Orgasm has been shown to be a significant component of sexual satisfaction within a romantic relationship. Although most men routinely experience orgasms during partnered sex, they may be more elusive for women during sexual activity with a partner. In fact, representative studies from countries around the world show that approximately two-thirds of women report reaching orgasm in their last partnered sexual encounter, and the remaining one-third do not.
This statistic notwithstanding, some women are able to experience multiple orgasms during one sexual encounter, which is a less common occurrence in men. Research on factors related to partnered single orgasm/multiple orgasms among women in long-term relationships is somewhat limited. As such, the authors of a recent study leveraged a nationwide representative survey of German women in stable heterosexual relationships to explore the sexuality- and relationship-based factors related to experiencing orgasm during partnered sexual activity for this population.
The German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD) was a voluntary questionnaire that was administered through laptop-assisted personal interviews in participants’ homes between 2018-2019. A total of 4,955 German residents were surveyed: 2,336 men and 2,619 women between the ages of 18-75.
For the purposes of the present study, the authors included only female participants who were in a heterosexual relationship at the time of the study and who had had sex with their partner in the previous 12 months. After excluding the respondents who did not meet these criteria, they were left with 1,641 participants.
In the GeSiD, orgasm experience was addressed through the question: “Did you orgasm the last time you had sex?” with the options of “no,” “yes, once,” and “yes, several times.” Those who did not respond to this question or who did not know were excluded from the analysis. Orgasm experience was then examined in relation to the following variables: demographic data, number of sexual practices, frequency of partnered sexual activities, frequency of masturbation, relationship satisfaction, feelings of love, perceived closeness to partner, and general sexual satisfaction.
The following is a summary of what the authors found regarding the women’s single and multiple orgasm experiences during partnered sex:
- All of the sexuality-related factors, including number of sexual practices, frequency of partnered sexual activities, and frequency of masturbation were positively associated with one another.
- Similarly, all of the relationship-related factors such as relationship satisfaction, feelings of love, and perceived closeness to partner were strongly positively correlated with one another.
- Greater frequency of partnered sexual activity was associated with higher scores across all relationship-based factors. On the other hand, higher frequency of masturbation was associated with lower relationship satisfaction and less perceived closeness.
- With regard to orgasm, frequency of sexual activity, relationship satisfaction, and feelings of love and closeness were positively associated with the likelihood of experiencing orgasm during the respondents’ last partnered sexual encounter.
- A higher number of sexual practices and greater frequency of partnered sexual activities were both associated with a greater likelihood of having multiple orgasms during one’s last sexual encounter with their partner. Perhaps unsurprisingly, experiencing multiple orgasms was associated with higher sexual satisfaction.
The results of this study suggest an association between relationship quality and frequency of sexual activity and the likelihood of experiencing orgasm or multiple orgasms during partnered sexual activity for women. Additionally, engaging in a number of different sexual activities (including oral sex and manual stimulation) correlated with higher frequency of experiencing multiple orgasms. The authors suggest that women who are having difficulties reaching orgasm during partnered sex may benefit from addressing any relationship issues they may be having, engaging in partnered sexual activities more frequently, and trying various sexual practices.
Resources:
Cerwenka, S., Dekker, A., Pietras, L., & Briken, P. (2021). Single and Multiple Orgasm Experience Among Women in Heterosexual Partnerships. Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD). The journal of sexual medicine, 18(12), 2028-2038. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.09.010
You may also be interested in...
Conditions
Low Testosterone
November 30, 2020Conditions
Delayed Orgasm and Delayed Ejaculation
November 30, 2020Translations
Cancer de la prostate
November 30, 2020Translations
Eyaculación precoz
November 30, 2020Translations
Éjaculation précoce
November 30, 2020Translations
Testosterona baja
November 30, 2020Translations
Faible taux de testostérone
November 30, 2020Translations
Orgasmo retardado y eyaculación retardada
November 30, 2020Translations
Orgasme retardé et éjaculation retardée
November 30, 2020Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
