Objectives To clarify the psychosocial and behavioral factors related to women's sexual pleasure. Methods A search was conducted on EBSCO and Web of Science databases using the key terms "female sexual pleasure" and "women sexual pleasure" and following PRISMA guidelines. Results 76 articles were identified, referring to sexual practices, individual factors, interpersonal factors, societal factors, and ways of enhancing sexual pleasure. Conclusions Age, sexual experience, arousability, body-esteem, sexual autonomy, and sexual assertiveness seem to benefit women's sexual pleasure, while sexual compliance and a gender power imbalance seem to compromise it. Additional research regarding non-western and non-heterosexual women is still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Reis
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Leonor de Oliveira
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Cátia Oliveira
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- HEI-Lab, Lusófona University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- CUF Hospital, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro Nobre
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, Center for Psychology at University of Porto, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Lindley L, Anzani A, Prunas A, Galupo MP. Sexual Satisfaction in Trans Masculine and Nonbinary Individuals: A Qualitative Investigation. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2021; 58:222-234. [PMID: 32787679 DOI: 10.1080/00224499.2020.1799317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
The present study investigated the ways trans masculine and nonbinary individuals describe aspects of their sexual satisfaction. Sexual satisfaction refers to an individual's subjective evaluation of their sexual experiences, and is influenced by relational, contextual, and personal experiences. Prior research with sexual satisfaction among trans individuals utilized quantitative measures, restricting the ability for respondents to describe trans-related aspects. Further, the pervasive focus on the effects of medical transition on binary trans individuals' experiences in prior research limits our understanding of those who do not desire a medical transition or live outside of the gender binary. Participants represented a community sample of 358 trans masculine and nonbinary individuals who responded to the question: "In what ways are you satisfied with your sex life?" Thematic analysis revealed eight overarching themes that represented two categories: universal and trans-related. Discussion focuses on the ways in which clinicians and researchers can utilize the current findings to improve the sexual satisfaction of trans masculine and nonbinary individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lindley
- Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison , Madison, MI, USA
| | - Annalisa Anzani
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano , Bicocca, Italy
| | - Antonio Prunas
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano , Bicocca, Italy
| | - M Paz Galupo
- Department of Psychology, Towson University , Towson, MD, USA
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Kowalewska E, Gola M, Kraus SW, Lew-Starowicz M. Spotlight on Compulsive Sexual Behavior Disorder: A Systematic Review of Research on Women. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2020; 16:2025-2043. [PMID: 32943868 PMCID: PMC7478918 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s221540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW World Health Organization recently included compulsive sexual behavior disorder (CSBD) to the upcoming 11th edition of International Classification of Diseases (6C72). Despite the potential benefits of this decision (eg, the acceleration of research in the field will allow the development of effective treatments), previous research focused mainly on men, and as a result, we do not have an accurate clinical picture of compulsive sexual behavior (CSB) among women. Therefore, in this systematic review, we aim to present available knowledge on this topical subject. Literature search was conducted in the guideline of PRISMA methodology. Studies were identified from multiple databases including Academic Search Ultimate, SocINDEX, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, and MEDLINE. Out of a total of 10,531 articles identified and screened, 58 were included in this review. Included studies covered the following topics: prevalence and etiology of CSB, behavioral and cognitive processes involved, comorbidities, personality traits, psychosocial and interpersonal difficulties, traumatic experiences, and treatments. RECENT FINDINGS Available studies indicate that CSB symptom severity is lower in women than in men. Overall, women reported consuming pornography less often than men and exhibit lower rates of feeling urges to these materials. CSB symptoms (including problematic pornography use) have been found to be positively related to trait psychopathy, impulsivity, sensation seeking, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms, obsessive-compulsive disorder, pathological buying, sexual dysfunctions, general psychopathology, child sexual abuse, while negatively related to dispositional mindfulness. SUMMARY Conclusions that can be drawn from prior studies are considerably limited. There are no accurate estimates of the CSB prevalence or severity among women, and studies have been mostly conducted on non-clinical populations, which has limited application for women diagnosed with CSBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Kowalewska
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computations, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Shane W Kraus
- Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, USA
| | - Michal Lew-Starowicz
- Department of Psychiatry, Centre of Postgraduate Medical Education, Warsaw, Poland
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Lewczuk K, Szmyd J, Skorko M, Gola M. Treatment seeking for problematic pornography use among women. J Behav Addict 2017; 6:445-456. [PMID: 29034717 PMCID: PMC6034965 DOI: 10.1556/2006.6.2017.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2017] [Revised: 07/03/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background and aims Previous studies examined psychological factors related to treatment seeking for problematic pornography use (PU) among males. In this study, we focused on females who seek treatment for problematic PU and compared them with non-problematic pornography users with regard to variables related to problematic PU. Second, we investigated the relationships between critical constructs related to problematic PU with the path analysis method, emphasizing the predictors for treatment seeking among women. We also compared our results with previous studies on males. Methods A survey study was conducted on 719 Polish-speaking Caucasian females, 14-63 years old, including 39 treatment seekers for problematic PU. Results The positive relationship between the mere amount of PU and treatment seeking loses its significance after introducing two other predictors of treatment-seeking: religiosity and negative symptoms associated with PU. This pattern is different from the results obtained in previous studies on males. Discussion Different from previous studies on male samples, our analysis showed that in the case of women, mere amount of PU may be related to treatment-seeking behavior even after accounting for negative symptoms associated with PU. Moreover, religiousness is a significant predictor of treatment seeking among women, which may indicate that in the case of women, treatment seeking for problematic PU is motivated not only by experienced negative symptoms of PU but also by personal beliefs about PU and social norms. Conclusion For females, negative symptoms associated with PU, the amount of PU and religiosity is associated with treatment seeking. Those factors should be considered in treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Lewczuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Joanna Szmyd
- Department of Cognitive Psychology, University of Finance and Management, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maciej Skorko
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Gola
- Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
- Swartz Center for Computational Neuroscience, Institute for Neural Computation, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
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