Fig 12 - uploaded by Osmo Kontula
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Percentage of women experiencing orgasm during the last intercourse by how often partner has given oral sex and by how easy or difficult it is to have discussions of sexual issues with one's partner. Exact phrasing of the questions: 'Is discussion of sexual issues easy or difficult with your partner?'; 'During intercourse, how often you have been given oral sex by your partner during past 5 years?' Intercourse defined as penile?vaginal intercourse. Error bars indicate 95 CI. FINSEX 1992?2015.
Source publication
Background:
The pursuit of sexual pleasure is a key motivating factor in sexual activity. Many things can stand in the way of sexual orgasms and enjoyment, particularly among women. These are essential issues of sexual well-being and gender equality.
Objective:
This study presents long-term trends and determinants of female orgasms in Finland. T...
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Citations
... Badania wykazują, że większa częstotliwość kobiecych orgazmów ma pozytywne skutki: kobiety, które doświadczają ich częściej, z reguły zgłaszają wyższy poziom satysfakcji seksualnej i zadowolenia z relacji partnerskiej [9]. Ponadto w społeczeństwach, które otwarcie promują i akceptują przyjemność seksualną kobiet, częściej zdobywają one wiedzę na temat czynników ułatwiających osiągnięcie orgazmu. ...
Orgasm, as a component of the sexual experience, is a key element of sexual satisfaction in both men and women. Despite this universal function, there is a significant gender disparity in achieving orgasm, generally to the disadvantage of women. Understanding the determinants of orgasm in women is crucial to promoting gender equality in sexuality. Anorgasmia, defined as the absence or delay in the experience of orgasm, is common among women and is a significant health problem that requires special attention and efficacious therapeutic intervention. In the latest ICD-11 classification, difficulties in achieving orgasm are differentiated into both primary and secondary anorgasmia. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has demonstrated efficacy in treating anorgasmia
... Orgasm is a sensation of intense sexual pleasure accompanied by an altered state of consciousness, somatic experiences and the release of sexual tension (Schiavi & Segraves, 1995), which ultimately generates a sense of well-being and satisfaction (Meston et al., 2004). It is one of the most important components of sexuality, being considered as the normative marker of sexual pleasure (Opperman et al., 2014), the climax of sexual arousal (Döring & Mohseni, 2022), an important explanatory factor of sexual satisfaction Edard & Rusinek, 2020;Kontula & Miettinen, 2016) and a characteristic element of optimal sexual functioning (Emhardt et al., 2016). ...
The subjective orgasm experience (SOE) refers to the perception, sensation and/or evaluation of orgasm from a psychological point of view, representing an important construct of sexual functioning rarely studied under a dyadic approach. This study analyzed SOE in the contexts of sexual relationships and solitary masturbation in 179 different-sex and same-sex couples. The results indicated the absence of differences in intradyadic discrepancies in SOE dimensions in both sexual contexts, varying according to the type of couple. Besides, the study also highlights the influence of some of these discrepancies of SOE in solitary masturbation on SOE discrepancies in sexual relationships among the members of male-female and female-female couples. Furthermore, the study revealed that the intensity of partners' orgasm experience during solitary masturbation influences the intensity of SOE during sexual relationships, with variations observed based on the type of couple. These findings highlight the importance of considering SOE from a dyadic approach, with the association of orgasmic experience in both sexual contexts gaining relevance, differing according to the couple type. The results also point to the clinical implications of the dyadic effects of such an individual practice as solitary masturbation on shared sexual experiences.
... Seven additional studies are not included in Figure 6 due to having unique measurement metrics that were not directly comparable to others in this section, although the overall pattern they reported is consistent with the studies discussed above. First, Kontula and Miettinen (2016) showed increased orgasm rates from clitoral stimulation from a nationally representative sample of women in Finland across more than four decades. When asked to indicate "by what type of activities do you usually experience orgasms through sexual intercourse?," ...
... However, we urge a carefully considered approach in choosing optimal measurement strategies for each analysis and providing descriptions of measure wording and participant characteristics that are as detailed as possible. Some studies even employ multiple measurement types, such as collecting responses about a specific event as well as overall frequency patterns (e.g., Kontula & Miettinen, 2016), which can be useful for triangulating mechanisms that produce orgasm disparities. Similarly, we recommend assessing the same participants over multiple contexts when possible to distinguish between-person differences and between-context differences (e.g., England et al., 2007). ...
... We suggest much more work could be done exploring dynamics of orgasm (in)equity in other parts of the world, particularly Asia, Africa, and South America. There is also a need for more comparisons across subgroups within countries, such as potentially enlightening differences between sexual and gender configurations, socioeconomic levels, racial/ ethnic groups, religious traditions, rural/urban areas, age groups, and cohort differences across time (Hamilton & Armstrong, 2009;Kontula & Miettinen, 2016;Townes et al., 2021). ...
This article provides a review and visualization of findings over the last 30 years related to the orgasm gap between men and women in heterosexual encounters. We describe and compare techniques commonly used for measuring orgasm occurrence and frequency patterns, and we summarize the contrast in orgasm rates shown in these studies across different behavior sets and social contexts. Of central importance, women’s orgasm rates increase dramatically with the inclusion of behaviors that provide specific stimulation to the clitoris, revealing this gap is largely driven by social dynamics rather than strictly biological mechanisms. Disparities between men and women are especially pronounced in
contexts with low levels of partnered sexual experience, partner familiarity, and relationship commitment. Women are also more likely to experience orgasm when masturbating or partnered with women than when partnered with men. Ultimately, we echo calls for a biopsychosocial approach to sexual enjoyment and well-being, and we provide recommendations for future research, including increased precision in measurement and reporting, diversifying sampling concentrations, and assessing life course
trajectories.
... The results of our study seed exciting new research questions. Orgasm was experienced by 90% of men during their last intercourse, but only 50% of women (Kontula & Miettinen, 2016). This orgasm gap can be attributed to social forces that de-emphasize women's pleasure and emphasize men's pleasure, particularly in heterosexual relationships--as women's orgasms are viewed as 'work' while men's orgasms are viewed as 'natural' (Andrejek et al., 2022). ...
Recent research has supported the positive effects of self-compassion for couples' relationships; however, these efforts have only recently been applied to couples' sexuality. Although there is some evidence supporting the associations between self-compassion and sexual satisfaction when satisfaction is conceptualized unidimensionally, it is unclear if and to what degree those associations are different for satisfaction and dissatisfaction when these constructs are assessed separately. The aim of this study was to understand the associations between self-compassion separately for sexual satisfaction and sexual dissatisfaction for romantic partner dyads. A sample of 230 married midlife Canadian couples participated in an online survey. Findings from distinguishable Actor Partner Interdependence Models indicated that women and men with higher levels of self-compassion reported more sexual satisfaction and less sexual dissatisfaction but the effects were stronger for satisfaction than dissatisfaction. Only men's self-compassion affected women's sexual dissatisfaction, but not vice versa. Findings are discussed in terms of their relevance to societal attitudes and application to sex and couples therapy.
... It can be influenced by various factors, including the quality of the relationship, physical health, and overall well-being (Pascoal et al. 2018). Research has shown that higher sexual satisfaction is correlated with factors such as experiencing multiple and consistent orgasms and engaging in frequent sexual activity (Kontula 2009;Kontula and Miettinen 2016). ...
... The existence of an orgasm inequality gap highlights the inconsistency in orgasm experiences, particularly among women. Nonetheless, research consistently indicates the importance of orgasm in overall sexual satisfaction (Kontula and Miettinen 2016;Pascoal et al. 2018). While orgasm is often considered a central aspect of sexual satisfaction (Barrientos and Páez 2006), there is ongoing discourse challenging the emphasis on orgasm as the sole measure of satisfaction. ...
Rationale
Sexuality is a central aspect of being human that encompasses many facets. Cannabis, a widely used psychoactive substance, has been associated with various effects on sexuality. The relationship between cannabis and sexuality is complex and multifaceted, involving physiological, psychological, and social factors.
Objectives
This review aims to provide an overview of the current literature on the effects of cannabis on several sexual functions, including sexual desire, arousal, orgasm, and sexual satisfaction. It also discusses the potential mechanisms underlying these effects, as well as the impact of dose and frequency of use.
Results
This review has revealed a complex relationship between cannabis dosage and its influence on sexuality. It appears that the frequency of cannabis use in humans has been associated with the frequency of sexual activities. Individuals who use cannabis more frequently tend to report higher levels of sexual activity. Moreover, there is a notable gender difference in how cannabis affects sexuality. In addition, we found lower doses of cannabis to be linked to heightened sexual desire and enjoyment, whereas higher doses may lead to a decrease in sexual desire and performance.
Conclusions
Overall, the association between cannabis and sexuality is complex and warrants further research to better understand the psychological and neurological mechanisms that underlie the effect of cannabis on these sexuality functions and its implications for sexual health. To advance in this endeavor, a crucial step is establishing a precise measurement of dosage in human studies.
... Women who were better able to focus on the present experienced less cognitive distraction and greater satisfaction. Along the same lines recent research suggests that 'sexual skills' such as ability to fully concentrate on sexual interaction predicts orgasm frequency in women (Kontula & Miettinen, 2016). ...
Although pleasure is a primary motivator for sexual activity, research into the mechanisms facilitating pleasurable sexual experiences is limited. The present research adopts a self-regulatory perspective on sexual pleasure, investigating individuals’ capacity to shield hedonic activities from distracting thoughts (trait hedonic capacity) as a correlate of sexual pleasure and sexualized drug use. Study 1 (N = 247) demonstrates that young adults with higher trait hedonic capacity experience more sexual pleasure and are less prone to cognitive distraction during partnered sexual activities. Pre-registered Study 2 replicates these findings while accounting for demand effects (N = 182, n = 86). Expanding on these findings, pre-registered Study 3 (N = 903) shows that young adults with lower trait hedonic capacity are more inclined to use alcohol as a means of coping with cognitive distraction during sexual activity. Exploratory moderation analyses suggest that this is particularly true for women and individuals with higher levels of stress. In summary, low trait hedonic capacity is associated with lower sexual pleasure and a tendency to use alcohol with the motivation to cope with distracting thoughts during partnered sexual activity.
... The sensation of pleasure associated with orgasm creates an altered state of consciousness, producing well-being and satisfaction (Meston et al., 2004). This indicator of pleasure and sexual health (Kontula & Miettinen, 2016) represents a broader phenomenon than ejaculation, also linked to emotional reactions (Lorentzen, 2007). In addition, orgasm has also been understood as a sociocultural event and as a phenomenon that must also be understood through its socially embedded meaning (Frith, 2015). ...
Background/objective
The Multidimensional Model of the Subjective Orgasm Experience (MMSOE) has been validated in the context of heterosexual relationships, with no evidence in the context of same-sex relationships. This study aims to examine the association of its dimensions (Affective, Intimacy, Sensory, and Rewards) with the propensity for sexual excitation, rating of sexual arousal, rating of genital sensations, and genital response.
Method
Sixty-eight young adults (34 males and 34 females) who were sexually active with people of the same sex participated in a laboratory task in which they viewed content-neutral and sexually explicit gay films. Regression models were conducted to explain the dimensions of MMSOE from measures of sexual arousal.
Results
In males, the rating of sexual arousal explained the Sensory dimension, while the genital response explained the Affective dimension, with sexual arousal as a state gaining more prominence. In females, however, the propensity for sexual excitation explained the Sensory dimension, with more salience of sexual arousal as a trait.
Conclusions
The MMSOE is shown to be a valid theoretical framework for the study of orgasmic experience in the context of same-sex relationships, with clear implications for clinical practice.
... The mental and relationship factors such as stability and length of relationship as well as interpersonal communication are reported to affect the OL in women. 11 However, we did not find any association between the length of relationship and the TitOr in our study. ...
... 28 Women on top position is known to shorten the TitOr/OL, especially when women are more active rather than passive, a fact that was brought out in our study as well. 11 This could be due to more effective rubbing of clitoris along with the swinging movements of female pelvis while on top. ...
Introduction
Hypoactive Sexual Desire Dysfunction (HSDD) in women is of multifactorial etiology with the best possible response on identifying modifiable factors and addressing them. With sexual boredom being one such factor in women with HSDD in a monogamous heterosexual relationship, the factors that improve boredom are expected to improve sexual desire in these women.
Objective
To evaluate sexual novelty as a therapeutic strategy to treat HSDD in women in monogamous heterosexual relationships using a prospective randomized study design.
Methods
The study was initiated following institutional review board approval. The participants, who expressed sexual boredom during our initial survey on sexual boredom in women in monogamous heterosexual relationships, female outpatients (in monogamous heterosexual relationships) with non-sexual complaints, and female partners of male patients with non-sexual complaints who agreed to participate in the study voluntarily were included. The exclusion was based on an evaluation of the participants by qualified medical specialists who diagnosed sexual, psychological, medical as well as gynecological conditions affecting sexual desire. Included participants attributing reduced sexual desire to sexual boredom on initial screening with Decreased Sexual Desire Screener (DSDS) were administered the Sexual Boredom Scale (SBS), to record the degree of sexual boredom in these women at the time of entry into the study. The participants were divided into two groups based on the computer-generated random numbers. The participants in group A received psychotherapy (included behavior therapy and/or cognitive behavior therapy and/or mindfulness) alone and group B received psychotherapy and a sexual novelty package (included any novelty related to sexuality other than trying a new sexual partner) as their planned intervention for a period of 6 months. The participants in both groups were administered the Elements of Desire Questionnaire (EDQ) at the beginning and at the end of the study to assess their sexual desire status. Mean and standard deviation was calculated for categorical variables, namely, age, period of monogamy, SBS score, and EDQ scores. The linear and multiple regression analysis was done to assess the effect of the age of the participant, and period of monogamy on boredom, and to know any influence of age, period of monogamy, and boredom level on the degree of improvement in sexual desire following treatment. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
The study was conducted from January 2019 to May 2023 with a sample size of 398. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups as far as the age (36.5±10.8 years Vs 36.4±10.7 years), period of monogamy (10.9±7.7 years Vs 11.7.9±8.5 years), SBS score (71.8±30.8 Vs 73.1±43.9), and baseline EDQ score (1.5±0.6 Vs 1.4±0.6) were concerned. However, post-intervention, the sexual novelty group showed better improvement in EDQ score, which was statistically significant. The lower age of the participant and a longer period of monogamy were seen to impact sexual desire adversely on the multiple regression model.
Conclusions
Sexual novelty as a novel therapeutic strategy was successful in treating our study participants attributing reduced sexual desire to sexual boredom while being in a monogamous heterosexual relationship.
Disclosure
No.
... , a percentage that has remained unchanged for 50 years (Kontula & Miettinen, 2016). Numerous studies suggest cannabis could be a treatment for FOD and other female sexual disorders (Dawley et al., 1979;Gorzalka et al., 2010;Moser, 2019), yet the literature review yielded no studies that evaluated cannabis as a treatment for FOD. ...
... Sexologist Diane Urman and certified sex therapist Seth Prosterman, both San Francisco-based therapists, recommend cannabis to clients who have trouble orgasming or have Lifelong FOD (Yagoda, 2017). As noted, up to 41% of women have orgasm difficulty (Laumann et al., 2005), a statistic unchanged over the last 50 years (Kontula & Miettinen, 2016). While many studies have examined cannabis and sexual issues with a population of women with orgasm difficulty, only one study controlled for a high percentage of women with orgasm difficulty (Halikas et al., 1982). ...
... The researcher assumed that cannabis, frequently mentioned in the research literature as an agent to help women orgasm, also may help women with FOD Wiebe & Just, 2019). This assumption reflects reports that up to 41% of women have FOD (Laumann et al., 2005), a statistic unchanged for 50 years (Kontula & Miettinen, 2016). However, only one study controlled for the high percentage of women with FOD (Halikas et al., 1982), and no studies excluded women with FOD (Goode, 1969(Goode, , 1970(Goode, , 1972Koff, 1974;Lewis, 1970;Kasman et al., 2020;Lynn et al., 2019, Moser et al., 2019 2. The researcher assumed that women with FOD were more likely to use cannabis before sex. ...
Introduction
Up to 41% of women experience female orgasm disorder/difficulty (FOD), a statistic unchanged for 50 years. Despite this, there is a paucity of validated treatments. Research has suggested cannabis as a treatment for female sexual disorders for more than 50 years. Yet a literature review revealed no studies evaluating cannabis as a treatment specifically for FOD and no studies comparing women with and without FOD. This study is the first to evaluate cannabis as a treatment for FOD specifically in women with and without FOD.
Objective
Evaluate the effect of cannabis use before partnered sex on women with and without FOD.
Methods
This IRB-approved observational study conducted between March 24, 2022, and November 18, 2022, evaluated baseline demographics, sexual behavior, mental health, cannabis use, and the orgasm subscale questions of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), evaluating orgasm frequency, orgasm satisfaction, and orgasm ease, with and without cannabis before partnered sex.
Results
Of 1,037 survey responses, the researchers received 410 valid, completed surveys; failure to meet the study’s criteria required excluding 23 (5.6%) surveys. Among the 387 valid survey participants, the majority of women, 52% (n = 202) reported orgasm difficulty, were between the ages of 25–34 (45%, n = 91), reported their race as white (75%, n = 152), and were married or in a relationship (82%, n = 165). Among respondents reporting orgasm difficulty (n = 202), cannabis use before partnered sex increased orgasm frequency (72.8%, n = 147/202, p < .001), improved orgasm satisfaction (67%, n = 136/202, p < .001) or made orgasm easier (71%, n = 143/202, p < .001). Frequency of cannabis use before partnered sex correlated with increased orgasm frequency for women with FOD (n = 202, p< .001). Orgasm response to cannabis depended on the reasons for use (n = 202, p = .022). Women with FOD reported 24% more mental health issues, 52.6% more PTSD, 29% more depressive disorders, 13% more anxiety disorders, and 22% more prescription drug use than women without FOD. Women with FOD were more likely to report sexual abuse history than women without FOD (38.6%, n=74/202).
Conclusions
Fifty years of sexuality research support use of cannabis for sexual difficulties. This is the first study to look at FOD specifically, demonstrating significant benefit. Randomized controlled studies are needed to evaluate cannabis’ efficacy on FOD sub-types, mental health and physical health conditions and other clinical implications; evaluating dosage, strain, timing, and method of intake. References Laumann et al., 2005 Kontula & Miettinen, 2016 Keiman & Meston, 1997 Dawley et al., 1979 Gorzalka et al., 2010 Klein et al., 2012 Lewis, 1970 Moser et al., 2023.
Disclosure
Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: inhaleMD.
... Second, a negative association appeared between solitary sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in men and women with a woman-favorable typology in the sexual freedom area, and in men with an egalitarian typology in the sexual shyness area. A higher frequency of masturbation, a behavior closely associated with solitary sexual desire (Cervilla et al., 2023), may be associated with difficulties in sexual functioning and less sexual satisfaction with a partner (Brody & Costa, 2009;Kontula & Miettinen, 2016). In this regard, the compensatory model has been proposed to explain the negative relationship between masturbation and sexual satisfaction by considering that masturbation is practiced as a substitute for sexual relationships with a partner due to the inability to maintain such relationships or to be dissatisfied with them (Regnerus et al., 2017). ...
This study examines the association between sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in sexual double standard typologies (i.e., egalitarian, man-favorable and woman-favorable) in the sexual freedom and sexual shyness areas. The sexual double standard (SDS), sexual desire (partner-focused dyadic, dyadic for an attractive person, and solitary) and sexual satisfaction were assessed in 444 men and 499 heterosexual women with a partner (M = 37.33; SD = 12.09). The results showed that dyadic sexual desire toward a partner was the main positive predictor of sexual satisfaction for men and women in all the SDS typologies, and in both the sexual freedom and sexual shyness areas. Solitary sexual desire was negatively associated with sexual satisfaction in men and women adhered to the woman-favorable SDS typology, and in men in the egalitarian typology in the sexual shyness area. Sexual desire for an attractive person showed no relation with sexual satisfaction. In conclusion, the importance of the SDS in relating sexual desire and sexual satisfaction in men and women is highlighted.