On King's Day in Amsterdam, we teamed up with Jessica from VanillaCoolDance to hit the streets and tackle some taboo topics. Armed with a microphone, we interviewed party-goers about the female anatomy, the orgasm gap, and intimacy.
The Orgasm Gap
One of the main topics of the interviews was the orgasm gap. If you're unfamiliar with the term, it refers to the discrepancy between the frequency and ease with which men and women orgasm during sex. Studies have shown that men are more likely to orgasm during sexual encounters than women, and this gap is even wider for women who have sex with men.
Where is the clit(oris)?
Another topic we interviewed part goers on was the female anatomy. We asked if they could name all the parts of the vulva, and the results were mixed. Some people could name everything, while others struggled to come up with a few basic terms 🙈.
How can we close the orgasm gap?
Addressing and closing the orgasm gap is crucial for promoting sexual equality, enhancing intimate relationships, and empowering individuals to embrace sexual pleasure. We give you key strategies to help bridge the orgasm gap:
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Education and Awareness: One of the first steps in closing the orgasm gap is education. Providing comprehensive and inclusive sexual education that covers anatomy, pleasure, and consent is essential. Breaking down societal taboos and stigmas surrounding female pleasure and the female body is crucial to empowering individuals to explore and communicate their desires.
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Communication and Consent: Open and honest communication between partners is paramount. Encouraging dialogue about desires, boundaries, and preferences creates a safe and supportive environment for sexual exploration. Understanding and obtaining enthusiastic consent from all parties fosters mutual respect and prioritises everyone's pleasure and satisfaction.
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Pleasure-Centred Approach: Shifting the focus from solely achieving orgasm to overall pleasure can help close the orgasm gap. Emphasising the importance of pleasure for all individuals involved allows for a more expansive and inclusive definition of sexual satisfaction. Exploring different erogenous zones, trying new techniques, and incorporating a variety of sexual activities can enhance pleasure and promote sexual equality.
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Mindfulness and Body Positivity: Promoting body positivity and self-acceptance is crucial for closing the orgasm gap. Encouraging individuals to embrace and celebrate their bodies, regardless of shape, size, or appearance, fosters a positive body image and enhances self-confidence during intimate moments. Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, can also help individuals connect with their bodies, heightening sensitivity and pleasure.
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Sex Education and Therapy: Offering specialized sex education programs and access to sex therapists can provide individuals with the tools and support needed to navigate challenges related to the orgasm gap. Sex therapists can address underlying factors such as performance anxiety, relationship dynamics, or past traumas, and provide guidance on techniques, communication skills, and self-exploration exercises.
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Research and Innovation: Continued research into sexual pleasure and the female anatomy is vital for closing the orgasm gap. Supporting scientific studies and encouraging innovation in sexual health and wellness can lead to the development of new techniques, treatments, and products specifically designed to enhance female pleasure and bridge the orgasm gap.
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Foreplay and Clitoral Stimulation: Recognising the significance of clitoral stimulation is essential for closing the orgasm gap. Prioritising ample time for foreplay, focusing on clitoral stimulation during sexual encounters, and incorporating techniques such as oral sex, manual stimulation, or using sex toys can greatly enhance pleasure and increase the likelihood of orgasm.