A major study revealed the reasons why people who fake orgasms stop doing so.

The topic of faking orgasms is extensively covered in scientific literature. Contrary to the common stereotype that associates this behavior primarily with women, studies have shown that individuals of both genders have pretended to orgasm. Estimates suggest that between 21% to 85% of people have faked an orgasm at least once with a sexual partner. However, statistics indicate that the proportion of such "fakers" among women is indeed higher than among men: 45-85% compared to 21-71%.

When studying this phenomenon, researchers primarily focused on the factors that motivate individuals to fake orgasms. Among the most common explanations were the desire to quickly end the sexual act, the wish to please a partner, and the need to conform to societal expectations regarding intimacy and satisfaction.

The opposite aspect—why some individuals stop faking orgasms and the nuances associated with this—has been rarely addressed in scientific works. To fill this gap, a group of specialists in psychology and public health from the University of Copenhagen (Denmark) and Deakin University (Australia) undertook this research. Their article was recently published in The Journal of Sex Research.

The study on this topic was conducted using the online platform Cint. Participants included residents from six European countries: Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland, France, and the United Kingdom. The total sample consisted of more than 11,500 individuals aged 18 to 80, selected to reflect the population of their countries in terms of gender, age, and other socio-demographic characteristics.

As a result, just over half of the respondents reported that they had never faked an orgasm. Among men, this figure exceeded 65%, while among women, it was 36.41%. Approximately 40% of respondents admitted to having faked orgasms at some point. Of this group, about 27% indicated that they had faked orgasms in the past but had stopped doing so, while another 13% (8.59% men and 18.11% women) stated that they still continue to pretend.

Among the reasons for discontinuing the simulation of orgasms, respondents most frequently cited a more comfortable state without ecstasy, improved understanding from sexual partners, as well as more attentive responses from partners to the desires and preferences of those surveyed. Less often, they attributed this change to learning ways to gain satisfaction independently and increased confidence. The least popular responses were "I was caught faking" and "I am no longer sexually active."

While popular literature often treats the subject of faking orgasms lightly, this behavior may be indicative of serious issues. The survey revealed that those who engage in this behavior reported lower satisfaction with sex, their relationship with partners, and life in general compared to respondents who either did not engage in such practices or had already stopped faking.

In a comment to PsyPost, the authors of the new study stated that their research, along with similar studies, helps to "normalize" the topic of sex and the enjoyment derived from it.

"A normal sex life is one of the main pillars of health. Simply put, this is something that birds, bees, and others engage in. It is in human nature to seek pleasure and engage in sex," the researchers emphasized.