Study – “Single and Multiple Orgasm Experience Among Women in Heterosexual Partnerships. Results of the German Health and Sexuality Survey (GeSiD)”

A German survey study asked whether clitoris-owners orgasmed last time they had sex. They could respond no, yes, yes, several times, don’t know, or no information (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34702686/). It is good that the researchers decided to provide more responses other than yes and no, as some clitoris-owners are not sure if an orgasm occurred or not during masturbation and intercourse. Some people do not find orgasms any more pleasurable than a sneeze, and others have orgasms that are barely noticeable.

The survey results suggested that orgasm and multiple orgasms were both associated with satisfaction with the partnership. This study only included heterosexuals; it would be good for the researchers to also include the orgasmic/multi-orgasmic experiences of other populations, such as homosexuals, the BDSM community, trans people, and those with different disorders and conditions.

The correlation between partner satisfaction and multiple orgasms, however, does suggest that multiple orgasms tend to mostly occur in positive sexual relationships. Unfortunately, non-positive orgasms/multiple orgasms also are reported in the cases of coercion in relationships, rape (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0956797610394660), and break-up sex (https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1474704920936916). Sometimes the body responds in orgasm against one’s will. The study presumably did not include these cases, perhaps because the people would be less likely to be together during the study. However, interpersonal partner violence in Germany is not uncommon (https://apnews.com/article/europe-violence-germany-berlin-domestic-2b7b1ce4c139c401af312862c78bc6b5#:~:text=BERLIN%20(AP)%20%E2%80%94%20The%20number,up%20by%204%2C711%20from%202017).

DISCUSSION 

What do you think of what the survey suggests?

Do you find that partner satisfaction is important to your sexual satisfaction? 

ABSTRACT 

Background: Orgasm occurrence plays an important role in general sexual satisfaction for women. Until now, only few studies have focused on examining a broad spectrum of sexuality- and relationship-specific factors associated with orgasm in heterosexual women currently in a long-term relationship or on differences between the overall experience of orgasm and multiple orgasms. 

Aim: The present study aims to understand how various sexuality- and relationship-associated factors are related to experiencing partnered orgasm among heterosexual women having stable relationships in Germany. Moreover, the study aims to differentiate between the overall experience of orgasm and the experience of multiple orgasms and shed light on their impact on general sexual satisfaction. 

Methods: Within the nationwide representative survey GeSiD (German Health and Sexuality Survey), n = 1,641 sexually active women aged between 18 and 75 years in heterosexual relationships reported their experience of orgasm during the latest sexual encounter. Data on the type of sexual practices, frequency of sexual activity and of masturbation, relationship satisfaction, feelings of love, closeness, and general sexual satisfaction were analyzed. 

Outcomes: The overall experience of orgasm, the experience of multiple orgasms, and associations between experiencing orgasm and sexual satisfaction. Results: Frequency of sexual activity, relationship satisfaction, feelings of love and closeness were moderately to strongly positively correlated with each other and each showed positive associations with the likelihood of orgasm. Greater number of sexual practices and frequency of sexual activity were associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing multiple orgasms, which in turn was correlated with higher sexual satisfaction. 

Clinical implications: In clinical and therapeutic work with women who have difficulty achieving orgasm, central issues should be the perceived relationship quality as well as regular sexual activity with the partner. 

Strengths & limitations: The present population-representative study is the first in Germany to identify significant factors associated with the experience of orgasm among heterosexual women in relationships. Further studies ought to include the frequency of orgasms in partnered sex over a longer period of time as well as the experience of orgasm during masturbation. 

Conclusion: The experience of orgasm for women is related to a variety of complex interpersonal mechanisms and to be associated with sexual satisfaction.