University of Turin study examines the female orgasm gap

A new study published in the journal Sexuality & Culture, led by Cristina Civilotti from the University of Turin, examines the ‘orgasm gap’ between men and women in long-term relationships. Researching 579 adults aged 18 to 60, the study found that while men report more frequent orgasms, the psychological impact differs significantly by gender.

For women, frequent orgasms are directly linked to higher overall sexual satisfaction and a more positive experience of physical intimacy. In contrast, the correlation between orgasm frequency and sexual satisfaction was much weaker for men, suggesting their satisfaction is not as exclusively dependent on the frequency of climax.

The study also noted that women reported more frequent orgasms when there was more oral sex and open communication regarding sexual fantasies with their partners.