After a pandemic plagued with restrictions in 2021, the world is moving towards a partial reopening making important learnings. The liberalization of society has accelerated becoming a creative solution to the problem of social distancing.
Although it was extremely important to isolate the population for public health, maintaining our physical and sexual health became quite a challenge, with masturbation and personal pleasure being a top priority for many. Johanna Rief, director of sexual empowerment at Lovehoney Group, one of the leading companies in the global sexual wellness industry and a provider of premium intimate products; comments that in the company "we summarize the current state of sexual wellness with trends that we have identified globally in 2021 and we expect them to be even bigger in 2022. We hope that these findings, based on our constant research and attention to the sexual wellness market , can help many more people to think about sexuality in new ways and, especially, help humanity achieve more (and better) orgasms!"
1. Ethical non-monogamous relationships and fluid sexuality
Relationship models are expanding beyond traditional boundaries, and this is also having an effect on the types of sexual wellness options available. Ethical non-monogamous relationships (ENM) are gaining a clear role. In the United States, a recent YouGov survey of more than 1,300 adults found that roughly one-third (32%) say their ideal relationship is somewhat non-monogamous. A broader understanding of relationships
Non-monogamous ethical relationships are defined as a practice or way of life in which couples maintain relationships of various kinds with people outside their relationship.
Ethical non-monogamous relationship is the term that encompasses many different relationship formats, such as polyamory, swingers or open marriages. All of these practices are becoming more widespread as couples adopt a more liberal and diversified relationship structure.
More mental freedom
Abby Moss, a journalist specializing in sex and relationships, says: "Ethical non-monogamous relationships are becoming a bigger topic of conversation than ever before, and while an alternative relationship style isn't for everyone, this increased visibility in the social conversation is helping to create a better understanding of what relationships can be, and what sex can be Heteronormative assumptions about sex, about what "counts" as sex, are being cast aside (it's about time! !) and this is giving people of all genders, whether single or in a relationship, much more mental freedom to explore sexually.By viewing sex as fundamentally about pleasure, we can remove the shame that surrounds sex. sex".
An example of this shift away from monogamous sexual relationships is an online study conducted by global pleasure brand We-Vibe in 2019 which revealed that threesome was the second most popular fantasy (from 28% of respondents). Around 2 in 10 people (19%) have had a threesome in the past, with the countries most prone to this practice being: Austria (23%), UK (22%) and USA (23%). The survey was conducted among 9,009 respondents from Australia, Austria, France, Germany, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States.
Although not all ethical non-monogamous relationships are based on sex with multiple partners or on sex at all, what is key is consent, transparency and open communication.
Sex toys can be a great option to safely explore pleasure in group dynamics, providing information about the pleasure of a new partner when having sex with several people.
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Abby continues, "As a person in a polyamorous relationship, sex toys are a normal part of my sex life and that of my partner. And as we talk about our relationship, a lot of our monogamous and single friends are also starting to be interested in it." buying their first sex toys More and more people are challenging the idea that a sex toy is somehow a "threat" to a partner, an idea that is deeply rooted in misogyny. with relationships of all kinds, and singles, are embracing sex toys as a tool to help them connect with themselves and their partners."
2. Masturbation as a pain reliever
Masturbation is increasingly seen as a part of the self-care routine, and it's easy to see why, as its many health benefits include stress relief and the release of feel-good hormones. Orgasms can release chemicals called endorphins with pain-relieving properties.
In 2021, a clinical study from the pleasure brand Womanizer called Menstrubation (menstruation+masturbation) found that masturbation could help reduce and control period pain. The results revealed that 90% of the study participants would recommend masturbation to combat the pain of menstruation. And when asked if masturbation or medication worked better for period pain, 43% chose medication and 42% masturbation. Very equal. In addition, 70% responded that regular masturbation influenced and reduced the intensity of menstrual cramps. Of this percentage, about a third (31%) confirmed that masturbation greatly reduced the intensity.
3. Sustainable sexual wellness
Respect for the planet in the production of consumer goods and the composition of intimate products are also big trends in 2022. According to the research company Technavio, the global market for organic feminine care products is expected to grow by 770.61 million dollars during the period 2020-20243, in an upward revision of the forecast accelerated by the pandemic.
The reason for this increase is due to a greater awareness of the manufacturing process of products used for intimate purposes and the different chemicals involved in them. Lubricants, menstrual products and sex toys are marketed under ever stricter regulations.
Jessica O'Reilly (Dr. Jess), a sexologist and relationship expert, comments, "For many, green sex means opting for toys that are rechargeable and made from high-quality materials that will last for years and even decades. Just as consumers are Increasingly aware of manufacturing processes and environmental impact when purchasing clothing, we too are pursuing environmental responsibility and sustainability when it comes to our sex toys and menstrual products."
O'Reilly continues: "It stands to reason that consumers want to know what we wear and what comes into contact with our bodies. If we look at ingredients when it comes to beauty products, paying attention to the materials in our toys sex is a natural extension of this practice. We want to know what a product is made of, so we can decide if it fits our bodies, lifestyles and principles."
4. Wearable sexual technology
The research and development of technology have sparked a sexual revolution aimed at bringing self-pleasure to the forefront of society. The popularity of sex toys in recent years has shown that we feel more comfortable opening our bedroom doors to technology. A new trend has emerged in which more and more products are designed to be used outside the home, when we are in the street, on a date or during a romantic dinner, breaking the limits of more traditional self-pleasure environments.
Beyond product design, wearable sexual technology has become a paradigm shift that considers self-pleasure as much more than masturbation: an act of well-being that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere. form of pleasurable sensations and that can also have stress-relieving properties without the need for masturbation or ejaculation. This sexual technology is more akin to a provocative intimate massager than anything else.
5. Sexual wellness accessible to all
Although it is obvious that sexual well-being is a very satisfying human experience, stereotypes and social prejudices have traditionally and wrongly excluded certain groups in society who have been censored from exploring, expressing and openly discussing their desires , desires and specific needs in regards to sexual pleasure. These include people with disabilities. Sexual confidence, self-esteem, and overcoming physical and emotional barriers can apply to anyone who wants to be sexually active, but for people living with a disability, these barriers can be even more difficult and have been an overlooked aspect in health, education and the market until now.
Historically little has been said about sex and disability, but now that sexual pleasure is classified as a human right by the WHO, innovative sex tech companies are setting a new standard for inclusive intimacy.
Candice Care-Unger, Head of the Sexuality Team at Royal Rehab in Australia, a psychosexual therapist and social worker, comments: "There is a sex-positive movement in society and people with disabilities will benefit from it."
As cultural attitudes and norms around sex change and sexuality is seen as natural and healthy for everyone, there will be more opportunities for people with disabilities to explore their sexuality, without shame, taboos or barriers.
"Demand will drive exciting new advances in adaptive sexual technology in the coming years that will make pleasure more accessible," continues Care-Unger. "These changes will not only address basic human rights, but with one in five people living with a disability, innovations in these products make a lot of business sense."
6. Reexploring male pleasure
Contrary to some popular beliefs, the change in the perception of sex toys towards a concept of well-being has meant that women, and not men, are the beneficiaries of the sextech revolution. The discovery of the clitoris and the investigation of female pleasure, highly stigmatized in previous times, has led to a boom in sexual well-being within the female-oriented technology industry, which also includes other innovations around female menstruation.
Male pleasure options have been largely stagnant, with basic low-quality silicone masturbators being the primary choice. However, the liberalization of society is beginning to see a growing number of men interested in topics such as mental health and sexual well-being. This topic is likely to become a serious one as modern man is leaving behind the old toxic masculinity for a more modern mindset when it comes to masturbation and pleasure.
Cam Fraser, a male sex coach based in Australia, provides more information on the evolution of this trend: "Sex toys for men and people with penises have historically been erection-oriented and friction-based"
Few have challenged the sexual stereotype of men
Fortunately, this is starting to change, says Fraser. "Increased awareness of the multifaceted aspect of pleasure, for people of all genders, has made conversations about male bodies and men's expression of sexuality broader and more nuanced. For example, there are now more people who know that men are capable of multiple orgasms, that orgasm and ejaculation are two different physiological processes, and that pleasure is not localized to one part of the male body, has led to a reappraisal of male sex toys and the introduction of some really unique and innovative products for people with penises I anticipate this will only expand as the shame and insincerity surrounding male masturbation disappears from conversations about men's pleasure. I see more men exploring their bodies through self-pleasure and consciously connecting with their sexuality, which will have a very positive effect. positive in them and in the people in their lives.
7. Artificial intelligence and space: the frontiers of sexuality
Digitization and the commercial exploration of space, much talked about in the media and still far from being a sales trend, are sparking renewed interest in the sex of the future.
The rise of dating apps, immersive porn, and connected sex devices indicate a deeper link to technology in sex. With the emergence of the Digisexuals, consumers are demonstrating a greater intimacy with technology, not only to connect with humans, but with technology itself.
Some companies are even developing sexualized robots, as well as artificial erotic agents and chatbots. In addition, space exploration and the proposal of interplanetary life by companies such as SpaceX and Elon Musk, as well as projects such as space hotels, bring into play the relevance of sexual well-being in space. An area traditionally marginalized by space agencies.
Global pleasure brand We-Vibe recently released a white paper that posits sex tech and toys as the only viable option for orbiting self-pleasure with the potential to deal with the main obstacles to sex in space: lack of gravity, lack of privacy and removal of liquids.
Simon Dubé of Erobotics comments: "Looking forward, space agencies and the public that support them must be reminded that addressing issues of human sexuality from a positive, scientific, empathetic and inclusive perspective is paramount to our health." , well-being and success of our extraterrestrial life"
"In particular, they must be reminded that:1
