Women aren’t orgasming during sex — it’s time to do something about it

From mass resignations to reconsidering marriage and even rethinking wanting kids, the past year points to a major cultural shift in regards to relationships and sexuality. And as gender and relationship norms evolve, that’s probably a good thing.

That said, while certain issues are front and centre — like Gen Z quite publicly redefining monogamy —  other obstacles remain unseen, even during Sexual Health Month, like the often unrecognised “pleasure gap” — otherwise known as “the orgasm gap.”

Recent Ashley Madison research found that while 43 percent of men believe their primary partner climaxes every time they have sex, only 18 percent of women say that’s actually the case. This points to a significant disconnect, because while 65 per cent of women are comfortable discussing their sexual needs and preferences with their partner, only 35 percent of them actually see a positive change in their sex life as a result.

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Additional data demonstrates that 64 percent of women feel “sexually neglected” in their marriage, with 44 percent citing “the lack of interesting and frequent sex” as their reason for seeking fulfilment elsewhere. This is in line with research that found heterosexual women received the least sexual pleasure than any other demographic.

“A common misconception is that women lose interest in sex quicker than men in long-term relationships” says Isabella Mise, Director of Communications for Ashley Madison, who reiterated: “That couldn’t be less true.”

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In an attempt to highlight this surprisingly prevalent problem, Ashley Madison has teamed up with and certified life coach and sex and relationships expert Shelby Sells help bring awareness to the fact that many women are uncomfortable or unwilling to share their sexual desires with their long-term partners with a new sex positive movement, the Sexual Health is Wealth merchandise line. Inspired by women’s need for more pleasure, more orgasms, and more sexual reciprocity from their partners, this collaboration communicates one message loud and clear: Close that gap!

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“We want to help women realize their power and understand that they shouldn’t have to surrender their sexual satisfaction to keep the peace,” Sells said of the collaboration. “In a society as sexually forward as ours is becoming, we should all have access to the tools and resources needed to confidently turn to our partner and say, ‘This is what I want you to do to me in bed tonight.’”

More shocking data from Ashley Madison revealed that most women reported rarely or never receiving oral sex from their partner despite regularly doing so for their partner. The company also fond that 49 percent report pornography as having bene their primary source of sexual education, which is interesting in relation to another finding: 62 percent of men found their sexual education to be helpful for their real-life experiences.

“We know historically, a lot of porn has been portrayed through the male gaze and hasn’t always captured the true nature of female pleasure,” Sells said.

Hopefully, Sexual Health is Wealth will jumpstart the process in remedying that.