The Association of Sexual Arousal with Orgasmic Experience in Same-Sex Relationships

What is it about?

The subjective orgasmic experience is a key construct in the understanding of human sexual function, and its study is approached from a multidimensional perspective. The Multidimensional Model of the Subjective Orgasm Experience (MMSOE) posits four dimensions to the subjective experience of orgasm: affective, sensory, intimacy, and rewards. The affective dimension refers to the emotions that accompany orgasm, the sensory dimension includes the physical sensations, the intimacy dimension is related to the emotional connection, and the rewards dimension refers to the consequences of orgasm. This approach allows for a more holistic comprehension of orgasm from a psychological point of view. To date, the model had been validated only in the context of heterosexual relationships, with a gap in the understanding of how orgasm is experienced in people who engage in same-sex sexual relationships, and how different measures of excitation relate to its dimensions. In this study MMSOE has been validated in the context of same-sex relationships. 34 men and 34 women sexually active with people of the same sex participated. In the sexuality laboratory, they were presented with neutral and sexual videographic material (i.e., gay and lesbian couples having sexual encounters). During the exhibition, different measures of sexual excitation were recorded, both psychophysiological (i.e., penile erection and vaginal pulse amplitude) and self-reported (i.e., ratings of sexual arousal and genital sensations). The authors sought to identify possible differences between men and women in how they experience orgasm and how the dimensions of orgasm are explained by different measures of sexual excitation. The results reveal differences between men and women in the experience of orgasm. For men, measures of arousal (rating of sexual arousal and changes in penile girth) were more prominent, explaining the sensory and affective dimensions of the subjective orgasm experience, respectively. In women, however, propensity for sexual excitation (i.e., sexual arousal as a trait) explained the sensory dimension of orgasm. The MMSOE again proves valid, this time in the study of the orgasmic experience of people who engage in homosexual relationships. The MMSOE can be a useful tool for sexual health professionals, allowing them to address orgasmic problems from a more integral perspective, taking into account physical as well as emotional and relational factors, thus improving the quality of sexual life of their patients.

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Photo by 光曦 刘 on Unsplash

Photo by 光曦 刘 on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The findings of this study underscore the need for an individualized and contextual approach to sex therapy. This research represents one of the few initiatives that delves into the subjective orgasm experience of gay people, allowing for a more inclusive and diverse approach to sexuality.

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