The Gender Gap in Orgasms: Survey Data from a Mid-Sized Canadian City

Abstract

Objective: Previous research has established a gap in orgasm frequency between men and women. This study investigates explanations for the gender gap in orgasm. Methods: Crosstab analysis and logistic regression are used to examine the gender gap in orgasms from one Canadian city: Hamilton, Ontario (N = 194). Results: We find a strong association between women’s orgasms and the type of sexual behavior in which partners engage. Women who receive oral sex are more likely to reach orgasm. Conclusion: Sexual practices focused on clitoral stimulation are important to reducing the gender gap in orgasms.

Keywords:

• Sexualities
• orgasm
• gender
• survey
• sexual behavior

Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge Dr. Jim Dunn's Collaboratory for Research on Urban Neighbourhoods, Community Health and Housing, whose talented research staff collected data for the Survey of Sexual Behaviour in Hamilton, Ontario, as well as Drs. Debra Herbenick and Michael Reece of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion at Indiana University for allowing us to use a modified version of the survey questionnaire for their National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior. We also extend our gratitude to Marisa Young for taking the time to discuss this project at an early stage. All errors are due to the authors. Nicole Andrejek can be reached by email at [email protected] and Tina Fetner at [email protected].

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the article.

Notes

1 In Canada, common-law status is similar to marriage. Although provincial family laws vary, in general common-law status requires that conjugal partners have lived together in the same home for at least one year.

2 To verify results, we supplemented these tests with a set of singular exact logistic regressions, restricting the sample to female respondents. Results were confirmed; supplementary tables are available upon request.

Additional information

Funding

This project was supported by Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada Insight Development [Grant 430-2013-0524].