Do Men Fake Orgasms?
Until today, we knew that women fake orgasms, but there was little research on men. A recent study of 180 men and 101 women showed that both sexes fake orgasms, although women (50%) do so more often than men (25%).
The majority of both men and women reported faking orgasms during vaginal penetration, with less frequency during oral sex or other practices.
Furthermore, most participants admitted that they did not initiate sex themselves during these encounters, and several mentioned not being in a sexual mood. Faking an orgasm was more common after heavy drinking, especially among men.
What Are the Reasons Men Fake Orgasms?
Men, more than women, reported faking orgasms when they were unable to climax due to excessive alcohol consumption or having already had an orgasm earlier in the day. Another common reason was to prematurely end the sexual encounter.
82% of men (and 61% of women) expressed a desire to stop because they were tired or wanted to sleep. Another motive for faking was to avoid upsetting their partner, a reason observed in both sexes but more prevalent among women.
This study highlights that men’s experiences often differ from societal expectations. Persistent myths like “men are always ready for sex” and “each partner is responsible for the other’s orgasm” contribute to rigid sexual practices.
Reference: Muehlenhard CL, Shippee SK (2010) Men’s and women’s reports of pretending orgasm. J Sex Res 47:552-567.
