written by KATHERINE CHANG
When you hear the word “wellness,” chances are smoothies, Pilates, and trends like mouth taping, red light therapy, and cold plunges come to mind first, while a self-pleasure protocol and regular orgasms probably fall low. in this list. But taking care of your sexual health, desires, and sexuality is a form of self-care, as is therapy, journaling, and getting quality Zzz’s.
It’s time to normalize sex and see it as an essential part of our overall well-being. Case in point: the range of sexual wellness products (think: vibrators, lubricants, toys) that you can now buy in-store alongside your beauty, feminine and grocery essentials in one quick swipe. From self-pleasure to sexual awareness, I asked sex experts to discuss the sexual wellness trends you don’t want to sleep on. Read on to get started with what’s hot in the sexual wellness scene.
1. Sex products with pure, organic ingredients
As we become more aware of using more natural skin care and household products, the oils, lubricants, supplements, wipes, bath salts you use in your sex life should be no different. Thanks to revolutionary women-led companies leading the way in redefining sexual wellness, we now have our choice of intimate products that deliver pure ingredients as well as pleasure.
“We’ve had a big increase in options for all-natural products designed for the female body, but what most consumers don’t realize is that your vulva and vagina are very absorbent and are made of the same mucosal lining as your mouth. meaning that anything and everything you put on is absorbed into your body,” explained Kiana Reeves, physical sex educator, pelvic health professional and Chief Content Officer at Foria. “That’s why it’s extremely important that you don’t just use natural products, but they also have to be organic.”
Conclusion: Avoid ingredients like glycerin, nonoxynol-9, petroleum, propylene glycol, parabens, and chlorhexidine gluconate. There is nothing sexy about added toxins.
2. Contrast therapy
Contrast therapy makes a foray into the bedroom. “Using treatments like saunas, baths and cold showers can have amazing health benefits and can potentially support your sex life as well,” Reeves told Hypebae. “Not only are there benefits to circulation and blood flow (stimulation is key to pleasure after all), but playing with the temperature could bring some serious heat to your bedroom.” Some of Reeves’ tools? A heating pad, warm cloth, water or a warm mouth. Use ice and warmth to bring blood flow and sensation to a body part, and your sex life—whether alone or with a partner—will be anything but hot and cold.
3. Sexuality as self-care
Bubble bath? Control. Hot girl ride? Control. Vibrator? Control. The same as taking care of yourself and exercising regularly, making time for sexual activity falls under physical self-care, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness’ Self-Care Inventory. In other words, we should prioritize taking care of our body sexually in the same way we do healthy diet, exercise, and skin care routines. “We’ve seen a huge increase in attention to health and self-care during the pandemic, and sexual wellness is a perfect fit,” said Brittany Lo, CEO and Founder of intimate care brand Beia. “There are so many health benefits to sexual well-being: for example, orgasms can help you sleep better, boost your mood and strengthen your pelvic floor muscles. Expect to see a shift in focus from indulgent sexual wellness to a daily practice.”
And it goes without saying that sexual well-being doesn’t begin and end with pleasurable sex, whether we’re talking with a partner or going solo. Keeping up with your annual wellness visits, getting tested for sexually transmitted diseases, exploring self-discovery, and being aware of your body, sexuality, and what feels good to you all add up to a holistic approach to sexual care.
4. Self-pleasuring routines
There’s nothing quite like a toe-twirling euphoric orgasm and the accompanying physical and emotional effects (hello, feel-good chemicals). And taking matters into your own hands (literally) — whether that looks like experimenting with multiple erogenous zones during a solo sesh (see: Friends episode where Monica describes the seven different ones to Chandler) or increasing your collection of sex of your games – it means getting to know your body better and what turns you on, not to mention developing confidence in and out of the bedroom.
“Taking up the sexual [element] in your romantic relationship and not constantly depending on someone else to provide that spark should be on most people’s list,” affirmed Aliyah Moore, Certified Sex Therapist at SexualAlpha. “Many couples are looking for ways to be more present in the bedroom while igniting the spark of passion and pleasure within themselves, rather than relying solely on each other.”
But the self-pleasure goes beyond hitting the big solo “O.” It also includes letting go of any shame and judgment surrounding your sexual self. “A recovery is happening: women are taking back their power in their femininity, pleasure and sexuality, releasing generations of sexual shame and allowing themselves to meet their own needs and desires first,” described Steph Morris, a love, sex and relationship. coach. Morris suggested scheduling regular dates with yourself and romanticizing your life, allowing yourself to meet your own needs and obtain your own pleasure.
5. Foreplay Products
If the growth of the global sex toy market tells us anything (expected to reach over $62 billion by 2030), it’s that the use of sex toys for more sexual satisfaction will become more accepted and ubiquitous. “There [has been] “There’s such a big stigma against using sex toys to enhance pleasure, even though they play a critical role in closing the gap,” Lo said. “80% of women have faked an orgasm and I think a lot of that is because you don’t feel in control of your own pleasure. Games are a great way to take control and find what works for you.”
Reeves explained that in recent years, we have seen the sexual wellness market focus heavily on lubricants, arousal oils and all-natural alternatives to support pleasure during sexual activity. “We’re seeing a wave of products focused on enhancing sensuality and foreplay, helping to set the mood, connect people to their desire, and achieve deeper levels of pleasure and arousal,” he said. “Foreplay is an essential act that is often forgotten in the heat of passion or when the intimacy and sexual habits of a long-term relationship take over.” Still not convinced? Using sex toys can help boost body confidence, better sleep, and relationship satisfaction, to name a few.
6. Sexual therapy
Sexual health is equal parts physical and mental. We seek healing for mental and emotional health, so why not for our sexual well-being? “People are realizing that sexual health is just as important as mental health,” explained Dr. Lee Phillips, psychotherapist and certified sexual and couple therapist. “Sexuality is a phenomenon in which biological and psychological factors intersect, so both a person’s physical condition and psychological well-being represent interdependent cornerstones of sexual health.” Common issues may include sexual problems related to chronic illness, pain and disability, unsatisfactory libido levels, orgasmic difficulties, painful intercourse, sexual trauma, concerns about gender and sexual orientation, and relationship issues, which can create shame , depression, anxiety. stress and anger.
The good news? There’s an app for everything, even sex and relationship therapy. “These apps can help those who find it difficult to talk about sex and serve as a means to bring up issues with their partner and resolve them in the privacy of their own home,” Moore concluded. “Making treatment more accessible, encouraging critical conversations with partners and encouraging better awareness of our bodies can only lead to positive things.” Search for a sex therapist in your area or download an app like Coral.
7. Sexual awareness
“Experiencing sex in a whole new way is possible when you step out of your busy mind and into your physical, emotional and energetic body,” Morris expressed. Enter: mindfulness. When you pause, become more aware of your sensations, thoughts, and feelings in the present moment, and let go of any sense of shame, you can increase your mind-body awareness and ability to feel pleasure. “Breathwork is a powerful embodiment practice that brings awareness to your entire system, cultivating a deeper connection with your body and deepening your sense of security and ability to surrender to more pleasure,” continued Morris. The result? Strong orgasm.
Morris suggested taking five minutes to do a connected breath in and out of your mouth (either alone or with your partner) to warm up your body and calm the mind before getting intimate. In the same vein, you can go the meditation route because, yes, you can meditate your way to better sex. A 2018 study found that people who meditate tend to have more sex drive and better sexual function than people who don’t. Meditation reduces stress and helps you tune into your body and let go of distractions ultimately leading to higher levels of sexual satisfaction. So before you steam between the sheets, try a guided meditation or set an intention, then take deep, slow breaths as you stay present and feel each sensation.
