A trifecta: patterns in orgasm consistency, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction

Abstract

Background: We based this study on the sexual wholeness model, which considers emotional, physical, and meaning elements of sexuality, and previous research that indicates variability in the associations among orgasm consistency, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction.

Aim: We performed a person-based latent class approach to examine variables linked with the trifecta of orgasm consistency, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction.

Methods: We used a Mechanical Turk sample that consisted of 1645 sexually active participants (1032 women) to evaluate classes and related variables.

Outcomes: Women divided into 5 classes and men into 3 classes. High orgasm consistency alone did not ensure sexual or relational satisfaction.

Results: We found that 5 groups emerged for women: high orgasm/low satisfaction (6%), low trifecta (8%), low orgasm/high satisfaction (16%), moderate orgasm/high satisfaction (15%), and high trifecta (55%). For men, 3 groups emerged: lower orgasm/high satisfaction (12%), moderate trifecta (14%), and high trifecta (74%). We also found that high orgasm consistency for women did not guarantee relational and sexual satisfaction, nor did lower orgasm consistency for men or women guarantee problematic relational and sexual satisfaction.

Clinical implications: Communication, attachment, and sexual harmony were key elements associated with positive trifecta outcomes. Clinicians and educators may emphasize the importance of these variables when individuals encounter sexual or relational distress.

Strengths and limitations: Data analytic techniques revealed a variety of groups for men and women and associations between a host of physical, psychological, and meaning variables and the trifecta of orgasm consistency, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction. However, this study is cross-sectional and correlational, which limits the conclusions that we can draw from it.

Conclusion: While the variables of orgasm consistency, relational satisfaction, and sexual satisfaction are each informative, together they help clinicians, educators, and researchers better understand the complexity of sex.

Keywords: orgasm; relationship satisfaction; sexual satisfaction; trifecta.