THE FEMALE ORGASM: SEX AND SEXUAL ORIENTATION EFFECTS ON AROUSAL, ORGASM, AND SEXUAL SATISFACTION

In this study, we investigate the patterns of sexual functioning and sexual response across biological sex and sexual orientation to shed light on the question of the possible adaptive function of human female orgasm. Three broad hypotheses have been proposed to account for human female orgasm: 1) the byproduct hypothesis, 2) the sperm selection hypothesis, and 3) the pair-bonding hypothesis. We suggest that researchers may be able to distinguish between these hypothesized functions (or lack thereof) by evaluating the patterns of similarity and difference in sexual response among men engaging in sexual activity with women (the only group for whom male ejaculation is hypothesized to serve a function), women engaging in sexual activity with men (the only group for whom a sperm selection function of female orgasm applies), and women engaging in sexual activity with other women (for whom a pair-bonding function of female orgasm is likely equally relevant as it would be for women engaging in sexual activity with men). Sexual response patterns from men engaging in sexual activity with men are also examined to assess the possible impact of sexual orientation on the expression of traits evolved specifically for fertilization. Data was collected using an online survey to measure sensitivity to sexual excitation and sexual inhibition factors, sexual history, sexual response patterns, and partner qualities in a sample of men and women identifying across the sexual orientation spectrum. Results indicate that female orgasm is predicted by different factors than male orgasm, but that the predictors of female orgasm are similar across sexual orientation, suggesting possible support for the pair-bonding hypothesis