Let’s begin with a question. How is your sex life? Fulfilling, passable, boring, or too bad to be discussed? The term “Orgasm Gap” has a significant role in your answer. So, what does it mean, and what more should you know? Start reading to gain some new knowledge. Orgasm Gap, also known as the Pleasure Gap, is a form of gender disparity. It refers to the glaring inequality between the orgasms experienced by cisgender men and women during sex. Put simply, men experience more orgasms than women—a key factor in sexual satisfaction.

What Are The Reasons For The Orgasm Gap?

Many socio-cultural and media-driven ideas prioritize penetrative sex over other ways of making love. However, this is not the best way for a woman to reach orgasm. The anatomical differences between men and women necessitate exploring the diversity of touches when enjoying the wild dance of carnal desires. It means men need to look for different erogenous zones in women’s bodies and stimulate them until the latter burst into a rapturous orgasm. However, both popular culture and countless real-life bedroom stories undervalue orgasm through methods other than penetrative sex. Sure! Many women enjoy intercourse, too. But does every woman climax during coitus? No, no, and no!

A study by Durex revealed that 20% of women reported not achieving orgasm, a sharp contrast to the mere 2% of men facing a similar challenge. Three out of four women shared that they never experienced orgasm during sexual encounters. At the same time, a surprising 30% of men believed that penetrative acts were the key to making a woman reach orgasm. However, more than half of women emphasized that clitoral stimulation helps them feel the peaking gush of sexual pleasure.

Another PubMed study showed that women who primarily get their pleasure by stimulating their clitoris tend to have a stronger overall desire for sex. They also get more turned on by looking at sexual images, and they’re better at getting even more aroused when told to do so compared to women who mainly orgasm through vaginal stimulation.

Besides, the idea that only penile-vaginal intercourse counts as sex also contributes to the orgasm gap. However, oral sex, anal sex, fingering, and using sex toys or devices such as vibrators, all are sexual acts and may help women achieve orgasm more frequently during consensual sex.

Women’s Health and Orgasm Gap: Is There A Connection?

Women undergo a series of hormonal changes throughout their lives, and certain stages affect their potential to orgasm. For example, estrogen sufficiency during menstruation years contributes to heightened sensitivity and quicker sexual arousal in women. Alternatively, lowering estrogen and progesterone during perimenopause and menopause affects orgasm intensity and frequency.

For example, vaginal dryness because of menopause may make sex painful and make it harder to reach an orgasm. The following factors may also widen the pleasure gap:

• Ageing

• Anxiety and depression

• Certain medical conditions, including diseases that affect nerves

Relatedly, difficulty reaching an orgasm can be a result of one or more of the following:

• Hormone changes, for example, after childbirth, around the time of menopause, or after menopause

• History of trauma or unwanted sexual contact

• Lack of self-confidence

• Medication (such as antidepressants and antipsychotic medication)

• Not being stimulated enough

• Painful sex

• Recreational drugs, alcohol, or smoking

• Relationship worries

• Stress or emotional distress

• Use of recreational drugs, alcohol, or smoking

• Worries or fears about having sex

How To Close The Orgasm Gap?

In partnered sex, closing the orgasm gap takes two to tango (well! that’s the minimum unless you are inspired by Luna in Happy Ending on Netflix). It means women need to be more outspoken about what makes them sexually satisfied, and their partners should become more receptive to their needs. Need some more tips? Read on.

• Improve Communication: Let your partner know your fantasies, desires, preferences, and boundaries.

• Be experimental: Switching to the new is a helpful mantra during sex. If vaginal intercourse is not enough to help you experience orgasm, switch to clitoral stimulation. If repeating clitoral stimulation seems too run-of-the-mill, try a vibrator, and so on. Embrace variety!

• Practice Patience: Sex is not a competition to reach climax nor making your partner experience it as early as possible. Be patient and relaxed, and understand your partner’s and your mental and physical needs.

• Track Sex: Use a mobile health app to track the days or the number of times you experienced orgasm. With time, it helps you know what works best for you to touch and thrive at the pinnacle of sexual ecstasy. For example, some women may find that their best orgasms occur when they are ovulating, while others may notice period sex is their go-to method to get the big O.

• Consider Supplements: Some supplements like MACA root extract may support women’s sexual health. See also our blog on Maca for more information. Talk to your doctor and see if you need supplements to “come” more frequently and amazingly.

The gender inequality in terms of sexual satisfaction, aka the orgasm gap, is a serious but not an insurmountable issue. No shying away, no judgements, and being open to experimentation are the essential steps to help bridge the orgasm gap between couples.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the orgasm gap?
  The orgasm gap (or pleasure gap) refers to the disparity in the frequency and ease with which people of different genders experience orgasms during sexual encounters. It primarily highlights how cisgender women tend to have fewer orgasms compared to cisgender men.

• Why does the orgasm gap exist?
  This gap arises from a combination of factors including physiological differences, lack of sexual education focused on female pleasure, societal misconceptions about sex, and the prioritization of male satisfaction in heterosexual encounters. It's also influenced by the common undervaluing of non-penetrative sexual activities that are often more effective for female orgasm.

• How can couples address the orgasm gap?
  Communication is key. Partners should openly discuss their likes, dislikes, and what brings them pleasure. Trying various forms of sexual activity, not just penetrative sex, and focusing on foreplay can also help. Understanding and responding to each other’s needs is crucial for a mutually satisfying sexual experience.

• Does the orgasm gap affect relationship satisfaction?
  Yes, it can. The orgasm gap can lead to feelings of frustration, inadequacy, or neglect, affecting overall relationship satisfaction. Addressing this gap can improve intimacy, emotional connection, and sexual satisfaction for both partners.

• What role does clitoral stimulation play in reducing the orgasm gap?
  Clitoral stimulation is crucial as it's a primary source of pleasure for many women. Unlike penetrative sex, which often favors male arousal, clitoral stimulation is more likely to lead to orgasm for women. Prioritizing this form of stimulation can significantly reduce the orgasm gap.

• Are there health benefits to resolving the orgasm gap?
  Yes, addressing the orgasm gap can lead to improved mental health, including reduced stress and enhanced self-esteem. It can also enhance physical well-being by improving sleep quality, boosting immune function, and potentially alleviating pain. Plus, a satisfying sex life can strengthen emotional bonds within a relationship.