Moaning during sex is one of those things that somehow feels both completely natural and weirdly performative at the same time. Sometimes (if you’re lucky) it just happens, a physical reaction to what feels good. And other times, you might catch yourself wondering if you’re being too quiet…or trying a little too hard to sound like you’re not.

A big part of that confusion comes from what we’ve been exposed to. Between porn, pop culture, and past experiences, it’s easy to think there’s a “right” way to moan during sex, when in reality, there isn’t. Some people are loud, some are quiet, and some don’t make much noise at all. And none of that says much about how good the sex actually is.

Still, there’s a reason people think about it. Moaning during sex can be a way of expressing pleasure, building connection, or even guiding your partner toward what feels best, and some research suggests it can actually enhance the overall sexual experience. “It’s pretty much like we’re all cats in heat, screeching our sexual desires out,” explains Kenneth Play, an international sex educator and creator of the Sex Hacker Pro course. Dramatic? Sure. But it gets at the idea that sound is often just another form of communication.

So if you’ve ever wondered why people moan during sex, or questioned whether you’re “doing it right,” you’re not alone. Here’s what to know about moaning during sex, why it happens, and how to approach it in a way that actually feels real for you.

Why Do We Moan During Sex?

Odds are, you’re moaning because you’re enjoying yourself, says Gigi Engle, LifeStyles brand ambassador, certified sex coach, and author of All the F*cking Mistakes: A Guide to Sex, Love, and Life. “It’s a natural, animalistic response on the most basic of levels,” she says.

“When we’re feeling pleasure, we start to lose control over our bodies. The somatic nervous system takes a back seat, and we can’t always control the sounds that come out as a result.” In other words, moaning during sex isn’t always something you’re consciously deciding to do—it’s often just your body reacting in real time.

On the flip side, though, not all moaning is totally automatic. “There are times when people moan during sex to be performative as well,” Engle continues. “Sometimes we over-exaggerate our noises in an attempt to sate the ego of a partner.”

What Does Moaning During Sex Mean?

Audio cues can be both an erotic and useful form of sexual communication, says Jennifer Litner, PhD, founder of Embrace Sexual Wellness. “Making sexual sounds can be a way to connect to the experience. For example, if a person is moaning while saying, ‘Mmm, I like that,’ it draws their attention to their own enjoyment while also giving their partner a clear cue.”

More often than not, moaning acts as a green light. “Moaning [usually] signifies that what your partner is doing feels good,” says Engle. “If something feels good, making some noise can let them know to keep doing that. Moaning can be a good indicator that something is working, while silence can signal that it’s not.”

That said, not everyone is comfortable making sounds that feel unfamiliar, so it’s important not to rely on moaning alone as a measure of enjoyment. Checking in with your partner—whether they’re vocal or not—is always a better way to understand what’s actually feeling good.

And that communication doesn’t have to start in the moment. “To best understand one another, I recommend partners ask about sexual sounds in advance,” Litner adds. She suggests asking something like, “How will I know if you’re enjoying sex? What sounds will you make?” This gives both of you a clearer sense of what to expect, whether that’s verbal cues, quieter reactions, or something in between.

How Moaning Can Make Sex Better

There are a few ways moaning can actually improve the experience. For one, it can act as real-time feedback. Paying attention to how your partner responds—whether they get more vocal or quieter—can give you a better sense of what they like and help you adjust in the moment.

“Try to develop the skill to detect when your partner is faking [moaning] and when they are making authentic sounds of pleasure,” suggests Play. Not only can that help you better understand what feels good for them, but it can also make it easier for your partner to relax and be more honest about their experience.

Moaning can also be part of letting yourself be in the moment. When you’re less focused on how you sound and more focused on what you’re feeling, it tends to create a more connected and enjoyable experience overall—which your partner will likely pick up on, too.

“Moaning is super sexy and it shows that it’s a positive experience,” says Engle. “People want to feel like they’re doing a good job in bed. It’s highly erotic to hear confirmation.”

Does Moaning Help You Orgasm?

Moaning can be a natural response to pleasure for some people, but it may also play a role in helping you—and your partner—reach orgasm. “Allowing your sounds to come out freely can support your body’s overall response,” explains ASTROGLIDE resident sexologist, Jess O’Reilly, PhD. “When you muffle your sounds, you often end up holding your breath, and breath plays a role in circulation, arousal, and orgasm.”

That said, moaning isn’t for everyone. But if you find yourself actively holding it in, it might be worth thinking about why. “Do you feel deserving of pleasure? Have you trained yourself to adjust your sounds to suit your partner’s or sociocultural expectations? Do you want to challenge those norms?” Dr. Jess says.

If you realize you’re holding back, take some time to reflect on what’s behind it. It doesn’t necessarily mean you need to change anything—but understanding your own reactions can help you feel more comfortable and present during sex.

How Do I Make Moaning Less Awkward?

Getting comfortable with moaning isn’t necessarily something that happens overnight, but it can start with simply being more aware of your reactions. “If you want to moan, but it’s not your thing, try letting it happen when something actually feels good,” says Engle.

If jumping straight into it feels a little awkward, Play suggests easing into it in a more playful way. “Try a little game of primal play,” he says. “Get on all fours and pretend you are an animal of your choice. Make sounds, move around, and focus on the physical sensations.” It might feel a little silly at first, but it can help you tap into a more instinctive, less self-conscious mindset—and make things feel more relaxed overall.

That said, moaning isn’t a requirement. “There’s nothing wrong with making other noises,” Engle says. What matters most is communicating with your partner in whatever way feels natural to you, whether that’s through sounds, words, or something else entirely.

How Can I Tell If My Partner's Moans Are Good or Bad?

Pay attention to your partner’s body language along with the sounds they’re making, since different kinds of moans can mean different things, explains the co-founder and co-host of the Private Parts Unknown podcast, Sofiya Alexandra. “Was the moan sharp and surprised? That could be pain or discomfort. Are the moans getting higher-pitched and closer together? They might be close to coming,” she says.

That said, the most reliable way to know what’s going on is to ask. Checking in with your partner about how something feels is always a better move than trying to interpret their sounds on your own.

“Keep in mind that different people make different sounds. Something may sound like a bad moan, but that’s just the way that person expresses pleasure,” notes Engle. “If you’re ever unsure, take a beat to ask if what you’re doing feels good. You should never keep doing something your partner isn’t enjoying.”

The more you communicate—and the more familiar you become with your partner—the easier it gets to understand what their responses actually mean.

How Do I Show My Partner the Difference Between My Moans?

Again, Engle says the key is communication. “Don’t just say ‘ouch’ if something doesn’t feel right,” she says. “Tell your partner to do something else. For instance, ‘Baby, can you move your mouth a little higher?’ or ‘Can you slow down a little bit? I like it slower.’” Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want—in some cases, if you don’t ask, you might not get it.

Additionally, Alexandra adds that the first step might be simply paying attention to your own moans, as well as your partner’s. You might think you’re clearly communicating pleasure, but once you actually listen, it might not come across as obviously as you assume. The next time you’re together, pay attention to the sounds you’re making to see if it helps make things a little clearer for both of you.

Does the Volume of Moans Really Matter?

“Moan as loudly or as softly as you want,” says Engle. “If someone is rude to you about how loud you are, don’t have sex with them. There are plenty of people out there who will appreciate it.” There’s no right or wrong way to sound.

If you do want to turn the volume up without feeling forced, Alexandra suggests “leaning in” to your breath with sound. “Essentially, allow a little more sound to accompany each breath until it feels natural to make more and more noise with increased sensation,” she explains.

But again, you don’t have to be loud if that’s not your thing.

What if I Don’t Like Moaning?

It’s simple: you don’t have to do it. “Moaning is not a requirement for good sex, so if you are not feeling it, skip it,” says erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven, Taylor Sparks.

If your partner is more vocal and that’s not your thing—or it’s actively distracting—it can take a little more conversation. Alexandra suggests finding ways to make the experience work, like playing music or adjusting the environment so you’re not as focused on the sound.

The key is figuring out what feels comfortable for you while still respecting your partner’s experience. Like anything else, it comes down to communication and finding a middle ground that works for everyone involved.