The Role of ADHD Symptomatology on Orgasmic Consistency in Women - Tina Jensen-Fogt & Cory L. Pedersen

 

Evidence from human sexuality research reveals that on average, women experience fewer orgasms, less pleasure, and less sexual satisfaction during partnered heterosexual sex than men (see Frederick et al., 2018; Klein & Conley, 2022). Though several factors certainly contribute to the orgasm gap, research has identified that women who more strongly endorse gendered sexual scripts that place greater importance on men’s sexual pleasure are less likely to achieve orgasm, while women who violate gendered scripts with agentic traits report higher rates of orgasm and sexual satisfaction (Herbenick et al., 2019). Further, evidence indicates that women who have more open sexual attitudes (i.e., erotophiles) have more intense subjective orgasm experiences during heterosexual partnered sex than do erotophobes (Arcos-Romero & Sierra, 2020). Finally, a relatively small body of research has found cognitive distraction as a predictor of orgasm (Cuntim & Nobre, 2011), with difficulties in reaching orgasm found among women with adult-ADHD compared to healthy controls (Bijlenga et al., 2018; Jabalkandi et al., 2020). We further expand on this literature by examining differences in orgasmic consistency among women both with and without ADHD symptomatology while controlling for sexual assertiveness and sexual attitudes, constructs which have yet to be explored in this context.

             

Participants included sexually active (within the past 6 months) cisgender women, 18 years of age or older (N = 815; (Mage = 28.93 years, SDage = 9.23 years) recruited through online forums, social media sites (Instagram, X, Reddit) and at local universities. 70.8% met ADHD symptomatology criteria and 29.2% did not meet criteria. Among those who met criteria for ADHD, 33% showed Inattentive symptomatology, 8% Hyperactive/Impulsive symptomatology, and 59%  with Combined-type symptomatology.

Participants completed an online survey hosted through Qualtrics where they were presented first with demographic questions, followed by four validated scales including ADHD symptomatology, orgasmic consistency, sexual assertiveness, and sexual attitudes.

 

We hypothesized differences in orgasmic consistency rates (1) between women with ADHD symptomology and controls, and (2) among women with ADHD symptomology of differing subtypes (predominantly inattentive, predominantly hyperactive-impulsive, combined). Results confirmed both hypotheses. That is, women with ADHD symptomatology had lower orgasmic consistency rates relative to women without. Additionally, women with predominantly inattentive subtype ADHD symptomatology experienced the lowest orgasmic consistency rates compared to those with predominantly hyperactive-impulsive or combined subtype symptomatology.  

 

Our results have both theoretical and practical significance. At a theoretical level, the results add to the existing body of literature on factors that contribute to the well-documented orgasm gap between men and women. At a practical level, our findings may inform downstream therapeutic and educational interventions for women, given that for many, a consistent absence or delay in being able to achieve orgasm leads to significant emotional distress and decreased relationship satisfaction.

​

Poster presentation delivered at the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality, San Diego, 2024.