The Orgasm Gap does exists and we’ve known this for a while, but we’ve only truly looked at it from a gender and sexual orientation perspective. On July 1, 2024, Sexual Medicine published a new study that also wanted to focus on age and how this effects the orgasm gap as well.

In this study of ~25,000 Americans, it shows a significant orgasm gap between men and women, with women’s rates being 22% lower in younger adults (18-24 years) and 30% lower in elder adults (65+ years) than men’s. The results are more complex for LGBTQ participants, indicating important nuances based on sexuality.

Aging introduces physiological and psychological shifts that can affect sexual behavior, and the absence of orgasm can cause distress and relationship challenges. Therefore, these findings have important clinical implications for healthcare providers, therapists, and sex educators. The persistence of the orgasm gap calls for a more inclusive approach to sexual health discussions and interventions, emphasizing mutual satisfaction.

How do we close this gap? We can’t always throw vibrators at this problem, however they can help a little. What’s most important is providing comprehensive sex education to people of all ages. When highlighting bodily autonomy and including pleasure into the curriculum, it could significantly change the gaps seen across the board. Removing the stigma surrounding age and the thought process that older adults don’t engage in any type of sexual activities would also help close the gap within the aging numbers too.