Not All Orgasms Were Created Equal: Differences in Frequency and Satisfaction of Orgasm Experiences by Sexual Activity in Same-Sex Versus Mixed-Sex Relationships

Abstract

Which sexual activities result in the most frequent and most satisfying orgasms for men and women in same- and mixed-sex relationships? The current study utilized a convenience sample of 806 participants who completed an online survey concerning the types of sexual activities through which they experience orgasms. Participants indicated how frequently they reached orgasm, how satisfied they were from orgasms resulting from 14 sexual activities, and whether they desired a frequency change for each sexual activity. We present the overall levels of satisfaction, frequency, and desired frequency change for the whole sample and also compare responses across four groups of participants: men and women in same-sex relationships and men and women in mixed-sex relationships. While all participants reported engaging in a wide variety of activities that either could, or often did, lead to the experience of orgasm, there were differences in the levels of satisfaction derived from different types of orgasms for different types of participants, who also engaged in such activities with varying degrees of frequency. We discuss group differences within the context of sexual scripts for same- and mixed-sex couples and question the potential explanations for gender differences in the ability to experience orgasm during partnered sexual activity.

Notes

^1. Unless otherwise noted, use of the terms man/men/woman/women indicate reference to cisgender (e.g., gender identity aligns with gender assigned at birth) participants, as the majority of research in this area has focused on cisgender experiences.

^2. A total of 45 participants (5.5%) resided in other nations. Group comparisons revealed no significant differences on the outcome variables of interest between these participants and participants from the more heavily represented nations, and therefore these participants were not removed from the data set.

^3. Data were collected at a time when the U.S. dollar (USD) and Canadian dollar (CND) were at par, so the question asked participants to state their income in USD/CND dollars.