Perception of orgasmic intensity changes between clitorally and vaginally activated orgasm: a psychometric analysis using the Orgasmometer scale.

Abstract

Female orgasmic experience and intensity depend on several biological, anatomical, cultural, psychological and relational factors, yet studies have not explored how receptiveness to different stimulations (clitoral, vaginal, or both) affects subjectively perceived orgasmic intensity. Using data from sexually active, heterosexual women in two Italian nationwide surveys from 2021 and 2023, we evaluated orgasmic experience, sexual and psychological well-being using validated psychometric tools (FSFI, Orgasmometer, GAD-7, PHQ-9), also considering several socio-demographic factors, aiming to identify changes in terms of subjectively perceived orgasmic intensity according to different stimulations. The two surveys (Sex@COVID study, from April 7^th to May 4^th, 2020, n = 6821; and the FATHER Study, from May 12^th to June 12^th, 2023, n = 1845) were hosted on a dedicated website and were advertised through social media, radio broadcast, and interviews on national newspapers. Among 1,799 women meeting inclusion criteria, 40.7% primarily experienced clitorally activated orgasms (CAO, n = 733), 18% vaginally activated orgasms (VAO, n = 324), and 41.2% both types (Clitorally and Vaginally Activated Orgasms, CaVAO, n = 742). Significant psycho-sexological differences between the two studies were observed, with additional evidence suggesting the impact of lockdown and social distancing on sexual outcomes. Women experiencing CaVAO attained the highest FSFI and Orgasmometer scores, followed by those with VAO, and lastly, those with CAO (p < 0.001 for both). Regression analysis confirmed the same trend for Orgasmometer scores (R² = 0.247, p < 0.001), also highlighting the relevance of sexual dysfunction (according to FSFI, β = -1.34 ± 0.08, p < 0.001) for orgasmic intensity. Lastly, women preferring masturbation to partnered sexual activity had lower orgasmic intensity (β = -0.41 ± 0.07, p < 0.001). Age, psychological status and relationship status had no significant effect on the model. Despite some limitations, this is the first study addressing the association between receptiveness to different stimulations and orgasmic intensity on a large sample using validated psychometric instruments.