The majority of women will fake an orgasm “at some point”, a sex expert has claimed. 

According to a study published in 2015 in the US National Library of Medicine, more than 90% of men usually experience orgasm during sex, while for women the figure drops to only half. 

On Moncreiff, Dr Caroline West, author Wrong Women: Selling Sex in Monto, Dublin’s Forgotten Red Light District, said the roots of the problem lie in society’s historic lack of interest in women’s sexual pleasures. 

“A lot of women have been socialised as well to not speak up about sex and to be ‘the good woman’ and all that kind of stuff,” she said. 

“So, it’s really hard for a lot of people and it’s just easier to fake it.” 

A man holding a condom. Picture by: Alamy.com. 

Despite this, Dr West said that climaxing should not be seen as mandatory during sex and that it is perfectly possible to have a “great time without an orgasm”. 

“For either gender, it doesn’t have to involve something like an orgasm. You can just enjoy what you’re doing and just say, ‘That’s fine if you’re happy out.’ 

“Or it can involve lots of them - it depends on what works for the two of you.

“Sometimes you’re just too tired, sometimes you’re just not in the mood.” 

Dr West said there are a variety of other reasons why women - and some men - end up faking an orgasm. 

“Maybe they’re sensing this person is not actually interested in learning,” she said. 

“Maybe they’ve tried to tell them before and they’re just not taking the hint. 

“Or they might have a bit of an ego about it or maybe it’s not actually safe as well. 

“Some people might not respond in a very safe way if they have that criticism as well. 

“Sometimes it’s a self-preservation thing and sometimes it’s because there’s [an attitude of there’s] no hope here, let’s just get it over and done with.” 

'The sexiest thing you could possibly do' 

If a woman feels safe with her partner and wants to have an orgasm more regularly during sex, Dr West urged them to discuss this with their partner. 

“Everybody’s different, everyone’s desire is different, everyone’s method of happiness is very different,” she said. 

“So, being honest and saying what works for you is probably the sexiest thing you could possibly do. 

“Rather than just diving straight in and pretending you know what you’re doing.”

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Main image: An actress fakes an orgasm in the film When Harry Met Sally . Picture by: Alamy.com