For centuries, men have confidently crossed oceans, climbed mountains and explained things they barely understand – yet one mystery continues to leave them utterly stumped: the female orgasm.
Now, researchers may have finally uncovered the secret behind the elusive peak of pleasure.
Rather than expensive aphrodisiacs or impressive bedroom acrobatics, it turns out emotional connection is the crucial link.
In a new study, scientists found that feeling a psychological closeness with a partner – also known as affect – was the strongest predictor of the ‘big O’.
Surprisingly, the purely physical sensations were simply not as important.
‘Affective dimension captures the emotional meaning attributed to orgasm experience, which may be more closely aligned with general sexual satisfaction and function than purely physical sensations,’ the researchers explained.
They also found that having a stable partner was strongly linked to a more emotionally intense orgasm experience.
‘Women involved in steady relationships reported higher intensity of orgasm and sexual function, as well as higher perceptions of affectivity, intimacy and reward aspects of orgasm,’ they added.
Rather than expensive aphrodisiacs or impressive bedroom acrobatics, it turns out emotional connection has the biggest impact on female orgasm (stock image)
For the study, published in the journal Sexuality & Culture, researchers from Loyola Andalucía and Granada universities recruited more than 500 women, two–thirds of whom were in steady relationships.
Participants were asked to complete the Orgasm Rating Scale, which measures four dimensions of the experience – affect (emotional closeness), physical sensations, intimacy and reward.
Analysis revealed emotional closeness had the biggest impact on their orgasm.
Women who experienced climaxes as more emotionally positive, meaningful or intense tended to report better overall sexual functioning including desire, arousal and satisfaction.
Feelings of reward were also an important contributor, but on a lesser scale.
And while intimacy was positively linked with sexual functioning, it was not strongly tied to feelings of desire.
The findings indicate that sex tends to feel better when there is warmth, trust and emotional closeness – not just physical interaction.
‘In conclusion, psychological intensity of orgasm in the context of sexual relationships is a predictor of female sexual function,’ the researchers added.
Researchers previously discovered that women report higher levels of enjoyment in the bedroom compared to their partners
A previous study, published in 2023, revealed the three key elements needed for a passionate romp.
Scientists from Missouri State University conducted almost 80 interviews of people aged between 18 and 69 years old.
When asked what made sex great, an emotional connection trumped all other factors.
Having an orgasm was the next top priority, according to participants, followed by chemistry.
