Obviously, your bedroom moves matter. But research says a lot of seemingly random factors can actually play a major role in your odds of orgasming—we're talking everything thing from your anatomy to your sexting skills.
To keep your sex life steamy, pay attention to these random science-backed factors that will increase your chances of catching that elusive O.
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Your flirty sexts
Your texts might have a tangible impact on your orgasm. In a major study on orgasms published in the Archives of Sexual Behavior earlier this year, researchers looked at over 52,000 men and women across sexual orientations. They found that women who orgasmed more frequently were more likely to swap flirty calls and emails with their partner about something naughty they wanted to do later. The study also found that asking for what you want in bed was associated with more frequent Os. So, go ahead, get explicit.
Your communication skills
Dirty talk aside, how well you communicate in your relationship also plays a big role in your likelihood of reaching the finish line, according to the research. “Explicit and direct communication with one’s partner is key,” David Frederick, lead author on the Archives of Sexual Behavior study, said in an interview with The Guardian. Three little words, in particular, are linked to your likelihood of orgasming, according to the findings. Saying “I love you” during the action was associated with more frequent Os.
Your sexual self-esteem
It might seem like your orgasm is all your partner’s responsibility (and let’s be honest, having the moves definitely contributes), but researchers have also found that your sense of self-esteem and satisfaction with your body is a huge contributing factor. In a 2016 study published in the journal Socioaffective Neuroscience and Psychology, researchers found that your sexual self-esteem is more important for your orgasm than a factor that might seem more obvious, like how often you masturbate or how many partners you've had. It may sound cheesy, but practice saying nice things about your body to up your likelihood of a mind-blowing orgasm. Instead of criticising your naked body, find lingerie, cute undies or even an old t-shirt that will make you feel so sexy you’ll want to leave the lights on.
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Your focus
Rom coms may have us believe that mind-blowing orgasms just happen—one smouldering look and gentle caress and then bam! IRL, it takes a little more concentration. This can be a learning process, according to the 2016 study. Women with a high capacity for orgasm have “learned how to concentrate completely on love-making,” according to the authors. Before the fun starts, take a few mindful moments to decompress from your day. That annoying critique from your boss? Shelf it. Focusing on being present with your partner will make you more likely to O.
Your partner does matter when it comes to your chances of orgasming, according to the research, though just not in the way you’d think. While an S.O. with a solid technique is part of the O equation, researchers also stressed the importance of relationship satisfaction. Both the 2016 and the 2017 studies found that how satisfied you are with your relationship—whether you’ve found your soulmate or just the absolute perfect hookup buddy—is tied to your odds of orgasming. In other words, consider this yet another reason not to settle. If you’re unhappy in your relationship, your sex life might start paying the price.
Your anatomy
Your age
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