BRITISH scientists believe they have solved the mystery of the female orgasm – and say the key is not to over-think it.
Psychologists at the University of Essex reckon a hidden sixth sense called “interoception” is critical.
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It is the ability to tune into your own physical sensations like heartbeat, breathing and touch.
Women who scored higher on this were more likely to climax from sex, had orgasms more often and were more sexually satisfied.
Polling suggests women are half as likely to orgasm as men – known as the orgasm gap.
Dr Megan Klabunde said: “Our study demonstrates that women need to get out of their heads and into their bodies in order to have more frequent and satisfying orgasms.
“Orgasms are more frequent and satisfying when a woman is able to focus on how her body is feeling.
“Better understanding the process could boost relationship satisfaction for women and their partners.”
Orgasm is harder and less satisfying for women in partnered sex
Dr Megan Klabunde
In the study, published in the journal Brain Sciences, 316 women aged 18 to 69 answered questions about their sex lives and physical and emotional self-awareness.
Interoception was rated based on the ability to hone in on physical sensations and react to them while blocking out distractions.
The higher a woman scored on interoception, the better she rated orgasm satisfaction and frequency whether alone or with a partner.
Sex experts say women are more likely to achieve the Big O if they are relaxed and happy, while mental state is less important for men.
To increase their chance of hitting the spot, they should try to block out distractions or worries about how they look and focus on physical feelings.
YouGov polling in 2022 found just 30 per cent of women orgasm every time they have sex, compared to 61 per cent of men.
Dr Klabunde’s study found orgasm was 20 per cent more likely solo than alone.
Man’s needs may distract from woman’s pleasure
She added: “Our findings demonstrate that orgasm is harder and less satisfying for women in partnered contexts.
“Solitary sexual activity allows for a woman to more easily concentrate their attention on specific bodily sensations without distraction.
“Partnered sexual interactions, on the other hand, involve additional emotional and social complexities that may make it more difficult.
“Attention may be split or diluted if a woman feels simultaneously compelled to attend to both her own sensations and those of her partner.
“It is important for women and their partners to trust the woman’s internal bodily experiences during sexual encounters.”
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