There is a growing debate about the predictors of sexual satisfaction. Various scales have been developed to measure sexual satisfaction despite the difficulty in the operationalisation of the concept. Nevertheless, we recognize how much we have imposed male-oriented criteria of sexual pleasure onto women. But there are some gender differences to consider and we realize how little we understand about the determinants of sexual satisfaction in women.

We present an on-line survey on female sexual function and the determinant factors of female sexual satisfaction. Our major purpose is to identify and analyse the meaningful factors for female sexual satisfaction in the perspective of women themselves. This is a descriptive correlation study.

The study was conducted in 3 phases: (a) construction of the website and database; (b) conducting a pilot testing in order to check the functioning of the website and database, and questionnaire structure; (c) sampling and data collection.

Voluntary participants over the age of 18 completed an on-line questionnaire concerning demographic data, sexual functioning and determinant factors of sexual satisfaction. We used a snow ball method for recruiting participants by e-mail. Data collection was conducted over a four month period. The final sample was 2400 Portuguese women.

Factor analyses reveal the interpersonal factors as the most important determinant of sexual satisfaction for this women sample. The second factor appears to be related with physical functioning variables.

The most important determinants of sexual satisfaction were (a) to feel desired for the partner, (b) to received attention of the partner, (c) to be able to satisfy the partner. Less significant were physical/sexual factors as (d) to feel sexual desire, (e) to have physical pleasure, (f) to feel physical excitement. Other factors were related to psychosocial variables and sexual fantasies.

Orgasm consistency does not appear to be a significant factor to female sexual satisfaction.

This study may contribute to a better understanding of female sexual functioning. Understanding the determinant factors of female sexual satisfaction is an important achievement to the discussion of diagnostic criteria of women sexual dysfunctions, as well as to improve clinical intervention.

This study may also contribute to the operationalisation of the concept of sexual satisfaction in order to improve instrument measures.