Female Sexual Satisfaction and Orgasm: What Midwives Know?

Female Sexual satisfaction: Sex is a basic need of life. It is evident in many studies that an individual who is sexually satisfied has a good quality of life and it is important in successful married life too. Sexual dissatisfaction leads to mental problems, social crimes, and divorces. According to a study published by PubMed, 15.2% to 50.4% of women reported that they were not happy with their sexual life. Society puts less focus on female sexual satisfaction. From childhood, parenting and society teach women to suppress their emotions related to sexuality. Moreover, there is a gap in orgasm between males and females.^[¹^] In this article, we will look into all aspects of female sexual satisfaction.

What is sexual satisfaction?

Sexual satisfaction refers to the extent to which an individual is happy with her sexual life. Orgasm is an indicator of sexual satisfaction. 50 % of women refer to orgasm as sexual satisfaction.^[2]

It plays an important role in a relationship. It makes marital life happy, fosters strong family bonds, and leads to a better quality of life. 50% of divorce’s cause lies in sexual dissatisfaction.^[1]

Women’s sexual satisfaction is often neglected. In a study, 95% of heterosexual men reported reaching orgasm but only 65% of women got the orgasm.^[3]

Read Also: Orgasm gap: What you need to know

Why do women not feel sexually satisfied?

There are a number of reasons for this. Female sexual satisfaction is not given equal importance as given to men by partners, society, and women themselves too. In a study, it has been found that women in developed countries feel more sexually satisfied. The reason is the level of education they get. Educated women have a positive attitude towards sexuality and express it more freely. ^[4]

53% to 85% of women reported that they do fake orgasm as it makes their partner feel more masculine and satisfied. This shows the cultural factors that emphasize more on male sexual satisfaction.^[2]Biological factors also play a role in this. Women’s orgasms last longer than those of males. Also, the refractory period in males is more than that of females. Pregnancy and surgeries in the genitals due to abnormality also have a negative effect on female sexual life. Substance abuse too adversely impacts the sexual satisfaction of females.

Why is female sexual satisfaction important?

A Sexually satisfied female has better mental health. Orgasm leads to the release of feel-good hormones in the body improving the quality of sleep, physical health (increased blood flow in the body, improving cardiovascular health), and mental health (reduced stress, anxiety, and depression). It helps in building the relationship and marriage stronger. It leads to improved sexual health and overall quality of life. ^[5][6]

What to do for female sexual satisfaction? (by male partners)

You should not overlook your partner’s sexual satisfaction. It is important to respect her choice and close the orgasm gap. To sexually satisfy your partner, you should focus on the different aspects of sexual health. Here are some of the tips:^[7][8][9]

Foreplay: More time should be spent on foreplay. It helps in making both of the partners comfortable and increasing sexual pleasure. 77.2% of women reported orgasm with the foreplay.
Communication: It is necessary to have open and honest communication with her about what she likes and what she does not. Knowing and respecting the boundaries is also crucial.
Emotional intimacy: Emotional intimacy leads to satisfying sexual intercourse. Cuddling, giving compliments, and building trust in a relationship helps increase sexual satisfaction
Clitoral stimulation: 39 % of women in a study said that they feel sexually satisfied with clitoral stimulation. Knowing about clit and trying different types to stimulate it can help in increasing sexual satisfaction. G-spot stimulation also helps in making sexual intercourse better.
Non-genital erogenous zones: Women have many erogenous zones. There is a need to focus on other non-genital erogenous zones such as the lower back, neck, ears, etc. to enhance pleasure.
Be patient: Do not rush and take your time to know what works for both of you and what does not. Different positions, oral sex, lubes, and sex toys can be used to increase pleasure.
After sex: You should show care and love by cuddling, and having a conversation. This helps in building emotional connection and increasing sexual pleasure.^[4]

A note from Kamarth

Females are expected to suppress their sexual feelings due to socio-cultural norms and it leads to an increase in the orgasm gap, adversely affecting their quality of life. A sexually satisfied life is important to improve overall health and for a happy relationship. There is a need to address this gap by focusing on providing the right sexual education. There is a need to educate and to develop a positive attitude towards sexuality by society.

Some Additional Doubts

Question: Is orgasm related to sexual satisfaction?
Answer: Orgasm refers to the peak of sexual pleasure and indicates sexual satisfaction.

Question: What is the clitoris?
Answer: It is a fatty cushion-like area located below the mons pubis and above the urethral opening in the female vulva.

Question: How to physically satisfy her?
Answer: Trying different stimulations like clitoral or G spot and other erogenous zones; spending time on foreplay and knowing what she likes by having communication can help you to physically satisfy her.

Question: How to emotionally satisfy her?
Answer: It is crucial to respect her, build trust, have deep conversations, and develop strong emotional connections to make her feel satisfied emotionally.

Question: What do girls do for sexual satisfaction?
Answer: More than half of the women in the survey indicated that spending time building arousal, having a partner who understands their preferences, and developing emotional connections helped them have stronger orgasms.

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