Flo Health, a leading women’s health application boasting 64 million global monthly users, is embarking on a significant endeavor to delve deeper into the complexities of the female orgasm.
This week, the app unveiled its ambitious initiative: the largest-ever study on female orgasm, aimed at bridging critical gaps in research and advocating for a more enlightened discourse surrounding women’s sexual well-being.
The study will rely on voluntary input from users of the app, who will provide self-reported data regarding their sexual behaviors and preferences. Subsequently, scientists affiliated with the app will meticulously analyze this data to gain insights into various facets of women’s sexual experiences, exploring how these intersect with individual circumstances to influence sexual pleasure, orgasms, and overall satisfaction.
Dr. Liudmila Zhaunova, Director of Science at Flo, highlighted the significance of this undertaking, stating, “Our dedication lies in advancing the global comprehension of female sexual health, an area that has historically suffered from neglect and oversight. With this study, we have a unique opportunity to amass data from tens of thousands of women worldwide, shedding light on their diverse sexual health journeys.”
The Research Gap in Sexual Health
The research landscape in sexual health presents a stark contrast between genders, with extensive literature focusing predominantly on male subjects. This historical bias has resulted in erroneous assumptions that data derived solely from male participants could be extrapolated to include female experiences.
“As a consequence of historical male predominance in research, the male perspective has long been erroneously regarded as representative of the human experience,” explains Dr. Rugilė Kančaitė, Senior Health Content Researcher at Healthnews.
Despite strides in gender equity, funding disparities persist in women’s health research, perpetuating misconceptions and hindering progress in understanding female sexuality. Consequently, many women are faced with sexual dissatisfaction and reluctance to seek assistance for sexual health concerns due to societal stigma and misinformation.
Kančaitė highlights the enduring stigma surrounding female sexuality, emphasizing the persistent notion that sex should primarily serve reproductive purposes, disregarding the prevalent pursuit of pleasure and fulfillment.
Misconceptions surrounding Sexual Health
Misconceptions surrounding sexual health abound, perpetuating unrealistic ideals and fostering feelings of inadequacy among women. Dr. Jordan Rullo, a clinical health psychologist, certified sex therapist, and Flo Health medical expert, underscores the stark differences between men and women’s sexual experiences, encompassing desire, arousal, and orgasm.
Society often perpetuates the notion that men’s sexual functioning is the gold standard, overlooking the unique complexities of women’s bodies. This disparity is evident in portrayals of vaginal penetration as the primary route to orgasm, despite the reality that most women require additional stimulation to reach climax. Consequently, women may internalize feelings of shame and inadequacy, believing that their bodies deviate from an unrealistic norm.
Dr. Rullo emphasizes the importance of challenging these misconceptions and embracing the diversity of women’s sexuality. Acknowledging and accepting these differences is paramount in fostering a healthy attitude towards sexuality, free from shame and judgment.
Previous studies conducted by Flo Health have shed light on the pressing need for increased research and understanding of female sexual health across all genders. These studies have unveiled startling statistics, such as the widespread misconception among men regarding women’s orgasmic responses to vaginal stimulation alone. Additionally, findings have revealed significant barriers to open communication about sexual preferences and experiences, both with partners and in self-pleasure.
The forthcoming survey results, anticipated to be unveiled this summer, hold promise in advancing our comprehension of female orgasms and sexuality. Dr. Rullo underscores the potential of such insights to foster awareness, educate individuals of all genders on female anatomy and sexual physiology, and ultimately dismantle societal stigmas surrounding female sexuality.
More on Sexual health:
Female Masturbation: How it affects Fertility?
A-spot: Do I have It and How do I Explore It?