Yes, some women do reach orgasm before they wish to, although it is not very common.

The situation is similar to premature ejaculation in men, but has not been as widely studied.

In 2011, the journal Sexologies published a study that investigated how common premature orgasm was among a group of 510 Portuguese women between the ages of 18 and 45. Using a special questionnaire, the scientists asked the women to report if they reached orgasm too soon and, if they did, how often this happened. The women were also welcome to share their comments.

They found that about 40% of the women had premature orgasms every once in a while. Fourteen percent had them frequently. And 3% had them all the time. (42% of the women did not have problems with premature orgasms.)

The study authors emphasized that their findings were preliminary. Further research is needed to learn more about premature orgasm in various groups of women.

However, like premature ejaculation, female premature orgasm can be distressing for both partners. One study participant explained her situation this way:

“I finish very quickly, whereas my boyfriend doesn’t get a chance to . . . Once I orgasm, I find it uncomfortable to continue, the mood changes, and he ends up missing out, which I feel bad about…”

As with any sexual difficulty, women with premature orgasm should talk to their doctor. Sex therapy or couples counseling might help.