Research over the past decade has shown that lesbians have more orgasms than straight women, leading to the discovery that sexual scripts, or expectations based on media, play a role in pleasure experiences. A recent study published in Sage found that cisgender women’s expectations for sexual scripts and orgasms can differ based on their partner’s gender. Partner gender has been linked to orgasm pursuit and frequency, and the study aimed to investigate the psychological and social factors influencing the orgasm gap between lesbians and heterosexual women.
The researchers conducted two online studies involving heterosexual women, lesbians, and bisexual women to explore their expectations and pursuit of orgasms. The first study revealed that lesbians reported more clitoral stimulation, higher orgasm expectations, greater orgasm pursuit, and more orgasms compared to heterosexual women. However, both groups equally valued orgasms. The second study of bisexual participants found that partner gender influenced expectations for orgasms and clitoral stimulation, indirectly impacting orgasm pursuit. Women partnering with men had lower expectations for clitoral stimulation compared to those with women.
The average sexual script between a man and a woman typically includes foreplay, vaginal intercourse, the man’s orgasm, and the end of sex. This heterosexual script prioritizes the man’s orgasm, leading to lower orgasm frequency for women. In contrast, women engaging in same-sex relationships are more likely to engage in nonpenetrative acts and deviate from traditional sexual scripts based on gender. The study suggests that women in heterosexual relationships may not be experiencing enough clitoral stimulation for equal orgasm opportunities, highlighting the importance of communication during sex to enhance pleasure.
The study’s findings suggest that couples should focus on making sexual encounters more pleasurable by incorporating acts that are likely to result in orgasm for their partner. However, the study also cautions against pressuring oneself or one’s partner, as pressure can decrease the likelihood and enjoyment of orgasms. Open communication and mutual understanding of each other’s needs and preferences can lead to more fulfilling sexual experiences. The research emphasizes the importance of exploring diverse sexual practices and being open to different ways of achieving pleasure.
Despite the correlational design of the study, which limits the ability to identify all factors influencing orgasm frequency differences between lesbians and heterosexual women, the findings suggest that partner gender can influence sexual scripts and expectations for orgasms. Women may feel more comfortable communicating about their needs with same-gender partners, potentially contributing to higher orgasm rates in lesbian relationships. The study underscores the need for individuals in heteronormative relationships to challenge societal norms regarding orgasm and embrace communication and diversity in sexual experiences.
In summary, the study sheds light on the impact of sexual scripts and partner gender on orgasm pursuit and frequency among women. It emphasizes the importance of open communication, mutual understanding, and exploration of diverse sexual practices to enhance pleasure and satisfaction in sexual relationships. The findings challenge traditional views on orgasms and highlight the role of social conditioning in shaping expectations and experiences of pleasure. The research encourages individuals, regardless of sexuality and gender, to prioritize their partner’s needs and preferences in order to create more fulfilling sexual encounters.
