With the world constantly evolving, it’s important to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in all aspects of our lives, including our sex lives.

To help us navigate the ins and outs of sex in 2021, we’ve consulted with experts in the field to provide insights into what’s hot, what’s not and what we can expect moving forward.

1. Sex education is more important than ever

As the world becomes more connected and diverse, sex education has become increasingly important.

Young people are having sex at an earlier age and need to be armed with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their bodies and their sexual health. According to Dr. Sherry Ross, OB-GYN, “Sex education needs to be encouraged and funded at high levels for all ages, including adults.

This includes providing comprehensive sex education in schools, as well as making resources available for those who may not have access to it elsewhere.”.

2. The rise of virtual intimacy

The pandemic has forced us to become more creative with how we connect with others, and this includes our sex lives.

Virtual intimacy has become increasingly popular, with more and more people turning to video calls and sexting to maintain sexual connections with partners. Relationship expert Dr. Caroline Madden says, “Virtual sex can be a powerful way to keep intimacy alive in a long-distance relationship, or during times when physical intimacy isn’t possible.

However, it’s important to establish boundaries, communicate openly with your partner and ensure that everyone involved is on the same page.”.

The #MeToo movement has brought the issue of sexual consent to the forefront of our conversations.

According to sex therapist Vanessa Marin, “Consent is more than just saying yes or no, it’s about ensuring that everyone involved in a sexual encounter is fully informed and comfortable with what’s happening. This includes not only verbal consent, but also checking in with partners throughout the sexual encounter to ensure that everyone is still on board.”.

4. The role of technology in sexual wellness

Technology has revolutionized the way we approach sexual wellness, from sex toys that can be controlled via smartphones, to apps that allow us to track our sexual health. According to Dr.

Jill McDevitt, sexologist and sex toy expert, “Technology can be a powerful tool in helping us to explore our sexuality and improve our sexual health. However, it’s important to do your research and ensure that the technology you’re using is safe and effective.”.

5. A focus on pleasure

Historically, much of our conversation around sex has focused on preventing unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections. However, there is a growing trend towards focusing on sexual pleasure and exploration.

Sex therapist Casey Tanner says, “Sexual pleasure is an important part of our overall wellbeing, and we should all feel empowered to explore what brings us pleasure. This means prioritizing pleasure in our sexual encounters and erasing the stigmas surrounding sexuality.”.

6. The normalization of alternative lifestyles and sexual identities

The world is becoming more accepting of alternative lifestyles and sexual identities, and this is reflected in our attitudes towards sex.

According to sex educator and therapist Jenni Skyler, “We need to acknowledge that sex is not one-size-fits-all and that there are many different ways to express ourselves sexually. This means being more accepting of alternative lifestyles and sexual identities, and working to create a more inclusive and accepting society for all.”.

7. The impact of stress on sexual function

With the world becoming more fast-paced and stressful, many people are experiencing issues with sexual function. According to urologist Dr.

Jamin Brahmbhatt, “Stress can have a significant impact on our sexual health, including issues with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. It’s important to manage our stress levels and take the time to prioritize our sexual health.”.

8. The role of mindfulness in sexual health

Mindfulness, or the practice of being present in the moment, has been shown to have a powerful impact on our sexual health. According to sex educator and therapist Dr.

Kat Van Kirk, “Practicing mindfulness can help to reduce stress and anxiety, and allow us to be more fully present during sexual encounters. This can lead to a more pleasurable and fulfilling sexual experience.”.

9. The importance of self-care in sexual health

Self-care is an important part of maintaining our sexual health, and this includes everything from regular checkups with healthcare professionals to practicing good hygiene. According to OB-GYN Dr.

Jessica Shepherd, “Self-care is an integral part of our overall wellbeing, and includes taking care of our sexual health. This means scheduling regular checkups with your healthcare provider, practicing safe sex and prioritizing good hygiene.”.

10. The growing trend towards body positivity

The world is becoming more accepting of diverse body types and this is reflected in the way we approach sex.

According to sex therapist Mary Jo Rapini, “We need to move away from the idea that there is only one ideal body type and embrace the diversity of human bodies. This means being more accepting of our own bodies, as well as the bodies of our partners. When we feel confident in our bodies, we are more likely to enjoy and explore our sexuality.”.