The Role Of The Stimulation Type For Female Orgasms: Psychometric Properties Of The German Version Of The Female Orgasm Scale (Fos) And The Clitoris Self-Stimulation Scale (Csss)

Introduction The type of sexual stimulation is important for orgasm frequency in women. This point is often missed in questionnaires, as is the question as to whether women take action themselves to ensure their own orgasm. A more differentiated view of the experience and behavior associated with female orgasm is therefore required.Objectives The aim of the study is to create a linguistically adapted version of the Female Orgasm Scale (FOS) and the Clitoris Self-Stimulation Scale (CSSS) as well as the evaluation of psychometric properties in a German sample.Methods The Female Orgasm Scale (FOS) discriminates between orgasm consistency through different types of stimulation (penile-vaginal intercourse with and without additional clitoral stimulation, stimulation by partner's hand, oral sex, self-stimulation) and satisfaction with quantity and quality of orgasms. The Clitoral Self-Stimulation Scale (CSSS) measures behavior, affect, and attitude regarding clitoral self-stimulation in partnered sexuality. The scales were tested in a cross-sectional online survey with 412 women.Results The internal consistency for FOS-D was acceptable for the total scale (alpha >=.77). For CSSS-D, the internal consistency was good (alpha=.81). Two factors could be extracted for FOS-D (German FOS): 1. orgasm consistency by vaginal penetration and orgasm satisfaction, and 2. orgasm consistency by clitoral stimulation types. The CSSS-D (German CSSS) yielded only one factor.Conclusion The FOS-D and the CSSS-D provide adequate measures for a better understanding of female sexuality and seem to be useful instruments for the assessment, treatment, and general research of sexual health.