You may not have heard of it but you’ve probably experienced the Pleasure Gap. Here’s what it is and what it means for your sex life.
You know about the gender wage gap, where men earn more money for the same work? Well, it happens in the bedroom, too! A phenomenon known as the Pleasure Gap refers to the fact that men orgasm a LOT more than their female counterparts. In fact, heterosexual women report less sexual satisfaction overall. So, if you were wondering if it’s just you – it’s not.
So how wide, exactly, is this gap? Several studies have been conducted on this subject, with the outcome revealing that only 30% to 60% of women reach orgasm in contrast to 70% to 100% of men. Yes – it’s a big one!
One of the reasons for this is the fact that women have, for centuries, carried a burden of shame around their sexuality. While there has been significant progress, it hasn’t gone away yet. Another reason is porn and the fact that it historically always focused on the male orgasm being the climax.
Is anything being done to close the gap? One thing that is encouraged is open dialogue among friends about our sex lives. Alternatively, you could speak to a doctor or gynaecologist. This can help you find out if you are getting the satisfaction you should from your sexual encounters.
Closing the gap
Is there a way to level the playing field when it comes to your own sexual encounters? Yes – a few, actually!
- Ask your partner to slow it down and pay more attention to foreplay. This is important, especially for vaginas which need some time to warm up.
- If you don’t already, incorporate sex toys that are designed for female satisfaction into your lovemaking sessions for extra sensations.
- Let your partner know when something feels good, as a way of encouraging them to keep going. You can also let them know what doesn’t.
- Start playing with yourself! Yes, you can use your fingers but sex toys also let you explore your body and discover what sensations you enjoy.
