It has a long history of mystery – so we’re here to share everything you want to know about the elusive female orgasm

The female orgasm is a lot like Wi-Fi—most of us know it’s out there and it’s happening, but that’s about all. The finer points of what happens are a bit of a mystery. But they don’t have to be. Let’s get to know the female orgasm!

The average female orgasm lasts between six and ten seconds.

That’s right: all of that sensation, all of that passion, all that climbing to cloud nine … usually lasts as long it took you to read this sentence.

The good news is women can do something about it. Performing Kegel exercises can help strengthen the vaginal muscles and give women more control over their orgasm. We recommend finding a vaginal exerciser that works for each person and getting their squeeze on for longer, more intense orgasms.

Most women don’t orgasm from vaginal intercourse alone.

In her book “The Case of the Female Orgasm” (we know—it sounds like a lost Sherlock Holmes novel), Professor Elisabeth Lloyd analyzed 33 studies of the female orgasm, spanning over 80 years of research. She found that only 25% of women reach orgasm consistently through vaginal intercourse.

This reinforces what so many women already know: the clitoris is key to orgasm. Approximately 70-80% of women need clitoral stimulation to hit the big finish. Unfortunately, geometry is not in her favor when she only hit the sheets in the missionary position. Maybe that’s why …

Faking it is common.

According to a University of Kansas study of nearly 300 women, 68% of ladies fake the big O at least once. Yikes. If you fall into that category, we urge you to talk to your partner about how the two of you can make sex more satisfying for both of you, and try some new things so all that moaning gets rewarded.

Side note: According to the same survey, 28% of men claim they have also faked it. They probably do it for the same reasons you do.

Reaching orgasm gets easier with age.

Pure Romance favorite Dr. Debby Herbenick told Woman’s Day some really interesting things about how often women orgasm as they age. According to Herbenick, 61% of women 18-24 had an orgasm the last time they had sex, but that number jumps to 65% for women in their 30s and 70% (!) for women in their 40s and 50s.

So what’s the big secret? Why are older women finding it easier to have a happy ending? Well, no one knows. Maybe it’s confidence or maybe it’s know-how. Heck, it could even be karma. Whatever the reason, each birthday just got sweeter.

Mark Your Calendar: July 31 is National Orgasm Day.

That’s right, we have a national holiday just for orgasms. Start planning your celebration now!