Faking Orgasm: Relationship to Orgasmic Problems and Relationship Type in Heterosexual Women

Abstract

Introduction: Although faking orgasm among women appears quite common, the roles of orgasmic problems and relationship type in partnered sex and masturbation have not been fully explored. Aim: We assessed the relationship between orgasmic problems (separately in partnered sex and masturbation) and faking orgasm across various types of relationships while also considering the role of demographic and sexual function related covariates. Methods: In this study of 1,168 Hungarian women, we assessed orgasmic problems, sexual functioning, and the prevalence and frequency of faking orgasm in 3 relationship types: romantic relationships, one-night stands, and continuing sexual relationships of more than one night. Main Outcome Measure: Differences in faking orgasm across 3 types of relationships; the association between faking orgasm in 1 type of relationship with faking orgasm in other types of relationships; and the relationship of "orgasmic problems" in partnered sex and masturbation to the presence and frequency of faking orgasm in various relationship types. Results: A subset of women who faked orgasm in 1 relationship type were more likely to fake orgasm in other relationship types. Orgasmic problems predicted the occurrence and frequency of faking orgasm in all 3 relationship types, though to different degrees. Other factors, including orgasmic difficulty during masturbation, the frequencies of masturbation and partnered sex, and the self-rated importance of sex were also related to the frequency of faking orgasm. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that faking orgasm has both dispositional and situational elements. "Orgasmic problems" in partnered sex was a consistent and robust predictor of the occurrence and frequency of faking orgasm in different relationship types. Hevesi K, Horvath Z, Sal D, et al. Faking Orgasm: Relationship to Orgasmic Problems and Relationship Type in Heterosexual Women. Sex Med 2021;XX:XXXXXX.

Biological Sex, Gender Roles, and Sexual Scripts

“…-Women are more likely to imitate orgasm in traditional sexual script. Women fake orgasm relatively often: research suggests that about 55% of women have faked orgasm at least once in their lifetime (Hevesi et al, 2021).…”

“…She may endure the sexual act and simulate orgasm to signal the appropriate time of the conclusion for a man. She also aims to facilitate this familiar sexual script with her orgasm to avoid facing any problems with male self-esteem, questions, accusations of sexual inadequacy or frigidity (sometimes internalized), or problems with erection in the next sexual interactions (Mahar et al, 2020;Hevesi et al, 2021).…”

Infodemic Doomscrolling and Problems of Sexual Satisfaction in Women

“…Также использовалась шкала мотивов имитации оргазма (МИО), состоящая из 25 утверждений и содержащая 6 различных мотивов: 1) секс без желания (например, чувство усталости или желание спать), 2) неуверенность в себе (например, не хотелось выглядеть ненормальным или неадекватным), 3) опьянение (например, употреблялось слишком много алкоголя), 4) самооценка партнера (например, желание заставить партнера хорошо себя чувствовать), 5) плохой секс и/или партнер (например, некомфортно с партнером) и 6) выбор неудачного времени [30]. Дополнительно применялся опросник частоты имитации сексуального удовлетворения [31].…”