(164) How Women Perceive and Experience Sexual Arousal and Orgasm: Results of a Large, National Survey of 7,065 U.S. Women

Abstract Introduction This is the first population-based study of a convenience sample of sexually active, non-treatment seeking U.S. women, 21 years of age or older, surveyed about their perceptions of the term “sexual arousal’ and experiences of genital arousal. Objective The aim was to assess perceptions and descriptions of sexual arousal and evaluate associations with age, ethnicity, education, and menopausal status. Methods In this IRB-approved study, 7065 women completed an online study-specific survey questionnaire that included items that addressed participants’ experiences with and subjective perceptions of sexual arousal and orgasm. Results The study population demonstrated a broad distribution of age, ethnicity, education, sexual orientation, and menopausal status. The key item examined the study respondents’ interpretation of the term “sexual arousal.” Approximately one quarter (23.9%) identified their perception of this term as synonymous with “swelling of the genitals (clitoris, labia) and vaginal lubrication (‘getting wet’).” Whereas fully half of the respondents (51.2%) identified it as “the desire I have when interested in sexual intimacy or self-gratification,” which more closely correlates with expert consensus definitions of “sexual desire.”A range of physical/genital responses were identified as personal experiences in response to the statement “When I am excited to have sex with a partner…”; the overwhelming majority reported one or more of the sensations of clitoral swelling and increased sensitivity (36.4%), swelling of the entire vulva (16.2%), tingling sensations in the genitals (48.0%), and/or vaginal lubrication (51.7%). Half the sample (50.7%) affirmed that these sensations had diminished over time; however, 21.2% indicated these sensations had increased over the years, and 28.1% reported no change in these sensations. These genital/sexual arousal responses were necessary to achieve a climax or orgasm in 65% of women. Over half (57.7%) were able to maintain adequate lubrication prior to or during sexual encounters. Forty five percent (45.0%) were able to stay “in the moment” with ease, a similar proportion (45.4%) could only stay in the moment with difficulty, and 9.6% were unable to do so. Approximately two thirds (65.8%) of the sample reported achieving orgasm half of the time or more, 18% experienced orgasm about one in four times, and 12% achieved orgasm very rarely. Conclusions While this study demonstrated significant associations between education, ethnicity, age, and menopause and female genital arousal experiences, the most relevant finding and the one with the greatest clinical implication is the disconnect between how expert consensus panels define “female sexual arousal” and how the broad community of U.S women perceive the term. This is not just a minor issue of lexicon, as it affects the ability of a woman to communicate her sexual difficulties accurately and for healthcare providers to accurately make diagnoses and provide effective therapies. We propose that the general term of “female sexual arousal” be replaced by the more specific terms such as “female genital sexual arousal” or “female genital arousal” in both medical and lay communications and in public education. Disclosure Yes, this is sponsored by industry/sponsor: Vella Bioscience, Inc. Clarification: Industry initiated, executed and funded study. Any of the authors act as a consultant, employee or shareholder of an industry for: Vella Bioscience, Inc., Citruslabs US.