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A groundbreaking study exploring sexual pleasure in Quebec adolescents has revealed that gender significantly influences the likelihood of achieving orgasm. Among cisgender teenagers—those whose gender identity aligns with their sex assigned at birth—girls are notably less likely than boys to experience orgasm, whether through masturbation or with a partner.
The study, led by Alice Girouard, a Ph.D. student in the Department of Psychology at the University of Montreal (UdeM), surveyed 2,800 mostly French-Canadian teens aged around 16. Conducted between 2020 and 2022, it focused on understanding adolescent sexual experiences while considering gender identity and the configuration of their sexual relationships. The study was supervised by Professor Sophie Bergeron and published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior in December.
Participants were recruited from 23 high schools across Quebec, including regions around Montreal, Quebec City, and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean. The study captured a range of sexual experiences, including the influence of gender and the types of sexual partnerships teens formed.
Key Findings
The results revealed that 73% of teen girls reported achieving orgasm during either masturbation or sex with a partner, compared to 85% of boys. Logistic regression analysis conducted by Girouard indicated that cisgender girls had a 45% chance of experiencing orgasm during masturbation, barely more than half the rate of their male peers. During sex with a partner, girls had a 56% chance of orgasm, compared to a higher probability for boys.
“These findings underscore that the likelihood of sexual pleasure among teens is influenced by both gender and relationship dynamics,” explained Girouard. “We observed that girls partnered with boys were particularly disadvantaged in achieving orgasm compared to those partnered with girls, or boys with girls.”
The Role of Couple Configuration
The study also found that sexual satisfaction in teens isn’t just shaped by gender but also by the sexual dynamics within their relationships. Girouard highlighted that teen girls involved with male partners reported a lower likelihood of orgasm, signaling the role of partner dynamics in shaping sexual pleasure.
Factors Contributing to the Orgasm Gap
Girouard speculates that the orgasm gap can be attributed to a mix of biological, psychological, and social factors. She points out that many cisgender girls lack comprehensive anatomical knowledge and may feel shame about masturbation or their own bodies. Such factors can contribute to their limited sexual pleasure, a finding that aligns with existing research suggesting that girls may not be taught about their anatomy or how to achieve orgasm.
Additionally, Girouard discussed how traditional “sexual scripts” play a significant role in shaping sexual experiences. According to sexual script theory, girls are often seen as the gatekeepers of sexuality—expected to regulate male desire and view sex as a means for emotional intimacy, rather than personal pleasure. In this traditional view, male orgasm is often seen as the goal and end point of sexual encounters.
A Call for Inclusive Sex Education
Girouard believes that these findings underscore the need for more inclusive and positive sex education, particularly for teen girls. She advocates for education that covers female anatomy, sexual pleasure, and equality in relationships to challenge the harmful double standards that still persist.
The study also highlights the need for educational programs that better reflect the diversity of adolescent experiences. In particular, Girouard believes that addressing issues of gender diversity and non-heterosexual relationships is key, as Statistics Canada reported that the number of young people identifying as gender diverse doubled from 2018 to 2021.
In conclusion, Girouard’s research calls for a shift in how society views teen sexuality and emphasizes the importance of building educational systems that are inclusive, informed, and progressive in addressing sexual pleasure for all teens, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Disclaimer:
This study reflects the experiences of a specific group of teens in Quebec, and its findings may not apply universally. The study also addresses sensitive topics related to adolescent sexuality, and it is important for all readers to approach such topics with respect, awareness, and sensitivity. The results suggest areas for future research, and further investigation is needed to better understand the factors influencing sexual pleasure and experience among adolescents.
