Sexual Satisfaction and Orgasm Experiences During Partnered and Solo Sex Among 27,931 Users of the Flo App

Orgasm frequency during partnered sexual activities is thought to be a predictor of sexual satisfaction. Less is known about the relationship between orgasms from solo sexual activities and satisfaction. The current study examined the interplay between orgasms and sexual satisfaction in partnered and solo contexts, the role of sexual variety, and distinct sexual activities in a sample of 27,931 Flo app users (99% female, 96% women). Participants (M age, 28.14 years) reported engaging in an average of 7.79/13 partnered and 6.45/13 solo sexual activities in the past six months. Clitoral stimulation by a partner was the most frequent partnered activity (90.2%), and clitoral stimulation by hand was the most frequent solo activity (84.6%). Orgasm frequency was associated with satisfaction with a moderate effect size. Solo orgasm frequency had a weak, negative association with satisfaction. Solo sexual variety was not a significant predictor of overall satisfaction nor orgasm frequency. Partnered orgasm frequency was a significant, positive predictor of satisfaction. Greater variety in partnered sexual activities was associated with higher satisfaction and higher orgasm frequency. During solo activities, the highest orgasm frequencies were associated with clitoral stimulation using a vibrator/dildo, watching porn/erotica, and clitoral stimulation by hand. During partnered activities, using sex toys, vaginal penetration with clitoral stimulation, and masturbation with partner present had the highest orgasm frequencies. When comparing similar solo and partnered activities, orgasm frequency was consistently higher when solo. Our findings offer insights into the nuanced interplay between solo and partnered sexual experiences, the importance of orgasms, and sexual satisfaction.