The wonders of female sexuality are boundless, and if you've yet to discover them, (much like the broader focus of sex research until recently), then prepare to be amazed with these 10 eye-opening sex facts about women. From the jaw-dropping to the widely misunderstood, we're about to give you the education you should have had in primary school. Who said education couldn't come with a side of cheeky fun?
1. Most women don't orgasm from penetration alone
Only 18 percent of women can reach orgasm through penetration alone, according to a study published in the Journal of Sex and Marital Therapy. So, for most women, it's important to explore multiple erogenous zones to discover how you reach sexual satisfaction. For example, 37% of women need clitoral stimulation during intercourse, while an additional 36% find that penetration with clitoral stimulation enhances their orgasmic experience. However, the clitoris is but one of many pathways for women to reach orgasm, other intimate activities play a role. Another study found that women are more likely to orgasm through oral sex, deep kissing, and manual stimulation, in addition to vaginal intercourse. However, it's worth noting that women often receive oral sex less than they give it.
2. Women can experience multiple types of orgasms
Women can have a variety of mind-blowing orgasms beyond the well-known clitoral and vaginal ones. Each type of female orgasm comes (no pun intended) from different stimuli. For example, the blended orgasm comes from combination stimuli, such as clitoral and vaginal; cervical orgasms come from stimulating the cervix or cervical neck, nipple orgasms come from breast or nipple stimulation, and mental orgasms (yes, they are real!) happen through the provocative power of fantasy.
3. Most women have used a vibrator in their lifetime
According to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, more than half of women (52.5%) have used a vibrator at some point in their lives. Not only do women use vibrators for solo pleasure, but they also use them with a partner. 41% of women have enjoyed vibrator benefits during foreplay or play with a partner, and 37% have used a vibrator during sexual intercourse. 84% of women use it for clitoral stimulation and another 64% use it for vaginal stimulation. If this statistic doesn't include you - it can when you award-winning vibrators for women.
4. 1 in 4 women have never masturbated
In the age of sex-positivity, female masturbation seems like a universal thing, but surprisingly, a 2022 study found that around 25% of women have never masturbated. While masturbation isn’t required, knowing your body seriously helps you reach orgasm with and without a partner. Research has found that women who engage in self-pleasure tend to have higher levels of sexual satisfaction. Understanding your own body can empower you to guide your partner toward what feels good, resulting in a more fulfilling sexual connection. So, for those women who haven't tried it, maybe give it a go and see what you've been missing out on!
5. Lesbian women experience more orgasms than heterosexual women
You’re probably familiar with the term the orgasm gap, which exists between heterosexual men and women. But did you know it exists between women of different sexual orientations, too? According to a 2017 study, 86% of lesbian women said they 'nearly always' or 'always' experience orgasm with their partner, whereas only 65% of heterosexual women reported the same.
6. Women can experience multiple orgasms in a single session
The female body's ability to have multiple orgasms in one sexual encounter is pretty incredible. While many men need downtime before they can climax again, many women aren’t hindered by a refractory period and experience consecutive waves of orgasm without missing a beat. This goes to show how complex and resilient female arousal and sexual response can be. Of course, not all women seek or experience multiple orgasms, and that's totally normal. However, exploring personal desires and responses can benefit those who are curious. Whether it's through self-exploration, using sex toys, or trying different techniques, there's a whole world of pleasure to discover.
7. The clitoris is twice as sensitive as the penis
Recently, a fascinating study revealed that the clitoris has twice the sensitivity of the penis. It boasts an average of 10,281 nerve fibers, surpassing previous estimates by about 20%. In comparison, the penis has approximately 4,000 nerve fibers. This dense consolidation of nerves makes the clitoris one of the most sensitive areas in the human body. Certain regions of the clitoris are extra sensitive, surpassing even the glans of the penis. Despite its crucial role in female pleasure, scientific sex research largely overlooked the clitoris until recently.
8. The vagina can expand 200% when aroused
During sexual arousal, some remarkable changes happen in the vagina, such as it elongates with the cervix moving up into the body to make room for potential penetration. This physiological transformation, also known as ‘vaginal tenting,’ is where the vaginal canal can expand up to 200% of its standard size. This expansion allows and enhances pleasure during sexual activity, which is why becoming fully aroused is so important before intercourse! Additionally, the vaginal walls become swollen and lubricated, making them more sensitive to touch and pressure. It's important to note that every woman will feel slightly different sensations during arousal, which are affected by many things like hormonal levels, age, physical health, and psychological factors.
9. Women have more erogenous zones than men
Studies show that women have a wider range of erogenous zones compared to men. There are many erogenous areas, both inside and outside the genitals. The A-spot and G-spot inside the vagina are known for their orgasmic potential. The vulva and labia, with their nerve endings, are also sensitive to stimulation. Outside the genitals, a study from 2016 has shown that women find breast, nipple, lip, neck, nape, ear, and buttock stimulation exciting. It's important to remember that every woman is unique, with different erogenous zones and preferences. So, it's all about personalizing your intimate experiences.
10. Most women use lubricants during sex, and you should, too!
A 2014 study found that a whopping 66% of women used lubricant during their sexual experiences—most commonly, 58% during partnered intercourse, nearly 50% in partnered sexual play, and about 30% during solo play. Wetter is better! But here's the thing, there's still some stigma around using personal lubricants. Some people think it's only for women who aren't naturally aroused or satisfied. The truth is that natural lubrication can change for all sorts of reasons—stress, hormones, or medication side effects. That's where personal lubricants come in, adding moisture for comfortable, enjoyable, and friction-free sex. Reaching for that bottle of lube should be as natural and guilt-free as any other personal care routine.
Takeaway
These 10 intriguing sex facts about women shine a light on the complexity and wonder of female sexuality. They show us that when it comes to pleasure, there's so much more to learn and enjoy. Like the fact that most women need more than just penetration to reach climax, can have different types of orgasms, and multiple orgasms! It’s important to highlight that each woman is unique in her desires and experiences. So, if you're looking to explore your pleasure potential, try award-winning vibrators for women that can help unlock multiple orgasms, and bigger, blended orgasms. Ready to have a buzzing good time with all these sex facts?
