Female Orgasm Statistics (2024)

Female orgasms are often misunderstood despite several studies that provide key insights. 

We have compiled those insights in the data below. 


Top 2023 Female Orgasm Statistics:

  • Only 18.4% achieve vaginal orgasms from penetrative sex without additional stimulation. 
  • 64% of women say they had an orgasm during their last sexual encounter. 
  • The average age of a woman’s first masturbation orgasm is 15, though some report as early as age 5. 
  • 42.7% of women have experienced multiple orgasms.
  • Doctors in California recorded one woman having 134 orgasms in a single hour. 

Source: Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, Kinsey Institute, Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology, Archives of Sexual Behavior, LELO


What % of Women Orgasm from Penetration?

Most women cannot orgasm from penetration alone, but clitoral stimulation makes all the difference:

  • Only 18.4% achieve orgasm from partnered vaginal intercourse alone. 
  • Women report having an orgasm at least half the time (51-60%) when their partner also stimulates their clitoris. 
  • About 26% of women can have a vaginal orgasm without clitoral stimulation – with or without a partner. 

By sexual orientation, however,  21% more lesbian women experience regular orgasms than heterosexual women, showing that lesbians are more likely to be sexually satisfied. 

  • 65% of heterosexual women usually or always orgasm during sex compared to:
    • 66% of bisexual women, and
    • 86% of lesbian women. 

Source: Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, Archives of Sexual Behavior, Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology


How to Make a Woman Orgasm

Orgasms are not the same for everyone, but studies show it is a mix of physical and psychological factors. 

Physically, orgasms often come down to the clitoris:

  • 36.6% of women need clitoral stimulation to orgasm during sex. 
  • Another 36% of women say their orgasms feel better when their partner stimulates their clit, even if it is not necessary for orgasm.
  • Only 18.4% of women can orgasm from sex without clitoral stimulation. 

Using fingers or a small vibrator to stimulate the clitoris during penetration can assist with orgasm, but always talk to your partner about what feels good.  

Lubrication is also key – there should not be any dryness or friction.   

Aside from the physical, research shows that numerous mental factors help women orgasm.

Over 50% of women in relationships usually orgasm during intercourse compared to just 40% of single women; this shows that being comfortable and practiced with a partner increases orgasms. 

Studies show that:

  • Women who communicate openly with their partners about sex are more likely to orgasm. 
  • Women who initiate sex, give mutual pleasure, and take an active role (e.g., woman-on-top positions) are more likely to orgasm. 
  • Orgasm requires relaxation. Relax, take your time with foreplay, and ease into an orgasm without fixating on it. 
  • Women who feel confident (i.e., who think they are good at sex) are more likely to orgasm. 

Most of these points circle back to openness. Talking with your partner about sex, praising their ability, and helping them feel comfortable all help with orgasm.

Source: Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, Healthline, Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology, FloHealth


What % of Women Have Regular Orgasms?

Some women never experience orgasms, but a good percentage do regularly. 

  • Around 50% of women regularly experience orgasms during sex. 
  • At least 10% of women say they have never had an orgasm. 
  • The average age of a woman’s first orgasm is 15. 
  • Some women report masturbating to climax as early as age 5. 
  • On average, women orgasm in 8 minutes during masturbation and 14 minutes during partnered sex. 

These numbers represent women of all ages, but older women may have trouble orgasming due to:

  • Less estrogen production can lead to dryness. 
  • Decreased pelvic blood flow can make orgasms more difficult. 

Typically, these issues are easy to fix. Lubricants can help with dryness, while Kegels or pelvic floor therapy can improve blood flow. 

In most cases, there is no permanent reason that an older woman should orgasm less. 

Source: Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology, NY Times, Center for Female and Male Sexual Medicine


How Many Women Are Multi-orgasmic?

Though it does not happen to everyone, research suggests that most women are capable of experiencing multiple orgasms in a single sexual session. 

  • 42.7% of women have experienced multiple orgasms.
  • Doctors in California recorded one woman having 134 orgasms in a single hour. 
  • Most women can have as many as 20 consecutive orgasms during sex.

Though less than half of women have experienced multiple orgasms, nearly all women can if they get the proper stimulation at the right time.

Source: Archives of Sexual Behavior, Center for Female & Male Sexual Medicine, LELO, MedicalNewsToday


What Is a Female Orgasm? 

A female orgasm is different from a male orgasm. Here is the breakdown:

  • During a female orgasm, the vagina, uterus, and pelvic floor muscles contract in a pleasurable way. The average female orgasm lasts 20-35 seconds. 
  • Humans may be the only animals where females can orgasm; there is little evidence of it occurring in other species.

One theory suggests that women have orgasms as an evolutionary incentive to find the best mates. 

When we look back at mental factors that improve orgasm, this makes much sense – good partners make you feel secure, confident, and communicative, all of which contribute to more orgasms.  

Source: DrJovanic, Archives of Sexual Behavior, Hormones and Behavior, Socioaffective Neuroscience & Psychology

While research on female orgasms is still scarce, it is clear that it is a more complex process than the male orgasm. This does not mean it should be difficult, however. Communication, technique, counseling, and other methods can increase the likelihood of orgasm. 

Dainis Graveris

Dainis Graveris

Over last 4 years Dainis have helped millions of people through his advice on this site (200+ guides and 1M+ visits/monthly). His work & advice has appeared on sites like: Healthline, Vice, Cosmopolitan, Men's Health, WomensHealthMag, MindBodyGreen & more. Read More.

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