I’m a sex expert – here’s the REAL answers to the most Googled questions about intimacy in 2024, from whether your sex drive is ‘normal’ to breaking taboos

Sex experts have shared the real answers to the most Googled questions about intimacy in 2024.

Whether you’re in the pub with your friends or sitting across from your GP in their artificially lit office, people are generally too ashamed to ask sexual questions out loud.

Instead, we often turn to Google with our most intimate questions, knowing that the trusted search engine won’t judge us.

Wondering if your sex drive is normal? Google it. Do you want to know what the position of the speed bump looks like? Google it. Wondering how many calories you burn doing the deed? Google it. These were all on last year’s most Googled list.

But can you trust all the information you find online, especially when it concerns such a sensitive subject?

Here, Alice Child And Emily KingSexologists from sexual wellness platform SheSpot tell FEMAIL their expert advice on the most Googled sex questions of 2024. However, for medical questions it is advisable to seek advice from your GP.

This year, Google’s most searched sex query is – according to Cosmopolitan Britain – was: ‘What is autosexual?’

Kourtney Kardashian came out as autosexual in 2020 when she published a blog post about it on her website Poosh.

Being autosexual means that you are more attracted to yourself than to others.

“Someone who identifies as autosexual prefers sexual arousal,” Alice said.

‘For example, through self-pleasure, fantasies, masturbation and erotic thoughts and dreams.’

Some autosexuals can get aroused solely by themselves, while some can get in the mood alone and with others.

Never heard of autosexuality? You’re 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.”

That’s why we frantically google it all.

Then people wanted to know if it was ‘normal to bleed after sex’.

Although nine percent of women of reproductive age experience post-coital bleeding (PCB), Alice and Emily would not describe this as ‘normal’.

“Sex should be pleasurable,” Alice told FEMAIL. “And if you bleed afterwards, that’s often a sign that all is not as good as it could be.”

Fellow sexologist Emily agreed, adding: ‘There are several things that can cause bleeding after sex, including infections and STDs, inflammation or hormonal changes.

‘Seek medical advice if this occurs regularly.’

Friction-based irritation caused by a lack of lubricant and not spending enough time building arousal can lead to bleeding.

But polyps on your ovaries, changes in hormones, and sexually transmitted infections are all causes of PCBs as well. That’s why our sex experts say it’s always best to “rule out anything physical with your healthcare provider.”

One of the most popular questions this year was also: ‘Is masturbation a sin?’

‘Absolutely not!’ she said. ‘Masturbation is a healthy, normal part of life that is good for our health!

‘It has been proven to have physical and mental health benefits. It is also the place where we learn more about our bodies and what touch and sensation we like.

“When done in a healthy way, people often discover their erotic minds and bodies.”

Staying with the theme of pleasure, the next most Googled question was, “What is an orgasm?”

“Put simply, an orgasm is a build-up of pleasurable erotic tension in the body with a moment of relaxation,” Alice said.

‘There are many different types of orgasms, which can be felt in many different ways depending on the erogenous zone being stimulated and the type of stimulation. Many people have even experienced orgasms in their sleep or even at the gym!

‘Common features of an orgasm may include muscle spasms, heart rate increase, temperature change, ejaculation, lubrication and/or squirting, and waves of pleasurable sensations felt throughout the body.’

But Emily issued a warning: ‘Ejaculation can happen during orgasms, but orgasms can happen without ejaculation.

‘How you feel emotionally can influence the intensity and duration of the orgasm(s)’.

Emily shared her top tip on how to ‘enhance your orgasmic experience’ and recommended ‘partner genital touch with non-genital erogenous zone simulation’.

She said this can include touching your partner’s ears, neck, feet, nipples and even the backs of their knees.

Many people were also curious about sex drive and wondered, “How often do married couples have sex?”

‘There’s no such thing as normal!’ said Alice.

‘libido changes throughout life and no two couples have exactly the same sexual, emotional and physical needs.’

Instead of worrying about a “perfect” frequency of sex or comparing your sex life to those around you, Alice suggested focusing on the quality of the sex you’re having.

She added: ‘Couples who feel wanted, wanted 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?’

In response to this common postpartum question, Emily, owner of a somatic sex therapy practice in Edinburgh, advised that new mothers should wait at least six weeks ‘to give the cervix time to close’.

‘I recommend focusing on sensual touch and connection rather than tightly defined penetrative sex, as this is more nourishing for the body.

“Postpartum is a period of healing and rest should be prioritized above all else.”

She added: ‘Think about what types of touch and sensual experiences might help you feel nourished during this time, rather than worrying about the type of sex that can feel draining.’

According to Healthline, there is no one-and-done situation when returning to sexual activity after a C-section and it can vary depending on whether you feel comfortable.