008 Female Pleasure and Orgasm: Results from a U.S. Nationally Representative Survey

Extract

Objectives

To document, among a nationally representative sample of adult women in the United States, specific techniques related to female sexual pleasure and orgasm.

Methods

A cross-sectional, Internet-based, US nationally representative probability survey of 1,055 adult women. Participants reported on demographic items, specific genital touching techniques perceived as pleasurable, and genital stimulation as it relates to orgasm during intercourse.

Results

Consistent with other nationally representative surveys of American women, about two-thirds of participants reported engaging in vaginal intercourse during the previous year; a similar proportion reported partnered vagina/vulva touching in the past year. About 1 in 5 women reported that vaginal penetration alone is sufficient for their orgasm and 1 in 3 women reported that they need their clitoris to be stimulated in order to experience orgasm during intercourse. Women varied in terms of the type of pressure their preferred for vulva/vagina touching (e.g., about one-third preferred very light touch, another third preferred medium pressure, ∼10% preferred firm pressure). There was also noticeable variability in terms of preferred touching techniques with most preferring up and down movements (63%) or circular movements (52%). The clitoris, the skin around the clitoris, and the labia were preferred areas of genital stimulation by a partner. The top sources from which women reported learning pleasuring techniques through self-exploration, replication of partner techniques, or reading erotica/sexy books, watching sexy movies, and watching porn.