Seven, Seven, Oh god! Seven! That is the number of pleasure points women possess. A famous scene from an episode of the popular sitcom F.R.I.E.N.D.S that aired between 1994-2004 educated the viewers that just pushing in and finishing yourself isn’t really gonna keep your woman happy. Men have got to learn, to act and LET HER FINISH rather than just being selfish!
As ‘woke’ as people in the country call themselves, it was once a taboo for a woman to even have an opinion about sex. Sex has long been framed through the lens of male gratification. Many ancient cultures and religious doctrines saw procreation as the primary function of sex, reducing women’s role to reproduction rather than enjoyment. Not that women really knew what an orgasm is, traditions and taboos kept them away from even exploring their bodies and unleash the euphoric feeling of finishing!
The lack of scientific curiosity about female orgasm further deepened this oversight. Up until the 20th century, medical and psychological texts either dismissed female pleasure as secondary to men’s or ignored it altogether. In some cases, women were even pathologised for expressing sexual desire, with ‘hysteria’ being a catch-all diagnosis for any signs of passion or frustration. How Pathetic! Maybe they were too scared to discover what lies withing with the fear that they might not be able to give women what they truly deserve! A good orgasm!
The rise of patriarchal norms reinforced the idea that women should be passive participants in sex. Conversations around pleasure were considered taboo, and many women were left uninformed about their own bodies. The result? Generations of women who never questioned why they weren’t experiencing satisfaction.
“Men are selfish beings. Especially men who have grown up in families where they have seen women not demanding much, cannot and will not change their perspective about female pleasure. They will find it absurd and disturbing if their wives start expecting an orgasm. They will attack their partners with accusations of having changed, or having an affair or being too ‘learned’ about dirty acts. It will take time, but there will come a day where women will be free of this basic judgement and enjoy their right,” said Shantanu, a 35-year-old tech consultant.
How have the tables turned in today’s world?
Well, back when communication and social media were not introduced to the world, Pioneers like Dr. Masters and Johnson and Dr. Helen O’Connell researched female anatomy and pleasure, breaking longstanding myths about the clitoris and female orgasm.
Today, with the rise of media, literature, and sex-positive feminism, women are beginning to demand more from their partners and society. They are trying to establish a basic fact that women are not wrong or should not be character assassinated for wanting and needing sexual pleasure. The accessibility of sex education and the internet also helped demystify female pleasure, making information more readily available. Divya Mehra, a relationship counsellor shared her opinion on the same saying, “I think today’s generation does give importance to female pleasure. You see that even in condom commercials. Today they are all about “her” pleasure. Having said that, most often, especially in marriages female pleasure is secondary. Very rarely a husband makes the woman come first before releasing himself.”
Today, brands, therapists, and influencers openly advocate for female pleasure, encouraging women to take control of their own satisfaction. The once-taboo topic is now a fundamental part of discussions around relationships, intimacy, and health. For a change, young adults and millennials are all in for making their woman come first, make her happy and then care about their own climax. The whole idea of being masculine now circles around how secure you feel with a woman who knows what she wants.
Men today believe in prioratising their partner’s satisfaction which also help both of them explore further in their sexual relationship. “I am 25 now and I met Aarav when I was 22. He was 3 years elder to me when I met him. Touchwood, I could not have asked for a more loving relationship. There were things that I had to tell him or teach him when it came to sexual intimacy but he was willing to learn, listen and accept. Now, that is a trait of a attractive, masculine man. I just feel communicating your needs and desires to your partner and him working on it makes you feel comfortable and confident in your femininity. It also strengthens your bond,” said Rucha Baid, a lawyer working in Mumbai.
Let’s get to why female pleasure matters
The society and men need to get this simple yet important fact that pleasure is not just a luxury-it’s a necessity. Women’s sexual satisfaction plays a significant role in relationship quality, intimacy, and personal confidence. When both partners prioritise each other’s pleasure, it fosters better communication, deeper connections, and greater overall happiness.
But beyond relationships, embracing female pleasure is a step towards gender equality. When women’s needs are acknowledged, it dismantles the outdated notion that sex is only about male gratification. It also challenges harmful stigmas that have shamed women for expressing sexual agency. Moreover, the necessity of sex is not bound to a certain age. It is a common misconception that women in their late 50’s have no sexual desire or don’t really care about satisfaction. Well, just like men, women love sexual intimacy at all ages. Infact, it helps them deal with issues like menopause as they age. “Another myth is sex is no no during menopause. On the contrary it eases the process. Even women need to know that. Pleasure always releases hormones that relaxes and enhances mood. Works for PMS as well. Orgasm – with partner or self-help – always helps tackle PMS and menopausal symptoms better,” said Divya Mehra.
While progress has been made, there is still work to do. Many women continue to struggle with sexual shame, misinformation, and unsatisfying experiences due to a lack of education and open dialogue. To create a future where female pleasure is fully valued, we need to normalise discussions about sexual health, ensure comprehensive sex education, and continue breaking societal taboos.
Sexual satisfaction should never be a privilege-it’s a right. When women are empowered to embrace their pleasure, it doesn’t just transform their intimate lives-it enhances their confidence, relationships, and overall well-being. And that’s something worth celebrating!
