Anyone who’s put on a few extra pounds and found that a higher number on the scale coincided with a lower libido can attest to the fact that confidence and sexual satisfaction go hand in hand. But a recent study has found scientific evidence supporting and shedding even more light on that theory. Researchers from Pennsylvania State University interviewed 95 women aged between 20 and 68 for insight into female sexual evolution. Turns out, as women mature and experience significant milestones, they enjoy greater self-worth, relationships and sexual satisfaction. Some of these milestones could be expected. Career success, for example, can be empowering for both women and men. Moreover, intelligent women are said to enjoy better, more satisfying sex lives—and more orgasms—than their less gifted counterparts. So it only makes sense that those same women would achieve success in other aspects of their lives, outside of the bedroom. But other milestones might be a bit surprising. Life events that were found to boost confidence and sexual gratification include:

• Marriage. This union increased comfort between the sheets.
• Divorce. The end of a marriage marked a period of self-discovery and an improvement in newly single women’s confidence.
• Motherhood. You might think a newborn baby kills a woman’s love life, but childbirth left women feeling more self-assured and respectful of their bodies.
• Promotion. Accomplishments boost confidence overall, while pride encourages feelings of sexual entitlement.

Intrigued by the findings? Find out more about sexual habits in our Canadian Living Sex Survey. ©iStockphoto/Synergee