I am pleased to talk to you about Female Orgasm Day, which falls today, an opportunity to recognize and support women’s right to sexual pleasure. This topic, shrouded in censorship and prohibitions for too long, deserves a celebration of its own compared to Orgasm Day, as it represents a social triumph and a challenge to the taboos that still surround female sexuality in many cultures. I want to address this topic with you by examining some data that helps us understand the state of women’s sexual health and how much more needs to be done. Talking about it openly is an important achievement; it means promoting equality and the right of women to enjoy a full and satisfying sexuality.
The Pride of Female Pleasure: A Social Triumph
Over the years, the female orgasm has become a symbol of emancipation and self-determination. However, many women have not yet experienced it or find it difficult to achieve regularly. On this occasion, INTIMINA, a brand dedicated to intimate health, has highlighted essential data on the subject, based on a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
The study examined functions and habits related to the female orgasm, revealing widespread satisfaction among respondents, except for the 41% of women in stable relationships who reported discomfort. “Most of the women interviewed frequently reached orgasm, using various types of stimulation beyond vaginal penetrative intercourse,” explains sexologist Roberta Rossi. High orgasmic function was associated with low relational stress, high couple satisfaction, and the ability to adapt the sexual act to the woman’s needs. The study highlighted negative factors for female sexual function, including dissatisfaction with the partner’s erectile function, ejaculatory control, penis size, lack of sexual desire, and inadequate foreplay.
Sex During Menstruation
Sex during menstruation can be safe and pleasurable for both partners. A global survey by INTIMINA revealed that 82% of women engage in sex during their menstrual cycle. In Italy, an Ipsos-INTIMINA survey showed that 16% of women have increased sexual desire just before or during menstruation, while 21% do not abstain from intercourse. However, many avoid intimacy during this period for fear of staining (60%).
Anatomy and Exploration
Knowing your anatomy and that of your partner is crucial to increasing pleasure and safety. Most women reach orgasm with clitoral or G-spot stimulation. The clitoris, unique in the human body for being entirely dedicated to pleasure, has over 8,000 nerve endings. It is a small sensitive structure protected by a hood of skin but extends internally around the sides of the vagina.
The G-spot is a sensitive area on the front wall of the vagina that can lead to orgasm when stimulated. However, only 30% of women achieve orgasm with penetration alone. Today, we more precisely refer to the CUV (Clitoris, Urethra, Vagina), an area that includes these sensitive parts during sexual activity. “Anatomy is not everything: experimenting is essential!” concludes Roberta Rossi. Not all women respond the same way to stimulation, so it’s important to explore and identify what works best for each.
Debunking Orgasm Taboos
The female orgasm remains a topic rich in taboos. World Orgasm Day, established in 2006, aims to raise awareness of this aspect of sexuality among both women and men. It is often thought that the female and male orgasms are similar, but they are actually very different. “Male orgasms tend to be short and intense, while female orgasms take longer and can be multiple,” explains Dr. Rossi, author of “Vengo prima Io. Guida al piacere e all’orgasmo femminile” (I Come First: A Guide to Female Pleasure and Orgasm).
Differences Between Female and Male Orgasms
The male orgasm is generally linked to physical stimulation, while the female orgasm also involves emotional and mental aspects. A study by the International Academy of Sex Research showed that homosexual individuals almost always achieve orgasm: 89% of men and 86% of women. Among heterosexual women, only 65% reach orgasm, compared to 95% of heterosexual men.
The Relationship Between Women and Orgasm
The relationship between women and orgasm is evolving, but for many, it remains a taboo. TherapyChat, an online psychology platform, has identified common “blocks.” “Achieving orgasm should not be the primary goal of sex,” explain TherapyChat experts. It is important to enjoy sexual activity consensually and pleasantly, without the pressure of having to reach orgasm at all costs.
Younger women are more aware of their own pleasure, thanks to a greater openness to self-knowledge, masturbation, and the use of sex toys. “Sex positivity helps to focus on knowledge, consent, openness, and attention to sexual well-being,” concludes Dr. Rossi.
