The Hite Report

1. Female Sexuality is Diverse and Often Misunderstood

“Women have never been asked how they felt about sex.”

Cultural Misconceptions. For too long, female sexuality has been viewed through a male lens, with research often focusing on how women respond to male sexuality and intercourse. This has led to widespread misunderstandings and the perpetuation of myths about female desire and orgasm. The book challenges the idea that female sexuality is simply a response to male sexuality, asserting that it has a complex nature of its own.

Need for Self-Expression. Women have been historically silenced about their sexual experiences, with researchers often telling them how they should feel rather than asking how they do feel. This book seeks to rectify this by giving women a platform to share their experiences in their own words, thus redefining female sexuality and strengthening women's identities. The questionnaires in this study were designed to ask women themselves how they feel, what they like, and what they think of sex, rather than imposing external norms.

Redefining Sex. The book argues that "sex" as we define it is a cultural construct, not simply a biological given. This means that the definition of sex can be changed and should be changed to reflect the diverse experiences and desires of women. The book aims to stimulate a public discussion and reevaluation of sexuality, encouraging more kind, generous, and personal ways of relating.

2. Masturbation: A Key to Understanding Female Orgasm

“The importance of masturbation is really to love and care for yourself totally, as a natural way of relating to your own body.”

Pure Biological Feedback. Masturbation, often done alone and without instruction, provides a source of almost pure biological feedback, revealing how women's bodies naturally respond to stimulation. It is a key to understanding female sexuality from the point of view of orgasm, as it is one of the few forms of instinctive behavior to which we have access. The ease with which women orgasm during masturbation contradicts stereotypes about female sexuality.

Challenging Stereotypes. The fact that most women can orgasm easily and pleasurably during masturbation, often multiple times in a row, challenges the stereotype that women are slow to arouse and have difficulty reaching orgasm. This highlights that the problem is not with female sexuality itself, but with society's narrow and oppressive definition of sex. The book celebrates masturbation as a normal and healthy activity, a way for women to explore and enjoy their own bodies.

Breaking the Silence. Sharing how women masturbate is a first step toward bringing female sexuality out into the world and redefining sex and physical relations. The book encourages women to touch, explore, and enjoy their own bodies in any way they desire, not only when they are alone but also when they are with another person. It is a way of reclaiming their bodies and their sexuality.

3. The Clitoris: The Center of Female Sexual Pleasure

“It is in fact normal for women to orgasm from clitoral stimulation, not immature or dysfunctional.”

Clitoral Primacy. The book emphasizes that the clitoris is the primary source of sexual pleasure for women, and that most women can orgasm easily through clitoral stimulation. This challenges the long-held belief that vaginal penetration is the key to female orgasm. The book asserts that it is normal for women to orgasm from clitoral stimulation, not immature or dysfunctional.

Challenging the "G-Spot" Myth. The book debunks the myth of the "G-spot," which was popularized in the 1980s as a special spot inside the vagina that could cause orgasm. Research has shown that no such spot exists, and the idea was likely promoted to delegitimize women's desire to change the meaning of sex. The book argues that the constant glamorization of the vagina (and feelings inside the vagina), as opposed to the clitoris, demonstrates a resistance towards a redefinition of sex called for by women and men today.

Celebrating Clitoral Orgasm. The book celebrates the clitoris as a source of pleasure and encourages women to embrace their clitoral orgasms. It argues that the way women orgasm is something to celebrate, not derogate. It is not that women have a problem sexually, but that society has a problem accepting and understanding women’s sexuality.

4. Intercourse: Not the Only Path to Female Orgasm

“The assumption has been that intercourse (The Act) is the only real way to have sex, and that a normal woman should orgasm during penetration, just like a man.”

Challenging the "Act." The book challenges the idea that intercourse is the only "real" way to have sex and that women should orgasm during penetration, just like men. This assumption has led to widespread misunderstanding of female sexuality and has put pressure on women to perform sexually. The book argues that intercourse is not the starting point for understanding female sexuality, but rather one of many possible sexual activities.

Limited Orgasm from Intercourse. The book reveals that only about one-third of women orgasm easily during intercourse, highlighting the inadequacy of intercourse as a primary source of female sexual pleasure. This finding challenges the cultural norm that intercourse is the most important sexual activity for women. The book emphasizes that most women can orgasm easily during clitoral or pubic area stimulation, either by themselves or with another person.

Redefining Intercourse. The book calls for a redefinition of intercourse, suggesting that it should not be seen as the only or primary goal of sexual activity. It encourages women to explore other forms of sexual expression and to prioritize their own pleasure and satisfaction. The book also suggests that the beginning of intercourse could be described as penile covering rather than vaginal penetration.

5. The Myth of the Vaginal Orgasm and the Pressure to Perform

“Whoever said orgasm wasn’t important for a woman was undoubtedly a man.”

Debunking the Myth. The book debunks the myth of the vaginal orgasm, which was popularized by Freud and others. It emphasizes that all female orgasms are caused by clitoral stimulation, whether direct or indirect. The idea that women should have vaginal orgasms is a cultural construct that has been used to oppress women and to make them feel inadequate if they do not orgasm during intercourse.

Pressure to Perform. The book highlights the pressure women face to perform by having orgasms, especially during intercourse. This pressure often comes from men who want to feel like they are good lovers, but it also comes from society's expectations that women should be sexually active and enjoy sex as much as men. This pressure can lead women to fake orgasms or to feel ashamed if they do not orgasm during intercourse.

Emotional Orgasm. The book introduces the concept of "emotional orgasm," which is a feeling of intense emotional connection and closeness that some women experience during sex. This type of orgasm is not necessarily tied to physical stimulation and can be a powerful and meaningful experience. The book emphasizes that there are many ways to experience sexual pleasure, and that orgasm is not the only measure of sexual satisfaction.

6. The Importance of Touching and Affection Beyond Genital Sex

“Masturbation is self-love, giving yourself pleasure, a natural part of regular, everyday life.”

Beyond Genital Focus. The book emphasizes the importance of touching and affection beyond genital sex. It argues that physical intimacy, including hugging, kissing, and caressing, is essential for human connection and well-being. The book encourages women to explore and enjoy all forms of physical contact, not just those that lead to orgasm.

Arousal as a Pleasure. The book highlights the pleasure of arousal itself, suggesting that it can be a source of enjoyment even without orgasm. Many women described arousal as a time of heightened sensitivity, warmth, and connection with their bodies and their partners. The book encourages women to appreciate the process of arousal and not to rush to orgasm.

Redefining Intimacy. The book calls for a redefinition of intimacy that goes beyond genital sex. It suggests that intimacy can be found in all forms of physical contact, including hugging, kissing, and simply being close to another person. The book encourages women to explore and enjoy all forms of physical intimacy, not just those that lead to orgasm.

7. The Sexual Revolution: A Mixed Blessing for Women

“The attitude that masturbation is just for when you can’t relate to someone else sexually for whatever reason is nonsense. Masturbation is another form of sex and should be seen as such.”

Ambiguous Impact. The book acknowledges that the sexual revolution of the 1960s had a mixed impact on women. While it brought about greater openness about sex and challenged some traditional taboos, it also created new pressures and expectations for women. The book argues that the sexual revolution has often been interpreted as a license for men to exploit women sexually, rather than a genuine liberation for both sexes.

The Double Standard. The book highlights the persistence of the double standard, which allows men to have multiple sexual partners while condemning women for doing the same. It argues that the sexual revolution has often been used to justify male promiscuity while still holding women to traditional standards of sexual behavior. The book emphasizes that women should be free to explore their sexuality without being judged or labeled.

Redefining Freedom. The book calls for a redefinition of sexual freedom that goes beyond simply having more sex. It argues that true sexual freedom involves the ability to make choices about one's own body and sexuality, without being pressured or coerced by others. The book encourages women to define their own sexuality on their own terms, rather than conforming to societal expectations.

8. Age and Sexuality: A Lifelong Journey

“It is important to relate to ones own body in a total way. Loving and respecting oneself should include physical love.”

Challenging Ageism. The book challenges the cultural myth that older women are not sexual beings. It emphasizes that female sexuality is a lifelong journey and that women can experience sexual pleasure and desire at any age. The book encourages older women to embrace their sexuality and to reject the idea that they are no longer desirable or capable of sexual pleasure.

Menopause and Sexuality. The book explains that menopause does not necessarily diminish a woman's sexual desire or capacity for orgasm. In fact, some women report an increase in erotic appetite during the menopausal years. The book emphasizes that the changes that occur during menopause are primarily related to reproduction, not to sexual pleasure.

Reclaiming Sexuality. The book encourages older women to reclaim their sexuality and to explore new ways of experiencing pleasure. It argues that age should not be a barrier to sexual expression and that women should be free to enjoy their bodies and their sexuality throughout their lives. The book also highlights the importance of self-love and self-acceptance in maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sex life.

9. Lesbianism: A Valid and Powerful Expression of Female Sexuality

“Masturbation is one of the sacred rituals that women can enjoy amongst themselves. I say it is ‘sacred’ because it is self-initiated, self-controlled, and self-gratifying—coming from a position of strength.”

Challenging Heteronormativity. The book recognizes lesbianism as a valid and powerful expression of female sexuality. It challenges the heteronormative view that all women should be attracted to men and that heterosexual intercourse is the only "natural" form of sexual expression. The book argues that lesbianism is a natural and healthy variation of human sexuality.

Equality and Mutuality. The book highlights the potential for equality and mutuality in lesbian relationships. It suggests that women are often more sensitive to each other's needs and desires and that lesbian relationships can be free from the power imbalances that often characterize heterosexual relationships. The book emphasizes that lesbianism can be a source of empowerment and self-discovery for women.

Redefining Love and Intimacy. The book encourages women to explore their feelings for other women and to consider the possibility of lesbian relationships. It argues that love and intimacy can be found in all kinds of relationships, regardless of gender. The book calls for a more inclusive and accepting view of sexuality that recognizes the diversity of human experience.

10. Sexual Slavery: The Oppression of Women's Bodies and Desires

“The facts are clear: most women can orgasm easily during clitoral or pubic area stimulation . . . Only one-third of women orgasm easily during the actual act, i.e. penetration.”

Challenging the Status Quo. The book argues that women are often treated as sexual slaves, forced to satisfy men's needs while ignoring their own. This is due to a combination of cultural norms, economic pressures, and the glorification of male sexuality. The book calls for a redefinition of sex that prioritizes women's pleasure and autonomy.

Reclaiming Control. The book encourages women to reclaim control over their own bodies and desires. It argues that women should not be afraid to say "no" to sex if they do not want it and that they should not feel obligated to satisfy men's sexual needs at the expense of their own. The book emphasizes that women have a right to their own orgasms and that they should not be ashamed to seek them.

Redefining Power. The book calls for a redefinition of power in sexual relationships. It argues that power should not be based on gender or on the ability to control another person's body. Instead, it should be based on mutual respect, understanding, and a shared desire for pleasure and intimacy. The book encourages women to challenge the traditional power dynamics of heterosexual relationships and to create new models of sexual interaction.

Last updated: January 30, 2025