Experience Of Orgasm Research Articles

Clitoral stimulation during penile-vaginal intercourse: A phenomenological study exploring sexual experiences in support of female orgasm

Penile-vaginal intercourse (PVI) is the most common partnered (hetero)sexual behaviour in North America. Many women participate in PVI but do not acquire the clitoral stimulation they may need to orgasm as desired resulting in a gender-based orgasm gap during partnered sex. This phenomenological study situates itself at the intersection of sexological studies, which validate the importance of the clitoris (e.g. Kinsey and colleagues; Hite), and feminist scholarship that explores the problem of a sexual script constructed in a patriarchy that largely devalues the clitoris (e.g. Koedt; Boston Women’s Health Collective) in interrogating and describing solutions to inequitable orgasm experiences during PVI. In this study, 15 cisgender women, who do not orgasm from PVI alone, shared in semi-structured interviews how they acquire orgasmic clitoral stimulation during PVI. Four partners, who were cisgender men, were also interviewed and their perspectives were included when they added greater detail to the primary participants’ experiences. Fourteen out of the 15 women learned to induce orgasm during masturbation before experiencing their first orgasm during PVI. Masturbatory experiences helped participants learn effective stimulation techniques. Women then communicated these preferences to partners or self-stimulated during PVI. Orgasmic stimulation was achieved by either stimulating the clitoris against the male body or by creating space around the clitoris (2–3”) where preferred stimulation could occur. No two women had the same preferred clitoral stimulation technique. Understanding that one’s preferred stimulation technique is likely different and nuanced from others may be key to effective partner communication.

Sexual dysfunction in women with human papilloma virus infection in the Turkish population

Human papilloma virus infection (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease. It may increase the risk of several cancers, including those of the cervix, vulva, vagina, head and neck. HPV is usually transmitted during sexual intercourse; there are limited data about sexual dysfunction (SD) after infection with this virus. We aimed to measure the incidence of SD in women with HPV. In this study, we evaluated 67 HPV-infected female patients and 66 healthy controls. The Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Socio Demographic Form were used for evaluation. Gynaecologists and psychiatrists evaluated the participants. Women with HPV were found to have significantly higher Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX) total scores and ASEX sub scores than the control group in the domains of sexual desire, arousal, genital response, orgasmic experience and their satisfaction from orgasm (p ≤ .05). The study group shows a statistically significant difference in the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), but Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) scores show no significant differences between the experimental and control groups. Our study shows that HPV positivity in female patients is associated with a significant impairment in sexual function and that this impairment is not related to depression or anxiety. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? There are only a few studies concerned with sexual dysfunction in HPV patients. These studies have methodological problems, as they do not rule out the effect of depression on sexual dysfunction. It is very difficult to perform studies on sexual dysfunction and sexually transmitted diseases, because both physicians and patients are reluctant to talk about sexual problems. In the present study, only 6 out of 15 physicians accepted to contribute to the study. Although the physicians gave a questionnaire to more than 400 patients, only 133 of them completed that questionnaire. The most important difficulties in this study was to find enough patients. What do the results of this study add? Depression and sexual dysfunction are frequently seen in HPV patients. Although depression is one of the most common causes of sexual dysfunction, an HPV infection may lead to sexual dysfunction even in the patients without depression. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? HPV infections may be associated with mental health problems and sexual dysfunction. The gynaecologists and other clinicians working with HPV patients should also evaluate patients psychologically and refer patients to psychiatry if required. The psychiatric problems associated with an HPV infection do not only impair sexual functions, but also may lead to difficulties in social life.

Sleep Quality, Duration, and Associated Sexual Function at Older Age: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing

IntroductionOne factor that may plausibly be associated with sexual dysfunction is sleep disturbance. Like sexual problems, complaints of sleep disturbance increase with age and are commonly reported by older adults. AimsTo examine associations between sleep quality, duration, and a range of sexual problems in a large, representative sample of older adults. MethodsData were from 2,568 men and 1,376 women (age ≥50 years) participating in Wave 6 of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (2012–2013). Sleep quality, duration, and problems with erectile function, sexual arousal, and orgasmic experience were self-reported; associations were examined using logistic regression models. Covariates included age, ethnicity, partner status, wealth, limiting long-standing illness, smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and depressive symptoms. Main Outcome MeasureParticipants self-reported problems with erectile function, sexual arousal, and orgasmic experience. ResultsIn women, moderate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.53, 95% CI 1.09–2.13, P = .013) and low sleep quality (OR = 1.70, 95% CI 1.24–2.32, P = .001) were associated with increased odds of arousal problems relative to high sleep quality. In men, moderate sleep quality was associated with increased odds of erectile difficulties (OR = 1.47, 95% CI 1.16–1.85, P = .001), the difference between low and high sleep quality did not reach statistical significance (OR = 1.24, 95% CI 0.97–1.58, P = .091). Sleep quality was not associated with difficulty achieving an orgasm in men, but in women low sleep quality was associated with increased odds of orgasmic difficulty (OR = 1.63, 95% CI 1.18–2.25, P = .003). No associations between sleep duration and problems with sexual function were observed in women, but, in men, long sleep was associated with higher odds of difficulty achieving orgasm (OR = 1.75, 95% CI 1.04–2.95, P = 0.036) relative to optimal sleep duration. Clinical ImplicationsOlder adults presenting sleep problems should be screened for sexual dysfunction and vice versa. Strength & LimitationsStrengths of this study include the large representative sample of older English adults, the assessment of several aspects of sexual dysfunction and sleep, and the inclusion of potentially important confounding variables into statistical models. However, the study was cross-sectional, meaning we were unable to ascertain the direction of the observed associations. ConclusionSleep problems are associated with sexual dysfunction in older English adults, although some variation is noted between men and women.Smith L, Grabovac I, Veronese N, et al. Sleep Quality, Duration, and Associated Sexual Function at Older Age: Findings From the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. J Sex Med 2019;16:427–433.

Factorial invariance, differential item functioning, and norms of the Orgasm Rating Scale

Background/Objective: Orgasm Rating Scale (ORS) assess the subjective orgasm experience in context of sexual relationship. It is composed of four dimensions attributed to the orgasm (Affective, Sensory, Intimacy, and Rewards). The purpose is to analyse the factorial invariance of the ORS across groups, to examine the metric equivalence across sex, and to present the standard scores. Method: A total of 1,472 Spanish adults (715 men and 757 women) were evaluated. They were distributed across age groups (18-34, 35-49 and 50 years old and older). Factorial invariance across different groups and the differential functioning of the items across sex were analyzed, internal consistency was examined, and the standard scores were developed. Results: The structure of the ORS showed strict measurement invariance across sex, relationship status, sexual orientation and education level. It also reached a scalar measurement invariance across age range and duration of the relationship. Some items showed a differential functioning between sexes. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the ORS is invariant across different groups at a factorial level, and it shows equivalence across sex in most of its items at a metric level. The standard scores allow a more accurate assessment of the subjective orgasm experience in context of sexual relationship.

Relationship between orgasm experience and sexual excitation: validation of the model of the subjective orgasm experience.

The aim of this study was to provide validity evidence of the Model of the Subjective Orgasm Experience (MSOE) associating its components with different types of sexual excitation. A total of 96 participants (48 men and 48 women) performed an experimental laboratory task, in which neutral and erotic content films were presented while the genital response was registered. After exposure to sexual stimulus presentation, participants reported their subjective sexual arousal. In addition, four dimensions (affective, sensory, intimacy, and rewards) of the subjective orgasm experience and the individual propensity for sexual excitation were assessed. Results showed that, in men, the affective, sensory, and rewards dimensions of the orgasm experience significantly correlated with the propensity for becoming sexually excited, and the intimacy dimension correlated with the genital response. In women, the sensory dimension of the orgasm experience positively correlated with the subjective sexual arousal. Types of sexual excitation which previously correlated with the orgasm experience were able to predict its four dimensions. The validation of the MSOE provides a more delimited explanation of the psychological experience of orgasm applicable to both sexes. It is an adequate model for both clinical and research purposes.

Validation of a Visual Analogue Scale to measure the subjective perception of orgasmic intensity in females: The Orgasmometer-F.

The female orgasm represents one of the most complex functions in the field of human sexuality.The conjunction of the anatomical, physiological, psycho-relational and socio-cultural components contributes to make the female orgasm still partly unclear. The female orgasmic experience, its correlates and the relation with sexual desire, arousal and lubrication as predictors are highly debated in scientific community. In this context, little is known about the impact of female sexual dysfunction (SD) on sexual pleasure expressed by subjective orgasmic intensity, and there are no suitable psychometric tools suited to investigate this dimension. Thus, we validate, in female subjects, a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) that we named Orgasmometer-F, to verify if SD is accompanied by a lower perceived orgasmic intensity. A total of 526 women, recruited through a web-based platform and from sexological outpatient clinic, were enrolled in the study. They were divided into, on the basis of the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) score in two groups: 1) 112women suffering from SD, (SD Group); and 2) 414 sexually healthy women (Control Group). The participants were requested to fill out the Orgasmometer-F, recording orgasmic intensity on a Likert scale from 0 (absence of orgasmic intensity) to 10 (maximum orgasmic intensity experienced). Women with SD experienced significantly lower orgasmic intensity than controls, as measured by the Orgasmometer-F (p < 0.0001). Interestingly, masturbatory frequency was positively correlated with orgasmic intensity, as were the lubrication, orgasm and sexual satisfaction domains of the FSFI. The Orgasmometer-F was well understood, had a good test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.93) and a high AUC in differentiating between women with and without sexual dysfunction (AUC = 0.9; p < 0.0001). The ROC curve analysis showed that a cut-off <5 had 86.5% sensitivity (95% CI 82,8–89,6), 80.4% specificity (95% CI 71.8–87.3), 75.4% positive predictive value (PPV) and 89.5% negative predictive value (NPV). In conclusion, the Orgasmometer-F, a new psychometrically sound tool for measuring orgasmic intensity in female population, demonstrated that SD impair orgasmic intensity.

The Significance of the Female Orgasm: A Nationally Representative, Dyadic Study of Newlyweds' Orgasm Experience

BackgroundSelf-reported orgasm, perception of partner's orgasm, and misperception of partner's orgasm have each been correlated with individual sexual and relationship satisfaction, but these associations have rarely included dyadic data, have not fully accounted for potentially confounding variables such as sexual communication, and have never been simultaneously studied with a nationally representative sample. AimTo provide a more complete picture of how the orgasmic experience within the heterosexual couple influences individual and partner sexual and relationship satisfaction. MethodsUsing a nationally representative dyadic sample of 1,683 newlywed heterosexual couples, a structural equation model was estimated to test associations between husband and wife self-reported orgasm frequency, husband and wife report of the other partner's orgasm frequency, and husband and wife misperception of their partner's orgasm frequency, as correlates of relationship and sexual satisfaction. OutcomesBoth husband and wife completed the Couples Satisfaction Index to assess their own relationship satisfaction, and completed a sexual satisfaction instrument designed for the CREATE study. Results87% of husbands and 49% of wives reported consistently experiencing orgasm. 43% of husbands misperceived how often their wives experienced orgasm. The final structural equation model, including sexual communication, explained moderate amounts of variance in wives' and husbands' relationship satisfaction, and a high level of variance for wives' and husbands' sexual satisfaction. Wives' relationship satisfaction was positively associated with wives' and husbands' sexual communication. Wives' sexual satisfaction was positively associated with self-reported orgasm frequency, and both wives' and husbands' sexual communication. Husbands' relationship satisfaction was positively associated with husbands' and wives' sexual communication. Husbands' sexual satisfaction was positively associated with husbands' perception of wives' orgasm frequency, and both husbands' and wives' sexual communication. Clinical TranslationWhen counseling couples, clinicians should give particular attention to the wife's orgasm experiences, to potentially help both husbands and wives have higher sexual satisfaction. Strengths & LimitationsStrengths of this study include the use of a nationally representative sample and dyadic data. Limitations include cross-sectional data, and the assessment of sexual experiences only in newlywed couples. ConclusionWives' orgasm (wives' self-report of frequency and husbands' perception of frequency) has a unique positive association with sexual satisfaction, even after taking into account other aspects of the orgasm experience and sexual communication.Leonhardt ND, Willoughby BJ, Busby DM, et al. The Significance of the Female Orgasm: A Nationally Representative, Dyadic Study of Newlyweds' Orgasm Experience. J Sex Med 2018;15:1140–1148.

Orgasm Range and Variability in Humans: A Content Analysis

Orgasm frequently occurs from sexual and/or genital stimulation but has been documented outside these contexts and may be better conceptualized as a set of neuropsychological processes. Objective: To document a range of orgasm experiences. Methods: A content analysis of 687 anonymously posted online comments related to nonsexual orgasms. Results: Orgasm types include those related to exercise, sleep, drug use, riding in vehicles, breastfeeding, eating, auditory stimulation, and childbirth, among others. Conclusions: Orgasm is experienced in association with varied forms of sensory stimulation. This study provides information about the diversity of human orgasm, informing sex education, therapy, and practice.

Psychometric Properties of the Orgasm Rating Scale in Context of Sexual Relationship in a Spanish Sample

BackgroundThe Orgasm Rating Scale (ORS) is one of the few self-reported measures that evaluates the multidimensional subjective experience of orgasm. AimThe objective of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the ORS in context of sex-with-partner in a Spanish sample. MethodsWe examined a sample of 842 adults from the general Spanish population (310 men, 532 women; mean age = 27.12 years, SD = 9.8). The sample was randomly divided into two, with a balanced proportion of men and women between each sub-sample. Sub-sample 1 consisted of 100 men and 200 women (33.3% and 66.6%) with a mean age of 27.77 years (SD = 10.05). Sub-sample 2 consisted of 210 men and 332 women (38.7% and 61.3%) with a mean age of 26.77 years (SD = 9.65). The ORS, together with the Sexual Opinion Survey-6 and the Massachusetts General Hospital-Sexual Functioning Questionnaire, was administered online. The survey included a consent form, in which confidentiality and anonymity were guaranteed. OutcomesBased on exploratory factor analysis, we obtained a reduced 25-item version of the ORS, distributed along 4 dimensions (affective, sensory, intimacy, and rewards). ResultsWe performed both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis. The Spanish version of the ORS had adequate values of reliability that ranged from .78–.93. The 4 factors explained 59.78% of the variance. The factor structure was invariant across gender at a configural level. Scores from the ORS positively correlated with erotophilia and sexual satisfaction. The scale was useful to differentiate between individuals with orgasmic difficulties and individuals with no difficulties. We found that individuals with orgasmic difficulties showed a lower intensity in the affective, intimacy, and sensorial manifestations of orgasm. Clinical TranslationThis version of the ORS could provide an optimum measure for the clinical assessment to identify individuals with difficulties in their orgasmic capacity, thus, it could be used as screening device for orgasmic dysfunction. ConclusionsThe ORS is an appropriate measure for its use for both research and clinical purposes. As limitations, quota sampling implies that the extent to which the results can be generalized is modest. Measurement invariance did not reach the level of weak invariance, and it was not tested across sexual orientation because most individuals identified themselves as heterosexual. The ORS is a multidimensional measure of the subjective experience of orgasm which has adequate psychometric properties; it is a reliable and valid scale.Arcos-Romero AI, Moyano N, Sierra JC. Psychometric Properties of the Orgasm Rating Scale in Context of Sexual Relationship in a Spanish Sample. J Sex Med 2018;15:741–749.

Revisión sistemática sobre la experiencia subjetiva del orgasmo

Orgasm is an essential component of the sexual response. Its study has generated results that point out its importance in human sexuality. The aim of the present study was to review the subjective orgasm experience, its evaluation and its association with personal, interpersonal and psychosocial variables. After conducting a literature search in major databases, we provide a total of 121 scientific articles published between 2000 and 2016, in which the subjective orgasm experience was the main variable. The analysis of the related variables shows that personal variables (for example, health and demographic factors) and interpersonal variables (for example, sexual functioning) are the most considered. To conclude, we observe the need to develop standardized instruments to evaluate specifically the subjective orgasm experience and the need to study jointly the associated variables in order to propose explanatory models of orgasm that are useful for clinical practice.

Sexual Dysfunction in Unmedicated Patients with Schizophrenia and in Healthy Controls.

Sexual dysfunction figures prominently in patients with schizophrenia; however, medication effects may play a role. The objective of this case control study was to assess differences in the presence of sexual dysfunction in unmedicated patients with schizophrenia versus healthy controls. Sexual dysfunction was assessed using the Derogatis Inventory for Sexual Function self-rating in a cross-sectional design controlling for age and gender effects. A brief sexual anamnesis was applied to describe the psychosocial background of the mostly male sample further. Results show a significant difference with patients reporting more problems in most domains and with a significant correlation between severity of psychosis (Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores) and the impairment of orgasm experience. The study revealed reduced sexual activities and less pleasure during sexual activities of patients. This study implies that schizophrenia has an impact on the presence of sexual dysfunction and that sexual dysfunction is partly independent of antipsychotic treatment. Since the sample consisted mostly of first-episode males, conclusions might only be valid for this subgroup.

Correction to: Women's Experience of Orgasm During Intercourse: Question Semantics Affect Women's Reports and Men's Estimates of Orgasm Occurrence.

The name of coauthor Kaytlin J. Renfro has been corrected since this article was originally published.

Women's Experience of Orgasm During Intercourse: Question Semantics Affect Women's Reports and Men's Estimates of Orgasm Occurrence.

Most women report reliably experiencing orgasm from masturbation, but a smaller proportion of women report regularly experiencing orgasm from intercourse. Research suggests that concurrent clitoral stimulation during intercourse increases the likelihood of orgasm, yet most surveys of orgasm during intercourse leave unspecified whether vaginal intercourse does or does not include concurrent clitoral stimulation (assisted intercourse or unassisted intercourse, respectively). Using an online sample of 1569 men and 1478 women, we tested whether phrasing of questions about the occurrence of orgasm in intercourse modulates women's reported frequency and men's estimates of women's frequency of orgasm in intercourse. Participants provided estimates of orgasm when asked explicitly about intercourse with stimulation unspecified, assisted intercourse, and unassisted intercourse. Women's reports of orgasm occurrence were highest in response to assisted intercourse (51-60%), second highest in response to intercourse with clitoral stimulation unspecified (31-40%), and lowest in response to unassisted intercourse (21-30%). Men's estimates of women's orgasms were highest in response to assisted intercourse (61-70%), and lowest in response to unassisted intercourse (41-50%); in both conditions, men's estimates were significantly higher than women's reports. When clitoral stimulation was unspecified, women interpreted "orgasm in intercourse" in three ways: as from intercourse alone, as including concurrent clitoral stimulation though it was unspecified, or as an average of assisted and unassisted intercourse. Taken together, these results demonstrate that the phrasing of questions about women's orgasm produces markedly different orgasm estimates, and suggest that concurrent clitoral stimulation increases the likelihood of women experiencing orgasm in intercourse.

Methadone maintenance treatment and sexual function of heroin addicted patients

A significant number of patients treated for heroin addiction suffer from sexual disorders. The aim of this research was to investigate the sexual function of the heroin addicted patients taking a methadone maintenance treatment (MMT), to identify the types of sexual disorders and analyze their causes. Methods: Questionnaire, scale ASEX and WHO-ASSIST V3.0 were performed by 20 sexually active patients (15 men and 5 women), undergoing MMT. Results: The data of the questionnaire have shown that 55% of the patients suffer from deterioration of their sexual function, 30% of the patients have observed the improvement of their sexual function, and 15% of the patients have not felt any changes. The patients with a worsened sexual status have taken higher daily dosage of methadone (66, 8 ± 24,11 mg). 40% of the patients have expressed the anxiety caused by the disturbance of their normal sexual function, it being known that the duration of their treatment was longer and the dosage of methadone was higher (p ˃ 0,05). According to ASEX scale, the men scored 14,13 ± 2,85 Likert points, and the women - 15,6 ± 2,88 Likert points; 5 patients (25%) have not had any sexual disorders, 4 patients(70%) have observed some disorders of their sexual functioning, and only one patient (5%) has suffered from sexual dysfunction. In general, a fade of the sexual desire (3, 25 ± 1,06 Likert points) and problems with achieving orgasm (3,0 ± 0,85 Likert points) were noticed, but the experienced orgasm was satisfactory (2,6 ± 0,99 Likert points). The patients showing relatively good indicators for the libido (2.5 Likert points), the arousal (2.3 Likert points), the satisfaction with orgasm (2,0 Likert points) took 40-50 mg of methadone per day. A marked decrease of the sexual desire, the disturbance of the ejaculatory function (3.5 Likert points), the dissatisfaction with orgasm were noted at the dosage of 80-100 mg of methadone per day. Conclusions: The methadone has an effect on the sexual function. High doses suppress the sexual desire, delay the ejaculation and prevent the achievement of orgasm, the average doses do not lead to obvious sexual disorders caused by the abuse of heroin.

Cognitive-Affective Dimensions of Female Orgasm: The Role of Automatic Thoughts and Affect During Sexual Activity

BackgroundCognitive-affective factors contribute to female sexual dysfunctions, defined as clinically significant difficulties in the ability to respond sexually or to experience sexual pleasure. Automatic thoughts and affect presented during sexual activity are acknowledged as maintenance factors for these difficulties. However, there is a lack of studies on the influence of these cognitive-affective dimensions regarding female orgasm. AimTo assess the role of automatic thoughts and affect during sexual activity in predicting female orgasm occurrence and to investigate the mediator role of these variables in the relation between sexual activity and orgasm occurrence. MethodsNine hundred twenty-six sexually active heterosexual premenopausal women reported on frequency of sexual activities and frequency of orgasm occurrence, cognitive factors, and social desirability. Participants completed the Sexual Modes Questionnaire–Automatic Thoughts Subscale, the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and the Socially Desirable Response Set. Multiple linear regressions and mediation analyses were performed, controlling for the effect of covariates such as social desirability, sociodemographic and medical characteristics, and relationship factors. OutcomesThe main outcome measurement was orgasm frequency as predicted and mediated by automatic thoughts and affect experienced during sexual activities. ResultsThe presence of failure thoughts and lack of erotic thoughts during sexual activity significantly and negatively predicted female orgasm, whereas positive affect experienced during sexual activity significantly and positively predicted female orgasm. Moreover, negative automatic thoughts and positive affect during sexual activity were found to mediate the relation between sexual activity and female orgasm occurrence. Clinical ImplicationsThese data suggest that the cognitive aspects of sexual involvement are critical to enhancing female orgasm experience and can aid the development of strategies that contemplate the central role of automatic thoughts and of positive emotions experienced during sexual activity. Strengths and LimitationsData were not collected face to face, which constitutes a strength of this study, because it is known that social desirability is lower in self-administered online questionnaires compared with traditional paper-and-pencil questionnaires, particularly for more sensitive sexual issues. The fact that the sample was composed of heterosexual, premenopausal, and relatively young women demands some caution regarding generalization of the present results. ConclusionThe findings support the contribution of cognitive and affective factors to female orgasmic functioning. It is recommended that future research confirm these findings with other samples, particularly clinical samples of women with orgasmic difficulties.Tavares IM, Laan ETM, Nobre PJ. Cognitive-Affective Dimensions of Female Orgasm: The Role of Automatic Thoughts and Affect During Sexual Activity. J Sex Med 2017;14:818–828.

Sexual satisfaction among women with breast cancer

BackgroundDespite the outstanding breakthroughs in medical sciences, breast cancer is still regarded as one of the most important diseases, worldwide. This condition is also the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of death.AimThis study aimed to investigate on sexual satisfaction among breast cancer patientsMethodsThis review article has written by more than 32 published papers in websites during 2008 until 2016.ResultEsfandiari et al. (2015) have done a study about a comparison of marital satisfaction, public health and body image among normal subjects and breast cancer patients with breast evacuation and conservation in Tehran, Iran. The result of this study showed that women with breast cancer were significantly different from normal subjects in terms of marital satisfaction, mental health and body image.Rezaipour et al. (2004) has done a study about relationship between women's experience of orgasm and marital relation satisfaction in health care centers of Arak. This result showed there was a relationship between women's orgasm experience and the amount of satisfaction from marital relation.Nekoueifard and Jahangiry (2014) have done a study about sexual function among patients with breast cancer in Tehran. In their study, there was a meaningful and direct relationship between type of surgery and sexual satisfaction. The results of that study show that disease and treatment have a considerable influence on marital relationship.ConclusionIt seems that dealing with marital satisfaction of women during the early stages of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is a necessary for mental health.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

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

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.

Long-Term Sensitivity and Patient-Reported Functionality of the Neoclitoris After Gender Reassignment Surgery

IntroductionA cornerstone of treating gender dysphoria for transgender women is gender reassignment surgery (GRS) encompassing vaginoplasty and clitoroplasty. The neoclitoris is harvested as a flap with a neurovascular pedicle from the proximal dorsal part of the glans penis. Few long-term follow-ups exist on postoperative sensation and patient-reported sexual functionality of the neoclitoris. AimTo examine the sensitivity of the neoclitoris and its relation to orgasm and sexual function at least 1 year after GRS. MethodsTwenty-two patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 37 months (range = 12–63) after initial surgery. Tactile and vibratory sensitivities were measured with Semmes-Weinstein monofilaments and the Bio-Thesiometer vibratory measurement device, respectively. A questionnaire was provided to the patients, as were interview questions about body image, orgasm, pain, and general satisfaction with the surgery. Main Outcome MeasuresTactile and vibratory sensitivities of the neoclitoris and questionnaire on satisfaction with orgasm, sexual function, and general satisfaction. ResultsThe average tactile threshold for the clitoris was 12.5 g/mm2 and the average vibratory threshold was 0.3 μm. Most participants (86%) experienced orgasm after surgery, had no or little pain, and were satisfied with the surgery. No statistical correlation was found between better or worse objective pressure and vibratory thresholds and patient answers to questions about the clitoris in the Body Image Scale for Transsexuals questionnaire. ConclusionThe neoclitoris derived from the glans penis in GRS provides long-term clitoral sensation that is erogenous. Overall, the vast majority of patients who undergo male-to female GRS experience orgasm and are satisfied with the surgery.

Clitorally Stimulated Orgasms Are Associated With Better Control of Sexual Desire, and Not Associated With Depression or Anxiety, Compared With Vaginally Stimulated Orgasms

IntroductionMost women report that clitoral stimulation is an integral aspect of their orgasm experience. Thus, recent claims that vaginal stimulation and vaginally generated orgasms are superior to clitoral stimulation and clitorally generated orgasms pathologize most women and maintain a clitoral vs vaginal dichotomy that might not accurately reflect the complexity of women's sexual experience. AimTo have women report on their experienced source of orgasm, including combinations of vaginal and clitoral stimulation, the solo or partnered context of the stimulation, and the intensity of the orgasms from different sources and to predict indicators of mental health and sexual health using the orgasm source. MethodsEighty-eight women 18 to 53 years old answered detailed questions about their usual and recent orgasm experiences, sexual history, depression, and anxiety. Then, they viewed a series of neutral and sexual films. They were instructed to increase or decrease their sexual arousal or respond “as usual” to the sexual films. They reported their sexual arousal after each film. Main Outcome MeasuresOutcomes assessed included mental health (depression and anxiety) and sexual health (orgasm quality, ability to regulate sexual response to sex films). Reported sexual arousal was analyzed for the regulation task. ResultsMost women (64%) reported that clitoral and vaginal stimulation contributed to their usual method of reaching orgasm. Women who reported that clitoral stimulation was primarily responsible for their orgasm reported a higher desire to self-stimulate and demonstrated greater control over their self-reported sexual arousal. The primary stimulation site for orgasm was unrelated to measurements of depression or anxiety despite sufficient statistical power. ConclusionMost women reported that clitoral and vaginal stimulation is important in orgasm. Women experience orgasms in many varied patterns, a complexity that is often ignored by current methods of assessing orgasm source. The reported source of orgasm was unrelated to orgasm intensity, overall sex-life satisfaction, sexual distress, depression, or anxiety. Women who reported primarily stimulating their clitoris to reach orgasm reported higher trait sexual drive and higher sexual arousal to visual sexual stimulation and were better able to increase their sexual arousal to visual sexual stimulation when instructed than women who reported orgasms primarily from vaginal sources.

Event-level impact of Promescent on quality of sexual experience in men with subjective premature ejaculation.

Promescent is a lidocaine-based ejaculation delaying spray that absorbs into the skin of the penis prior to sexual activity. This article aimed to evaluate the effect of Promescent on the experience of orgasm, ejaculatory latency time and quality of sexual experience (QSE). Additionally, we assessed ease of application of Promescent and the extent to which it enhanced or interrupted the sexual experience. The analytic sample consisted of 91 men with self-reported subjective premature ejaculation who were sent a sample of Promescent and completed a 14-day internet-based prospective daily electronic report. Average ejaculatory latency time was 11.16 min during product use events, compared with 6.81 min during product non-use events. Both members of the couple had an orgasm 65.6% of the time when they used the product, compared with 44.1% when they did not use the product. QSE was significantly improved on product use days (P<0.05). Quality also significantly improved each subsequent time the product was used (P<0.01). The product was reported as easy to use and did not interrupt the sexual experience. Findings suggest that the use of this topical spray significantly improves QSE and perception of partner experience, and that these improve with longer duration of use.