Scientists have identified a combination of four sexual behaviors, dubbed the 'Golden Quartet,' that significantly increase the likelihood of female orgasm. These include manual genital stimulation, the use of sex toys, receiving oral sex, and deep kissing.
The findings, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, also highlight a discrepancy between what women report as contributing to their orgasms and what men believe. While men often credit intercourse, this was not found to be a statistically significant factor for women reaching climax in the study. Researchers suggest this disconnect may contribute to the enduring "orgasm gap" between genders.
The study, conducted by researchers from UCLA and Chapman University, surveyed 637 gay, bisexual, and lesbian participants alongside 931 heterosexual participants. Previous research had identified a "golden trio" of genital stimulation, deep kissing, and oral sex as important for female orgasm frequency. The current study adds the use of sex toys as a fourth significant predictor.
The study notes that men surveyed were more likely to report their partners experiencing orgasms, frequently attributing them to sexual intercourse, followed by oral sex, manual stimulation, and sex toys. However, the women's self-reported data identified the 'Golden Quartet' as having the strongest statistical correlation with orgasm.
Additionally, research published earlier this year suggested that emotional connection, or "affect," plays a crucial role in women achieving orgasm. This study found that psychological closeness with a partner was a stronger predictor than purely physical sensations. Women in stable relationships also reported more intense orgasms and higher overall sexual satisfaction.
A separate study also explored the definition of the female orgasm, suggesting it be defined as "pleasurable satisfaction" and removing indicators like moaning from consideration. Researchers hope this could aid in addressing dissatisfaction with orgasm experiences.