Question

I have often heard that men reach their sexual peak at 18 while women reach it at 35. Is this true?

Answer

This is one of those sound bites that seems to have a life of its own. I have been hearing that one for years, yet it is far from accurate. As far as I can make out, the origin of this oft-quoted statistic is a study that asked men and women of different ages how often they had orgasms. Because of societal messages, women often take longer to feel comfortable with sexuality or learn about their bodies. Many women don't learn how to have an orgasm until later in life.

It really all comes down to how you define "sexual peak." If it is measured by hormone levels, or ease of getting physically aroused, then both men and women peak in their late teens to early 20s. If it is measured by sexual satisfaction, it comes later in life.

Of course, there is a tremendous range in the age at which people feel that they are at their sexual peak. I think that reducing it to the ability to have orgasms easily is a poor definition. I have yet to meet a man or woman in their teens who can compare to an older man or woman in terms of sexual skills or sophistication!

Best,

Dr. Sandor Gardos

MyPleasure provides up-to-date and useful sexual education materials in combination with a store that allows people to buy, try, and learn about new aspects of sexuality. We believe everybody deserves a great sex life.