The Kinks Therapists Say Couples Are Most Curious About Right Now

While it’s sort of understood in the sex world that the 50 Shades of Grey franchise wasn’t exactly the best depiction of kink, the books and movies were successful at one thing (well, besides making money): sparking an interest in BDSM. Sex toy sales surged following movie premieres, customers were purchasing handcuffs and flogs, and more people than ever were going to the hospital with foreign objects shoved inside them. It wasn’t hard to figure out what people were exploring between the sheets.

A decade later, things are bound to change. And sure, PornHub’s Year in Review can give you a good idea on what people are jerking off to when they’re alone, but it doesn’t tell the full story on what couples are exploring together in bed. For that, your best bet is a sex therapist.

While sex therapists help couples explore issues within their sex life, they also give them the resources to navigate new experiences (because you should never surprise someone with handcuffs). Trying something new with a partner can feel pretty daunting, so some couples seek out the help of a professional to guide them through conversations, boundaries, and general how-tos.

I asked some trusted sex and couples therapists what kinks couples are most curious about right now—here’s what they said.

If you have trouble viewing this email, view it in a browser.  BOOKS FOLLOW SUBSCRIBE Therapists Say These Kinks Are Trending While it’s sort of understood in the sex world that the 50 Shades of Grey franchise wasn’t exactly the best depiction of kink, the books and movies were successful at one thing (well, besides making money): sparking an interest in BDSM. Sex toy sales surged following movie premieres, customers were purchasing handcuffs and flogs, and more people than ever were going to the hospital with foreign objects shoved inside them. It wasn’t hard to figure out what people were exploring between the sheets. A decade later, things are bound to change. And sure, PornHub’s Year in Review can give you a good idea on what people are jerking off to when they’re alone, but it doesn’t tell the full story on what couples are exploring together in bed. For that, your best bet is a sex therapist. While sex therapists help couples explore issues within their sex life, they also give them the resources to navigate new experiences (because you should never surprise someone with handcuffs). Trying something new with a partner can feel pretty daunting, so some couples seek out the help of a professional to guide them through conversations, boundaries, and general how-tos. I asked some trusted sex and couples therapists what kinks couples are most curious about right now—here’s what they said. READ MORE Does ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Have a Post-Credits Scene? Our Spider-Tracker is ringing! READ MORE How To Watch ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ In between Odyssey screenings, of course. READ MORE What Happens to MJ in ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’? Zendaya’s press tour looks have sparked some major theories about what happens to her. READ MORE 7 August Nail Trends to Try Before Summer’s Over—From Fruity Manis to 3D Florals For when classic French tips need a juicy little summer upgrade. READ MORE Sadie Sink’s Secret ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ Character Is a Huge Deal for the MCU We finally know who she’s playing and it’s MAJOR! READ MORE Follow Us Unsubscribe | Manage Preferences | Privacy Notice | CA Notice at Collection Cosmopolitan is a publication of Hearst Magazines. ©2026 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. This email was sent by Hearst Magazines, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019-3779