A recent comprehensive study has shed new light on the frequency of female orgasms across different sexual activities and age groups, challenging long-standing myths about women's pleasure. The research, conducted in 2025 by Lovehoney, surveyed 2,002 women of all sexualities to understand how often they achieve orgasm during penetrative sex, while receiving oral sex, and through masturbation.
The Persistent Orgasm Gap
The findings come against the backdrop of what's commonly referred to as the "orgasm gap" – a well-documented phenomenon where women consistently report lower orgasm rates during partnered sex compared to men. A separate 2022 YouGov study found that only 30% of women reported orgasming every time they had partnered sex, compared to 61% of men. This disparity is rooted in both biological misconceptions and societal attitudes about women's bodies and their entitlement to sexual pleasure.
However, as sexual health experts emphasise, orgasm isn't necessarily the sole measure of satisfying sexual experiences. The journey toward pleasure can hold equal importance to the destination itself, with emotional connection and mutual enjoyment playing crucial roles in sexual fulfilment.
Age-Specific Findings Across Sexual Activities
Young Adults (18-24)
Among women aged 18-24, the study revealed that 11% orgasm every time during vaginal sex, while 34% achieve orgasm occasionally or sometimes. When it comes to oral sex, the figures show slight improvement with 13% reaching orgasm every time and 19% almost every time.
Masturbation proves significantly more reliable for this age group, with 41% reporting orgasm every single time they engage in self-pleasure. Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health nurse and Lovehoney expert, notes that young women in this age bracket are "often still in the early stages of sexual exploration" and may prioritise their partner's pleasure over their own.
Early Adulthood (25-34)
As women enter their late twenties and early thirties, the data shows modest improvements. For penetrative sex, 13% now orgasm every time, while 31% achieve this almost every time. Oral sex sees 21% reaching orgasm every time and 26% almost every time.
Mulindwa observes that while women in this age group often develop greater sexual confidence, life factors including relationships, careers, and motherhood can introduce fatigue and stress – both significant barriers to libido and arousal.
Mid-Life (35-44)
Women in their late thirties and early forties often experience what experts describe as a "sexual peak," attributed to increased confidence, experience, and reduced concern about stigma or judgment. The statistics reflect this with 12% orgasming every time during penetrative sex, 30% almost every time, and 35% occasionally.
For oral sex, 25% achieve orgasm every time and 31% almost every time. Masturbation continues to show the highest success rates, with 43% reaching orgasm every time they pleasure themselves.
Perimenopausal Years (45-54)
Approaching mid-life brings hormonal changes associated with perimenopause, which can affect arousal, sensitivity, and lubrication. Despite these physiological shifts, 19% of women in this age group orgasm every time during penetrative sex, with 27% achieving this almost every time and 35% occasionally.
Oral sex sees 29% reaching orgasm every time, while masturbation shows remarkable consistency with 52% achieving orgasm every time they engage in self-pleasure.
Menopausal Transition (55-64)
By ages 55-64, menopause typically takes full effect, bringing physical changes including reduced vaginal elasticity and dryness. Nevertheless, 15% of women in this cohort orgasm every time during penetrative sex, while 35% achieve this occasionally or sometimes.
For oral sex, 22% report a 100% success rate, and for masturbation, 40% reach orgasm every time. Mulindwa notes that women in this age group often develop more intentional approaches to pleasure, focusing directly on what feels good.
Later Life (65+)
Among women aged 65 and over, the study found that 13% orgasm every time from penetrative sex, 16% from oral sex, and 38% from masturbation. Mulindwa explains that sexual experiences in later life often shift "away from performance and more towards connection and comfort," with many women developing precise knowledge of what brings them pleasure.
Expert Insights on Enhancing Female Pleasure
Throughout the age groups, several consistent themes emerge from expert analysis. Communication stands as a crucial factor, with Mulindwa advocating for "normalising conversations about foreplay, toys, and taking things slowly" to build foundations for pleasure.
The research highlights that partnered sex involves more than just technique – creating space for relaxation, extended foreplay, and varied stimulation beyond penetration proves essential for many women's sexual satisfaction.
Perhaps most encouragingly, the study suggests that confidence, communication, and self-knowledge serve as the real drivers of orgasm throughout women's lives. With open conversation, sexual exploration, and appropriate tools, women can potentially narrow the orgasm gap at any stage of their sexual journey.
The findings underscore that sexual pleasure remains an important aspect of women's lives across all age groups, challenging stereotypes about ageing and sexuality while providing valuable data for both individuals and healthcare professionals working in sexual health.
