They say it's just a number, but what's the best age to have an orgasm? Is there a specific age where pleasure is at its peak? Would someone tell us if this is just an orgasm myth?
There have been plenty of studies that shed great light on intimacy, from the best time of the day to have sex (according to science) to the act responsible for women's most intense orgasms.
We're not surprised that age has factored into the equation—everything else already has. For the mathematically inclined, here's what you need to know.
What's the best age to have an orgasm?
Drumroll please: the best age to have an orgasm is 36 years old.
According to a study from Natural Cycles birth control app, 2,600 women were questioned about their sex lives in 2017, particularly regarding orgasms, feelings of attractiveness, and enjoyment. From there, they were placed into three groups:
- Younger (below age 23)
- Middle (aged 23-35)
- Older (aged 36 and over)
Once the findings were complete, researchers behind the study revealed that the "older" group scored highest when it came to the grand finale, with 6 out of 10 claiming the frequency and intensity of their orgasms was greater.
A whopping 86% of the "older" group had great sex within the last month, compared to 76% for the "middle" group and 56% of the "younger" group. Lastly, women in the "older" group had more self-confidence than their young counterparts, as eight out of 10 claimed to feel confident in their appearance.
So, does that mean you're doomed if you're a few years away from 36? Of course not: part of the process is about changing your mindset.
How to have a successful orgasm at any age
1. Rethink the sexual experience
Sexologists argue that the finale is not the most important part of an intimate moment; why stress about what happens at the end? It only takes away from what you're doing at the moment.
"An orgasm isn’t the be-all and end-all of sex, nor does it define a sexual encounter," Annabelle Knight, a sex and relationship at Lovehoney previously told My Imperfect Life.
That being said, they encourage you to take your time and explore different foreplay ideas (after getting consent, of course).
2. Talk about sex openly
Talking about sex is how to make the process more pleasurable for both parties. Explain what works for you to your partner and what can use some fine-tweaking, keeping emotions in mind in the process.
3. Take matters into your own hands
Women's most intense orgasms are a result of solo sex (again, according to science). If that's the case, the only way to truly feel comfortable is to know what works well for you via self-pleasure.
Sexologists are currently making the case for clitoral stimulators as the go-to toy
"The sensation from clitoral suction is much more intense than from a vibrator," Laura Wood, sales executive and sexpert at So Divine previously told My Imperfect Life. "A vibrator will provide stimulation for the surface of the clitoris, whereas a suction toy uses a pulsing suction sensation to pleasure the entirety of the clitoris."
So overall, no need to stress too much—intimacy can be pleasurable before or after 36, too!
