Sex experts have shared the real answers to the most Googled questions about intimacy in 2024.
Whether you’re hanging out with your friends in the pub or sitting across from your GP in his floodlit office, people are often too embarrassed to ask sexual questions out loud.
Instead, we often turn to Google with our most intimate queries, knowing that the trusty search engine won’t judge us.
Do you wonder if your sexual desire is normal? Google it. Do you want to know what the position of the speed bump is like? Google it. Wondering how many calories you burn while doing the act? Google it. All of these appeared on last year’s most searched list on Google.
But can you trust all the information you find online, especially when it comes to such a sensitive topic?
Here, alice child and emily kingsexologists from sexual wellness platform SheSpot give FEMAIL their expert advice on the most Googled sexual queries in 2024. However, for any medical query, it is recommended to seek advice from your GP.
This year, the most searched sex query on Google, according to cosmopolitan uk – was: ‘What is autosexual?’
Kourtney Kardashian came out as autosexual in 2020 when she published a blog post about it on her Poosh website.
Sex experts have shared the real answers to the most Googled questions about intimacy in 2024 (file image)
Being autosexual means being attracted to yourself more than others.
“Someone who identifies as autosexual prefers sexual arousal for its own sake,” Alice said.
“For example, through personal pleasure, fantasies, masturbation, and erotic thoughts and dreams.”
Some autosexuals may become aroused exclusively by themselves, while others may get in the mood alone and with others.
Have you never heard of autosexuality before? You are not alone.
Alice, a certified sex expert from the Institute of Somatic Sexology, clarified that “it’s not a term or sexual orientation that many people would have heard before.”
Hence we all frantically search for it on Google.
Next, people were interested in whether it is “normal to bleed after sex.”
Alice Child (left) is a certified somatic sexologist and sexual counselor based in Sydney. Emily King (right) is a somatic sexologist and holistic facialist based in Edinburgh.
Although nine percent of women of reproductive age experience postcoital bleeding (PCB), neither Alice nor Emily would describe it as “normal.”
“Sex should be pleasurable,” Alice told FEMAIL. “And if you bleed afterwards, it’s often a sign that everything is not going as well as it could be.”
Fellow sexologist Emily agreed, adding: “There are a number of things that can cause bleeding after sex, including infections and STIs, inflammation or hormonal changes.
“See a doctor if this happens regularly.”
Friction-based irritation caused by lack of lubricant and not spending enough time building arousal can lead to bleeding.
But equally, ovarian polyps, hormonal changes, and sexually transmitted infections are causes of PCB, so our sexperts say it’s always best to “rule out any physical problems with your healthcare provider.”
Also among the most popular questions this year was: ‘Is masturbation a sin?’
Kourtney Kardashian (pictured) came out as self-sexual in a blog post in 2020
‘At all!’ she said. ‘Masturbation is a normal and healthy part of life that is good for our health!
‘It has been shown to have physical and mental health benefits; It is also where we learn more about our bodies and can learn what touch and sensation we enjoy.
“When done healthily, people often discover their erotic mind and body.”
Continuing with the theme of pleasure, the next most searched question on Google was: “What is an orgasm?”
“Simply put, an orgasm is a buildup of pleasurable erotic tension in the body with a moment of release,” Alice said.
‘There are many different types of orgasm, which can be felt in many different ways depending on the erogenous zone that is stimulated and the type of stimulation. Many people have even experienced orgasms while sleeping or even at the gym!
“Common characteristics of an orgasm could include muscle spasms, increased heart rate, temperature changes, ejaculation, lubrication and/or squirting, and waves of pleasurable sensations felt throughout the body.”
But Emily had a warning: “Ejaculation can occur during orgasms, but orgasms can occur without ejaculation.”
Sexologist Alice Child told Femail that masturbation is a “perfectly normal part of life” (File Image)
“How you feel emotionally can affect the intensity and duration of orgasms.”
Sharing her top tip on how to “enhance your orgasmic experience,” Emily advised “partner genital contact with non-genital erogenous zone simulation.”
He said this could include touching your partner’s ears, neck, feet, nipples and even the back of their knees.
Many people were also curious about sexual desire and asked, “How often do married couples have sex?”
‘There is no such thing as normal!’ Alice said.
“Libido changes throughout life and no two couples have exactly the same sexual, emotional and physical needs.”
Instead of worrying about a “perfect” sexual frequency or comparing your sex life to those around you, Alice suggested focusing on the quality of the sex you’re having.
He added: “Couples who feel desired, loved and appreciated by each other are much more likely to feel sexually fulfilled year after year.”
And last but not least, Google was asked: “How long after a C-section can you have sex?”
Answering this common postpartum question, Emily, owner of a somatic sex therapy practice in Edinburgh, advised that new mothers wait at least six weeks “to give time for the cervix to close.”
‘I recommend focusing on sensual touch and connection rather than rigidly defined penetrative sex, as it will be more nourishing for the body.
‘Postpartum is a healing period and rest should be prioritized above all else.’
She added: “Consider what kinds of touch and sensual experiences would help you feel nourished during this time, rather than worrying about having to have the kind of sex that can be exhausting.”
According to Healthline, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for returning to sexual activity after a C-section birth and it can vary depending on how comfortable you are.