Who are the orgasmic women? Exploratory study among a community sample of French-speaking women

It is important for clinical sexologists to understand the functioning of orgasmic women in order to better comprehend the issues of anorgasmia. The orgasm constitutes the most poorly understood step of the female sexual response, its description is too often subjective, and there exist many paths to reach orgasm. At present, difficulty achieving orgasm is the second most common sexual problem experienced by women and represents a large proportion of consultations in sexology. According to the studies of Laumann et al. (2005), 18 to 41% of women experience difficulties achieving orgasm. Moreover, anorgasmia may be more present during dyadic sexual activities than solitary ones. In this perspective, this online study was primarily interested in emotions, thoughts, and stimulations responsible for achieving orgasm during solitary sexual activities (self-stimulation) and during sexual activities with a partner (dyadic). The study sample consisted of 251women, of which 176 described themselves as "orgasmic" and 75 as "non-orgasmic." Compared to non-orgasmic women, orgasmic women reported more pleasure and less sexual distress. They also resorted to erotic thoughts during dyadic sexual activities and seemed more centered on their bodily sensations and on their partner. Additionally, orgasmic women reported using a larger variety of erotological behaviors. Our findings may help to improve the treatment of anorgasmia, especially during dyadic sexual activities. © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS.