The pandemic has changed—for many of us—how we view dating, sex and wellness. We found ourselves needing to spice up our sex lives with not only the best hands-free vibrators but all sorts of sex toys and prioritizing our self-care with things like masturbation and solo play. We all had to get very creative, which has led to some very interesting and exciting sex trends coming our way in 2022.
According to LoveHoney, we’ll see everything from more open relationships to higher demand in eco-conscious sex toys. The conversation around pleasure and sex is growing and we’re in for a year of even more sexual exploration—and we’re pretty excited!
So let’s dive right into the new biggest 2022 sex trends, that will get our pulses racing and legs shaking!
1. Ethical Non-Monogamy
According to LoveHoney, relationship-wise we’ll see a rise in Ethical Non- Monogamy, which is when your relationship is consensually open. You can have various partners outside of your relationship, and is an umbrella term for polyamory and open marriages, and allows people to engage in a more liberal and unstructured relationship.
Abby Moss, sex and relationship journalist says: “Ethical non-monogamy is becoming more widely talked about than ever before and while alternative relationship styles aren’t for everyone, this broadening of the conversation is helping to create a better understanding of what relationships can be: and what sex can be.”
Abby also added: “Heteronormative assumptions about sex, about what “counts” as sex, are being thrown out (and about time too!) and this is giving people of all genders, whether single or in a relationship, a lot more mental freedom to explore sexually.”
Sex toys can be a great way to open yourself up to new sexual experiences, the Touch X is the perfect multi-tasking toy to really spice things up. It delivers whisper-quiet, yet powerful vibrations and even heats up.
2. Masturbation for pain relief
We already know that things like morning sex can benefit our health and so too can masturbation. While there’s still a gender gap with masturbation, it's becoming less of an uneasy conversation, and for many of us, it’s rightly becoming a key part of our self-care routines.
Masturbation not only makes you feel good and relieves stress, but it can also actually help with things like period pain. In fact, sex brand Womanizer’s survey called ‘Menstrubation (menstruation+masturbation)’ found that 90% of those surveyed recommended it for period pain and 70% said it made periods less intense.
So while heat pads can work wonders, masturbation is a far more fun alternative, and a trend we’ll definitely be seeing next year.
3. Environmentally friendly sex toys
Understandably the demand for eco-friendly sex products is growing, with many of us on the hunt for sustainable alternatives—It’s no joke that a lot of plastic packaging is used for sex toy packaging and even feminine hygiene products.
As Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, sexologist & relationship expert says: “For many, eco-conscious sex involves opting for toys that are rechargeable and made with high-quality materials that last for years and even decades! Just as consumers are becoming more aware of manufacturing processes and environmental impact when shopping for clothing so too are we looking for environmental responsibility and sustainability when it comes to our sex toys and menstrual products.”
4. Wearable sex-tech
Wearable sex toys are another trend that started to emerge and we’ll see it in a big way come 2022.
There’s a bigger demand for ‘on the go’ toys and that’s where the best app-controlled vibrators come in. They allow you to turn up the pleasure, wherever you are, and can be used solo or with a partner.
5. Sexual accessibility
Pleasure and sexual wellness should be easily accessible to all, but as LoveHoney explains there are some groups that are still hit with barriers, in particular people with disabilities.
However, Candice Care-Unger, Royal Rehab Sexuality Service Team Leader and Psychosexual Therapist and Social Worker, comments: “There is a sex-positive movement sweeping society, and people with disability are set to benefit! As cultural attitudes and norms around sex change and sexuality are seen as natural and healthy for everybody, there will be greater opportunities for people living with disability to explore their sexuality—free of shame, taboo, and barriers.”
In 2022 we will see sex positives trend for all, as we continue to fight taboos on sexuality, and start seeing a rise in accessible sex toys for all.
6. Male pleasure
Male pleasure will also be a hot topic in the year to come. As we know clitoral and vaginal stimulators seem to become better and better with different intensities, and vibrations patterns—but when it comes to male sex toys they fall rather short.
2022 will see more male sex toys, with more advanced settings hit the market!
7. A.I and digital sex
We’ve already seen a big rise in digital sex and relationships, from dating apps to immersive porn and sex toys getting more and more advanced. We’ll see the world of love and sex get even techier in 2022
8. 'Outercourse'
According to LELO, this year will see outercourse becoming the go-to safe sex alternative, whether it's foreplay, dry humping, sensual massages, or mutual masturbation.
Outercourse will be popular as it, "establishes boundaries and encourages better communication for intimacy and pleasure." Plus it helps you and your partner learn more about each other's bodies and likes.
9. Anal toys
LELO also predicts 2022 will be the year of sexual exploration and will see more people trying out anal toys. If you're really looking to try something new, especially if you're in a relationship and add a bit more excitement in the bedroom, the booty is a good place to start.
10. Back to basics
Another big trend will be clitoral appreciation—music to vagina owners' ears—and getting re-acquainted with basic techniques. Lovers will start focusing more on stimulating the clitoris, playing around with buzzy toys, and using their hands.
LELO reminds us to use circular motions, as well as kneading, pinching, swirling, stroking, tapping on and around it to help achieve the big 'O!
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