Women are more likely than men to fake orgasms, but the reasons behind their dissatisfaction in the bedroom vary.
A new study published in the Journal of Sex Research shed light on the factors that contribute to women not reaching orgasm during sexual intercourse. According to the research, sociodemographic factors—such as lower sexual, relationship, and life satisfaction—play a significant role in whether women experience sexual pleasure.
The study, which analyzed data from 11,541 respondents across six European countries, explored the prevalence of faked orgasms and the motivations behind them. The findings revealed that about 13% of both men and women (8.59% of men and 18.11% of women) were currently faking orgasms, 28% had done so in the past but no longer did, and 51% had never faked an orgasm (65.79% of men and 36.41% of women). The reasons given for faking orgasms included 9% citing sexual dissatisfaction, 6% citing relationship dissatisfaction, and 8% pointing to overall life dissatisfaction.
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Sex toys and open relationships also played a role
The study also highlighted the influence of relationship dynamics and sexual practices on the likelihood of faking orgasms. People in open relationships were found to be more likely to have faked orgasms at some point, compared to those in long-term, committed relationships. Additionally, those who used sex toys frequently were more likely to fake orgasms during sex.
For individuals who did not own sex toys, the study found that those who had faked orgasms were more likely to have considered purchasing one, compared to those who had never faked an orgasm or those who no longer did. Among respondents who owned sex toys, those who faked orgasms were more likely to use the toys solo rather than with a partner.
Conversely, people who had never faked orgasms, or those who had stopped faking them, were more likely to incorporate sex toys into their interactions with a partner. These findings suggest that sexual satisfaction, relationship satisfaction, and the use of sex toys can all influence the likelihood of faking orgasm.
Silvia Pavan, a Ph.D. student at the University of Copenhagen and an author behind the unique study, told Medical Xpress of the study’s finding, “We found that faking orgasms was associated with lower sexual, relationship and life satisfaction. Combined with the results that about 40% of the sample has faked at some point in their lives, this suggests that orgasm faking merits research attention for its potential implications for people’s happiness and well-being.”
Pavan continued, “The most popular reasons why men and women stop faking orgasms include increased comfort with not having an orgasm, improvement in telling the partner about one’s sexual desires and wants, or having a partner who pays attention to one’s desires.”
She added, “Perhaps those who fake are dissatisfied with the sex with their partner, and seek pleasure and the chance to have an orgasm through solo activities. The group that uses sex toys with their partner may want to incorporate new elements in their sex lives, have an open mind, and feel comfortable exploring with their partner.”
Additional research beyond this study suggests several reasons why individuals who struggle to experience orgasm may fake it. These reasons often include wanting to avoid conflict with their partner, ensuring the partner has a pleasurable experience, wanting to end the sexual encounter, or feeling pressure to conform to the expectation of orgasmic consistency during sex, the study noted.
