Forbidden Fruit: Unveiling the Truth About Sex in the Victorian Era

When discussing sex during the Victorian era, images of corsets, arranged marriages, and societal constraints often come to mind. However, the reality of Victorian sexuality was far more complex and intriguing than commonly perceived. Dr. Clelia Duel Mosher, a physician, advocate, and women’s rights activist, conducted groundbreaking research in 1910 on the sexual behaviors and experiences of her contemporaries. Her work, based on surveys of over 2000 women, challenged the unnatural stereotypes surrounding female sexuality. Although Mosher’s findings were not widely publicized at the time, they have since been brought to light by Carl Degler’s work, published by Stanford University. Based on Degler’s insights, let’s explore what we can learn from Victorian sexuality and the lessons it holds for modern society.

Women Struggled with Orgasm Issues in the Past

It appears that issues related to underdeveloped pelvic floor muscles were prevalent during the Victorian era. Some women surveyed by Mosher reported experiencing pain or low sensitivity, leading to a lack of orgasm. They described this absence of sexual fulfillment as a significant mood dampener, often resulting in depression and nervous breakdowns that lasted for extended periods. Comments such as “men know too little about what needs to be done” suggest that women have been seriously considering their sexual satisfaction for centuries, not just in modern times.

Sex Was More Than Just Procreation

One of the surveyed women stated that a marriage could only be considered genuine if the couple engaged in sex with the intention of having children. She viewed relationships where sex was purely for pleasure as “legalized prostitution.” Despite this stereotypical comment, many women disagreed with this perspective. Another woman argued that pleasure is an essential component of sex, while a third woman believed that children have nothing to do with sex. She noted that every time they avoided penetration due to the risk of pregnancy, they lost the precious intimacy that develops between lovers.

For another participant, sex was a tool for strengthening marriage:

I know from experience that the constant physical expression of love has a psychological effect, allowing partners to be emotionally and spiritually connected even when passion fades. This, in turn, strengthens the marriage.

Sex During Menstruation Was Not Considered Unnatural

Despite various discussions surrounding sex during menstruation, one of the women surveyed by Mosher believed that sex should be regular, regardless of the time of the month. She also mentioned being ready to engage in sexual activity at any time of the day, not just at night. This approach to sex was remarkably modern, and many men and women today could benefit from this historical lesson.

Women Fought Against Stereotypes

Mosher’s work highlights that many attempted to deny female sexuality, often making it shameful and even illegal to express true desires. However, the women who participated in the survey were neither asexual nor frigid. They had desires and expressed their emotions, refusing to let social standards and prohibitions hinder their pursuit of pleasure.

Today, women are no longer victims of the barriers that restricted them during the Victorian era. However, many modern women still suffer from the pressures of dress codes or lack the courage and desire to speak openly about their moral principles. Although sex for pleasure is no longer considered illegal or unnatural, women still face stigmas and slut-shaming.

One crucial takeaway from Dr. Mosher’s work is that, despite the ongoing struggle for the right to recognize and embrace their sexuality, it is essential to remember that enjoying sex is entirely normal and moral. Women striving to understand themselves are not alone, as evidenced by the history of Victorian sexuality through the candid stories of real people from that era.