Variables associated with nocturnal orgasm in selected females at a small midwestern university.

Abstract

PURPOSE: There is need for the female to have information concerning her sexual self without the implication of moral value and social custom. If females have orgasms naturally and automatically during sleep, as males do, it would follow that orgasmic inhibition is a learned dysfunction. This study was undertaken to determine if females were aware of sex dreams, nocturnal orgasms, and variables which might be associated with the phenomenon. PROCEDURE: Data were collected from two hundred six subjects, on a seventy-six item questionnaire, with respect to age, alternate sexual activity and sexual attitudes. Additionally, the study was to inform subjects of cultural attitudes contributory to withholding accurate physiological information for them; and i;ultimately, to reflect what the women were thinking and doing in relationship to t.heir sexualit.y. A verbal introduction was given prior to filling in the questionnaire. SUBJECT: The subjects were: graduate and undergraduate females; single, married or divorced; divided into younger, middle and upper age levels; sexually inexperienced and experienced; and enrolled in Emporia State University the Fall Semester of 1979. FINDINGS: Relationships were established between nocturnal orgasm; and age, orgasm during sexual intercourse, vaginal perception and premenstrual sexual arousal, as well as a relationship between coitus and oral-genital sex. Twenty-three percent of the sample abstain from pre-marital coitus. Seventy-seven percent engage in coitus. Twenty percent who do not engage in coitus, do engage in oral-genital sex. CONCLUSIONS:Women do experience sex dreams and nocturnal orgasm. The great majority of females no longer cling tenaciously or uncompromisingly to traditional sexual mores.