New research has found a disparity in the frequency of orgasms experienced between heterosexual men and women during sexual encounters, known as the orgasm gap. Men are more likely to achieve orgasm during sexual activity compared to women. The study revealed that women have different expectations for sex depending on the gender of their partner, being more likely to expect an orgasm with a woman and pursue it via clitoral stimulation. Research shows that between 70 and 90 percent of women require clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, and when having sex with a woman, women were more likely to actively pursue orgasm themselves.
In a 2017 study of over 50,000 people, 95 percent of heterosexual men said they usually or always orgasm when having sex, compared to only 65 percent of heterosexual women. This backs up previous research from 2006 which found that women are more likely to orgasm when sleeping with women than men, suggesting that expectations from sex vary with partner gender. The study highlights the importance of creating an environment that encourages orgasm pursuit through diverse sex acts, particularly those involving clitoral stimulation, to increase the likelihood of achieving orgasm, especially when having sex with men.
The authors of the study note that while this research may be interpreted as saying that sex with men is worse than with women, the real issue lies in the dominant sexual scripts associated with heterosexual sex. They emphasize that sexual scripts are flexible and can be changed, and that there is more to sexual intimacy than achieving orgasm. The study serves as a piece of a larger conversation about gender disparities and should not be seen as suggesting that orgasm is the sole measure of a fulfilling sexual experience. The research sheds light on why the orgasm gap exists and how different expectations for sex with men and women can explain these differences.
The study contributes to understanding gender disparities and inequities in sexual encounters and encourages a shift in societal expectations around sex and pleasure. Women’s expectations for sex are influenced by the gender of their partner, leading to differences in the pursuit of orgasm and overall sexual satisfaction. The findings suggest that sexual scripts can be changed to create a more fulfilling and equitable sexual experience for all individuals, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation. Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground, and welcomes tips and questions related to science stories.
