1. Women are hitting pause on relationships and sex<\/p>\n
New research presented at the conference by Dr Justin Lehmiller shows the \u201csexual recession\u201d is continuing, with women increasingly choosing to take a break from relationships, and nearly half of all women surveyed saying that they have no interest in partnered sex. <\/p>\n
While this has been a global trend over recent years, the rollback of women\u2019s rights in the US seems to be further fuelling it, where sexual activity is now seen to be posing an increased risk to women. <\/p>\n
While many of the factors leading to the so-called sexual recession (stress, economic recession, financial insecurity, increased screen time) still persist here in New Zealand, I don\u2019t believe that Kiwis are experiencing that \u201csexual recession\u201d to the same extent. <\/p>\n
Fortunately, we continue to make meaningful progress in advancing women\u2019s sexual and reproductive rights \u2013 especially when compared to countries where these rights are being eroded. <\/p>\n
It\u2019s a powerful reminder of how far we\u2019ve come, and why it\u2019s essential not to take these hard-won gains for granted.<\/p>\n
A moment from inside the SHA 2025 Annual Sexological Conference in Denver, US.<\/p>\n
2. Swiping fatigue and the return to real-life romance<\/p>\n
This move away from relationships and towards celibacy surprised the researchers, and is causing a headache for the dating apps, who are contending with dating app fatigue. While the convenience of online matchmaking is appealing, it\u2019s only natural that after years of digital connection, we\u2019re craving something more tangible.<\/p>\n
The magic of eye contact across a busy room, spontaneous conversations with someone you\u2019ve just met \u2013 these are the emotive factors that numerous in-person speed dating events popping up all across New Zealand are hoping to cash in on.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s interesting is how that shift overlaps with pleasure. When you step away from the algorithm and tune into how your body actually responds to meeting someone \u2013 to touch, laughter, attraction \u2013 connection hits differently.<\/p>\n
3. Terms and taboos<\/p>\n
A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need to rethink how we define \u201csex\u201d. Traditionally, it\u2019s been all about penetration – but that\u2019s changing. The conversation is shifting to include a broader range of activities, many of which don\u2019t involve penetration at all. <\/p>\n
As someone who champions female pleasure, I\u2019m all for it \u2013 especially when it shines a spotlight on things like clitoral stimulation, which is key for most women\u2019s sexual satisfaction. And it\u2019s not just a win for women; this shift also takes the pressure off men to \u201cperform\u201d, opening the door to more relaxed, connected experiences for everyone.<\/p>\n
One of my favourite new terms from the conference? Instead of saying someone \u201clost their virginity\u201d, the more playful – and frankly, more empowering – phrase is \u201cmaking your sexual debut\u201d. It has a certain red-carpet flair, don\u2019t you think?<\/p>\n
If it hadn\u2019t already been checked at the door, all concepts of modesty and the taboo were firmly laid aside in a presentation from Dr Evan Goldstein, world-leading anal surgeon, about the ins and outs of, well, anal sex. <\/p>\n