The relationship between mode of female masturbation and achievement of orgasm in coitus.

To determine the relationship between masturbatory and coital behavior, 117 middle-class female volunteers were classified into three styles of masturbatory behavior--direct, indirect, and nonmasturbators. Direct masturbation was defined as the direct digital manipulation of the clitoris or use of a vibrator. Indirect masturbation included all other methods of masturbation not defined as direct. The classification was done on the basis of responses to a questionnaire. Of the masturbators 70% reported no change in their masturbatory style from initial masturbatory experiences. No relationship was found between either ability to masturbate or masturbatory style and coital orgasmic capacity. It was also found that (a) nonmasturbators achieved orgasm in coitus via additional clitoral stimulation significantly less frequently than either direct or indirect masturbators and (b) direct masturbators have a significantly greater preference for clitoral, as opposed to vaginal, stimulation as a means of achieving orgasm. The results are interpreted within the context of possible deficiencies in the questionnaire and confounding between the ongoing psychological and biological processes occurring in sexual activity. Within these constraints, the findings support current methods of treatment for primary and secondary anorgasmia.