Some Sexual Wellness Trends in 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of human intimacy, 2023 marks a year of remarkable shifts and innovations in sexual wellness. As society continues to embrace a more open and inclusive dialogue about sexual health and pleasure, new trends are emerging that challenge conventional norms and encourage a deeper exploration of individual desires and experiences.

From the rise of non-penetrative practices like outercourse to the embracing of sexual mindfulness, this year’s trends underscore a growing recognition of the multifaceted nature of sexual well-being. In this article, we delve into the most notable sexual wellness trends of 2023, highlighting how they reflect changing attitudes and foster a more holistic understanding of intimacy and pleasure.

Sexual Mindfulness

Sexual mindfulness, another trend gaining traction in 2023, involves applying mindfulness techniques to enhance sexual experiences. This approach focuses on intentionally directing attention towards the sensations in the body and sensuality, helping individuals connect more deeply with their sexual experiences. Psychosexual therapists suggest that mindfulness can boost sex lives by helping people be more present and aware during sexual activities, thereby enhancing arousal, desire, and pleasure. This practice is particularly beneficial in modern, busy lifestyles where distractions can negatively affect sexual experiences. Mindful exercises and content, such as those offered by apps like Headspace and Ferly, are helping people focus on their sexual wellbeing and desire.

Outercourse

Outercourse refers to non-penetrative sexual activities. These activities can include touching, kissing, teasing, and rubbing, and they are recognized as essential forms of sexual pleasure and wellness. This trend acknowledges that a significant percentage of women find it easier to reach orgasm through outercourse. It emphasizes the importance of exploring erogenous zones, thereby expanding the focus of sexual experience beyond just penetration. Outercourse is seen as a valuable part of sexual encounters, providing pleasure and intimacy without necessarily involving traditional penetrative acts. This approach is particularly significant because it recognizes the diverse ways in which individuals can experience sexual pleasure and satisfaction.

Mutual Masturbation

Mutual self-pleasure as a form of intimate and salaciously hot experience. Source

Pelvic Floor Awareness

Pelvic Floor Awareness is a sexual wellness trend emphasizing the importance of pelvic floor health in relation to sexual activity and pleasure. The pelvic floor muscles play a crucial role in sexual function, and awareness and control of these muscles can significantly enhance sexual experiences. Both men and women are encouraged to pay attention to their pelvic floors. The practice involves exercises that strengthen and relax these muscles. For some, relaxing the pelvic floor can relieve tension in the body, while for others, strengthening these muscles can increase pleasure. This trend underscores the link between overall physical health and sexual wellness, recognizing the pelvic floor’s role in sexual satisfaction and function.

Anal Masturbation

Anal masturbation, gaining more acceptance in 2023, involves self-exploration and stimulation of the anal area. This trend reflects a broader openness towards exploring all areas of the body for sexual pleasure. It encourages trying new techniques, starting with simple methods like using a lubricated finger, and gradually progressing to using sex toys designed for anal stimulation. This approach to sexual wellness emphasizes the importance of self-love and exploration, recognizing the potential for pleasure beyond traditional methods and acknowledging the diversity of sexual preferences and experiences.

Praise Kinks

Praise kinks involve deriving sexual arousal from compliments, affirmations, and general praise during sexual encounters. This kink is about being turned on by verbal appreciation and positive reinforcement. Individuals with praise kinks experience heightened arousal and pleasure from receiving compliments about their appearance, sexual performance, or other attributes. This trend highlights the emotional and psychological aspects of sexual arousal and demonstrates how words and verbal affirmation can play a significant role in sexual experiences. It reflects a broader understanding of the diverse and nuanced nature of sexual arousal and pleasure.

Upgraded Missionary

The trend of “Upgraded Missionary” in 2023 involves reimagining the traditional missionary sexual position with a focus on mindfulness and deeper exploration. This approach encourages partners to engage more intentionally in the missionary position, such as making eye contact, focusing on erogenous zones, and synchronizing breathing. These modifications aim to enhance the emotional and physical connection between partners. The trend also suggests incorporating elements like power play or using sex toys to add variety and intensity to the experience. This reinvention of a classic position aligns with the broader trend of exploring more mindful and emotionally connected sexual experiences.