Female orgasm frequency, correlates and measurement in the preconception period.

Abstract

Background: Orgasm can be an important component of sexual wellbeing broadly and specifically in the preconception period, yet epidemiologic research on orgasm is limited.

Methods: We used cross-sectional data from Pregnancy Study Online (PRESTO), a cohort study of females attempting conception with one male partner (N = 6022; 2020-2025), to descriptively evaluate orgasm frequency, its correlates and its relationship to orgasm intensity. We used self-reported data to assess orgasm frequency (Likert scale: never/rarely to always/almost always) and intensity (0-10). Across correlates (e.g. encompassing sociodemographic, medical, behavioral factors), we calculated the absolute difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) in the percentage of participants reporting the highest versus lowest orgasm frequency within levels of each correlate, standardized relative to the difference in the full sample.

Results: Over half of the sample reported orgasming 'always', 'almost always' or 'most times' during sexual activity. Partner support was a strong correlate; participants whose partner 'rarely' provided love/affection and emotional support reported less frequent orgasms (standardized percentage-point differences of -11.0, 95% CI -36.7, 14.7 and -27.5, 95% CI -44.4, -10.6, respectively). Irritable bladder syndrome (standardized percentage point difference -15.4, 95% CI -25.5, -5.3), diabetes (standardized percentage point difference -5.8, 95% CI -18.2, 6.7) and depressive symptoms (highest category standardized percentage point difference -11.6, 95% CI -19.3, -4.0) were strong correlates of less frequent orgasms. Participants with lower function on other domains of sexual function reported fewer orgasms.

Conclusions: Important correlates of preconception orgasm frequency spanned relational, clinical and sexual function factors. We discuss implications for conducting etiologic orgasm research.