2023 Sexual Wellness Trends: Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Innovation
Sexual Wellness Trends For 2023
Sexual wellness is a vital part of self-care, and it’s growing. From sex education that goes beyond the birds and the bees to long-acting reversible contraception, 2023 is shaping up to be a year of empowerment, inclusivity and innovation.
Taking sexual health into the mainstream, these trends are helping to destigmatize pleasure and encourage healthy communication in the bedroom. Here are five exciting developments to look out for this year:
1. Sex-Positive Movements
The sex-positive movement, also known as “sex-radical feminism,” aims to support sexual pleasure and liberation. Often associated with third-wave feminism, this movement has gained traction in the recent years thanks to media coverage and prominent voices like sex educators, sex workers, and sex influencers.
Among other things, sex-positive activists support open communication about sex, sexual experimentation, and consensual sex. They reject shameful stereotypes like slut-shaming, prude-shaming, and skinny-shaming, advocating for tolerance of all sexual preferences, so long as they are consensual and non-harming.
Ultimately, this movement encourages healthy sexual habits by promoting consent education and encouraging people to use condoms, which have a proven track record of preventing pregnancy and STIs when used correctly. Having an open-minded attitude toward sexuality can also benefit mental health, allowing people to have a healthier relationship with their bodies. This, in turn, can lead to increased sex life satisfaction and overall wellness.
2. Modern Contraception
The covid-19 lockdown has resulted in a spike in demand for sexual wellness products, especially among men. Sexual lubricants, sex toys, and condoms have seen an increase in sales over the last few years as people are more comfortable discussing their sex life with their partners.
Currently, there are 214 million women and girls worldwide who want to avoid pregnancy, but do not have modern contraceptive methods available to them. Modern contraceptive use has increased in 69 focus countries identified by FP2020 since 2012, with the biggest gains in Africa.
As sex-positive movements continue to gain momentum, the market for sexual wellness products is expected to see substantial growth in 2023. This will be driven by a number of factors, including increased positive acceptance of sex, government initiatives that promote sexual education, and a shift in the focus of retail brands to include sexual wellness products for women. Flavored lubricants will also become more popular with consumers, as they are a great alternative to standard options.
3. Smart Sex Toys
We’ve come a long way from locking condoms behind glass partitions in the family planning aisle. Now, sex toys and vibrators are popping up everywhere from department stores to small health-food chains. The global sex toy market is growing thanks to the sex-positive movement, a rising acceptance of sexual pleasure as an important part of well-being, and a willingness to talk about it.
Millennials are particularly driving the growth of the market, as they seek fun products that will enhance their experience, while helping them explore and enjoy intimacy. Many manufacturers are catering to this demographic by designing toys that are specifically geared towards women, including vibrators, penetrating toys, and nipple clamps.
Startups that focus on sex-pleasure technology are also targeting underserved populations, such as people with disabilities or those who identify as LGBTQ+. These products will help break down stigma and allow more people to talk openly about their pleasure with a partner. This includes discussing masturbation or sex disorders that may be difficult to discuss in a doctor’s office.
4. Digital Resources
In 2023, sex-conscious skincare and pleasure serums aren’t just a trend; they are now available in a wide range of beauty shops. This is a sign of the increased emphasis on sexual wellness as an essential component of overall health.
In an attempt to reduce stigmas, many brands are ditching gendered branding and packaging. In particular, Maude—a unisex wellness brand launched by Everlane alumnus—offers high-quality vibrators and lubricants with simple and modern design. And brands like Pleasure Serum—which offers a full-body pleasure formula—are making big splashes in the market.
Additionally, telehealth is now more accessible than ever thanks to the pandemic. This allows people to receive STI testing and contraceptive advice online without worrying about stigma or embarrassment. This has had a direct impact on the growth of sexual wellness apps, which have surged during the Covid-19 lockdown due to unprecedented influx of people with spare time and reduced stigma. This is set to continue as the year progresses.