Top 20 Sexual Taboos & Sex Topics Most Of Us Love But Never Talk About!

Have you ever wondered about sexual taboos? Most people probably have. If you’re curious about these taboo topics and want to know more, here’s your chance! 

Certain sexual taboos and topics aren’t dinner conversations, but mostly whispered about at girls’ night tabletops or in locker rooms. 

Many of us have questions we wouldn’t dare ask our parents and are way too embarrassed to admit to our friends we don’t already know the answers to.

These sex topics are conversations almost everyone has a question about at some point along the way to adulthood *sometimes even beyond*.

What are considered sexual taboos? 

A taboo is a social group’s disapproval or avoidance of something based on several different factors. There are sexual taboos in all societies all over the world.

In some cultures, some sexual taboos might be restricted by law, but in others, it’s just an unwritten agreement that something is weird and shouldn’t be done.

For many, a sexual taboo is anything outside of the normal, “vanilla” male-female sex that is meant for procreation. [Read: Vanilla sex – what it is, and 26 hot ways to go from boring to OMFG in bed]

But for others, their sexual taboo boundaries are a lot wider. For example, most people would consider BDSM a sexual taboo, but it’s perfectly normal for others.

This is because everyone has different moral judgments, religious beliefs, and cultural norms. Breaking a sexual taboo is usually considered to be objectionable by society in general, and not merely a subset of the culture.

The taboo sex topics and answers to the most commonly asked questions related to them

 If you need the answers to these ten sex topics, we have you covered.

1. Oral sex

Oral sex is one of those things experienced differently between the sexes. Everyone knows guys like blow jobs. [Read: 37 best blowjob techniques, positions, and tips to leave a guy gasping for more]

But the intriguing question lingers on whether women enjoy being the receiver or the giver and whether men like to give at all. Let’s be honest, we all know guys like to receive. 

The truth is, oral sex feels much more exposing to a woman, and not every woman feels comfortable with it.

When women throw out their preconceived notions about men not liking to perform it, it is an enjoyable sensation and one like no other. It is insecurities about odor, color, size, texture – almost anything – that stops women from feeling comfortable receiving. [Read: Tips and tricks to give her oral sex like a pro]

A lot of men seem to want to please the woman they are with, and they are absolutely thinking about a lot of things, but the cellulite on the inside of your thighs is not one of them.

2. Anal sex

One of the most highly googled sex topics is anal sex. Up until the past decade, it was not only something that you didn’t talk about, but it wasn’t even something more than a sexual fantasy. 

The statistics show only about 20% of women say they have engaged in anal sex, but that number keeps growing. As many as 60% of men admit that they would like to give it a try with their heterosexual partner if given the chance. [Read: What does anal sex feel like both physically and mentally?]

Sex has traditionally been something we do to keep the species alive and not thought about in a pleasurable sense, until recently, as social morals continue to relax. 

As people begin to experiment more with sex, and it becomes more acceptable to let freedom reign, the statistics will likely continue to grow. You have to try everything once… Right? [Read: Backdoor fun – here’s how to have anal sex the right way]

3. Fetishes

Fetishes are a sex topic we are often very curious about. Since they normally don’t fall into the category of things that turn us “all” on, they are perplexing to those who don’t have the same sensations.

Feet may be a sexual turn-on to one person while dirty underwear is to another. The things that make us tick are different from individual to individual, and apparently so is what floats our proverbial boats. 

Fetishes make us feel hot and sexy, which don’t always have a cause and makes them such an interesting topic. [Read: Extremely weird but surprisingly popular sex fetishes]

4. Sex toys

Sex toys, in general, are a sex topic many people research. When you are with a person for a while, things start to get repetitive. And sex toys are a way to take the naturally excellent feeling of sex and orbit it into the realm of amazing.

It used to be you had to go to some off-the-roadside sex shop to pick something up to spice up the bedroom, now all you have to do is google it. [Read: 20 new things to try in bed with your lover]

You can buy just about any type of sex toy and vibrator you can imagine *and even some that you can’t*.

5. Sexual dysfunction

Sexual dysfunction is a sex topic that a lot of people, especially men, are embarrassed about. If there is one thing men define themselves by, it is their ability to procreate *or really just have sex*. 

When something isn’t working right, it becomes very problematic, not just for the individual, but for both people in the relationship. [Read: 20 sexual problems in a relationship you can easily avoid]

Sexual dysfunctions come in the form of both physical and psychological. Sometimes it is difficult to tell which one is causing the problem. 

Not many people want to have to go to great lengths to seek medical advice unless necessary. The good news is most sexual dysfunction is pretty simple to cure when you realize what causes it. [Read: Fear of sex – what is genophobia, 15 symptoms, and ways to overcome it]

Stop obsessing about it and work to change the behaviors leading to it and everything should go as planned.

6. Casual sex or one-night stands 

Only sluts and studs used to have one-night stands. Casual sex is the new one-night stand, and it involves not just a person lying to use another. 

It involves two people agreeing they are going to engage in sex for the enjoyment of both parties and not having any preconceived notions about what is going to come from it. [Read: Casual sex – how to find the hookup of your dreams]

One-night stands used to end with one doing the walk of shame and the other getting a high five. Now, most people have casual sex, enjoy it, have no emotional feeling about it at all, and keep it to themselves. But, it can be one of the more sensitive sex topics for some people.

7. Pornography

Remember the day when you went to rent a video, and there was a room that was blocked off—the “naughty” room? [Read: Is watching porn cheating? NO but it can make or break your sex life]

Not only did you have to be 18 to go in there, but you also had to be outside your mind to not worry about getting caught. Things have definitely come a long way.

On average, 97% of men admit to watching pornography at least once or twice a week, and most couples enjoy it together. 

Not a sexual taboo anymore, Debbie Loves Dallas is not something to be hidden under your bed or found in your dad’s sock drawer. [Read: 25 common porn myths that people still believe]

8. Online sex

There are many different forms of online sex.

There are sex sites where you hook up with people for the reason of sex only. Websites solely designed for you to find other people in your area who want nothing more than sex. There are also sites with actual chat rooms where you have sex with people virtually, either both in agreement or through paying them. 

Online sex is responsible for a whole shift in the morals of society, be it good or bad. [Read: Things to know before stripping for your webcam]

There isn’t a time of day when you can’t either rub one out, have sex with a stranger, or watch pornographic movies.

9. Sex for hire

When you think about a prostitute, you likely get a vision in your head of some ugly woman in a boa and bad fishnet stockings on the street corner. 

That is not the only place people hire themselves for sex. It isn’t just about the naughty “John” who is bored in his marriage. [Read: What do call girls like to be called? 27 terms of endearment to make her smile]

There are all sorts of professional men and women who hire people to have sex with. Sex work is a much higher-class job than it was in the old days. 

You may be surprised by the people you actually know who paid to have sex with a man or woman. Not something you talk about, or maybe even admit to, but it happens all the time.

10. Masturbation

Is it normal? Well, of course, it is. [Read: Going solo – the 15 sexy benefits of masturbation]

It is human nature to masturbate no matter what walk of life you come from. There are people who masturbate every day, and they are in normal healthy, sexual relationships.

There are times when the only one who knows how to make you feel really good is yourself. You don’t have to wait for someone to knock your socks off, you can do it all by yourself. Unless you can’t, or you have a deeply religious or moral stance on masturbation, we all do it, and it is nothing to be ashamed of. 

After all, how else are you supposed to find out what your likes and dislikes really are?

Sex topics and sexual taboos are uncomfortable because they make us feel vulnerable. Sex is supposed to be something we do in private or behind closed doors *unless we like it otherwise*. [Read: Chronic masturbation – 30 side effects, signs, and ways to stop masturbating]

11. Period sex

While a lot of people are grossed out by blood, others quite enjoy having period sex. There is no reason why you can’t, it’s just a matter of personal preference. [Read: Is period sex worth it? Reasons you might want to pass]

In fact, some people find having intercourse while on their period has benefits such as helping the negative physical symptoms of the period itself. And some even find it more pleasurable than sex at other times of the month.

Some benefits of period sex include cramp relief, shorter periods, headache relief, and lubrication. 

However, just because the woman is having her period doesn’t mean that the risk for pregnancy is zero. Plus, you can also get STDs if you don’t use a condom. [Read: The guide to having sex on your period]

12. Pegging

The term pegging was coined in 2001 by sex advice columnist, Dan Savage. It is a sexual scenario when a woman puts on a strap-on dildo to anally penetrate her male partner. [Read: What is pegging? All the backdoor facts to get you started]

People enjoy pegging because it feels good for the male. He has a nerve-dense prostate gland that can be accessed through anal penetration. It can even give him a prostate orgasm, which is more full-bodied than a normal one.

Pegging can also be pleasurable for the woman. The base of the strap-on dildo can press up against her pubic area or clitoris. This rocking motion can feel similar to dry humping, which is how a lot of people experience their first-ever orgasm.

It also flips the traditional roles of the male being the one who penetrates the woman. This has the potential to be emotionally fulfilling for both the man and the woman.

Many people use pegging as part of BDSM play. The dominant might peg the submissive person to exert power over them. But that doesn’t mean that the man necessarily takes on a more submissive role. [Read: Strap on sex – what you need to know for a pegging party of two]

13. Voyeurism and exhibitionism

Voyeurism is when someone is aroused by watching another person or people naked and/or having sex.

It was first described as a sexual disorder a long time ago in which the desire required an unknowing victim and it interfered with the voyeur’s ability to form relationships and achieve sexual gratification outside of voyeurism.

But now, voyeurism also refers to the excitement that comes from viewing any provocative, sexual, or scandalous sight. [Read: Sexual voyeurism and the horny rush it gives you]

Exhibitionism is when a person is aroused by the act of displaying themselves to a person or group of people.

Watching and performing play roles in a lot of people’s sexual taboo activity. This is true whether someone is masturbating *porn*, having sex with a partner, or engaging in threesomes or group sex.

14. Threesomes and group sex

Speaking of threesomes and group sex, this is another taboo sex topic. [Read: How to have a threesome 57 tips, signs, rules, and the best positions]

Believe it or not, threesomes are not uncommon or considered unacceptable by a lot of people. But they are not particularly “mainstream” either. 

Men seem more accepting of threesomes in general and are more interested in having a female-male-female configuration. This is probably because men tend to be more sexually adventurous. After all, two women are better than one for some men.

People who engage in threesomes or group sex can be of any sexual orientation or gender. Group sex usually takes place at a private sex party or semi-public swinger gathering. It can also take place in massage parlors or brothels. [Read: Vital things a beginner should expect at a sex party]

15. Cuckolding

Cuckolding is a fetish or kink in which a person gets turned on by watching their partner have sex with someone else. It’s popular in the BDSM community and overlaps with domination, submission, and humiliation. [Read: The cuckold fantasy – the fetish and what you need to know to try it]

Porn sites have reported that cuckold porn is one of the most searched-for categories. But it’s difficult to assess how many people actually practice it in private.

The person having sex can be a man or a woman. And people like it because, like with any kink, there are several possible variables at play including biological and social factors.

Some people might also like the taboo factor of cuckolding. Because most cultures value monogamy, it might give people a thrill to go against society’s values and morals. [Read: Cuckold humiliation – what it is, the psychology and 34 ways to bring it to bed]

These people probably enjoy breaking the rules.

16. Watersports

This is also called urolagnia, piss play, or golden showers. It is exactly like it sounds – sexual play involving urine. While it doesn’t sound particularly appealing to most people, others do enjoy it.

Some people engage in watersports as part of BDSM. One partner is submissive and the other partner is dominant. And so the dominant partner typically pees on the submissive. Other people might do it just when they’re horny, bored, or feeling adventurous. [Read: Extremely weird but surprisingly popular sex fetishes]

This particular kink and sexual taboo is actually quite common. In fact, it’s so common that some people hold piss parties for people who want to explore it. Some people just like to be peed on. And others even like to drink it.

There are also a lot of online communities where people can go if they are interested in golden showers. In fact, there are 25,000 members of a piss playgroup on the kinky social media website, FetLife. [Read: Types of fetishes – dirty little secrets]

There are also dating apps and websites that are specifically tailored to people looking to find other kinky people to hook up with.

17. Sex dolls

Sex dolls are just what they sound like – dolls that are made to have sex with. Some are very life-like and human-sized, and others are more miniature in stature. 

The dolls can be made to take any form and shape of the female body and have all orifices intact. [Read: Dollification – a newbie guide to dolls, arousal, and the fetish]

You can also get a male doll and a woman doll with a penis too, although those are a bit less common than the female ones.

There are also AI *artificial intelligence* sex dolls. They talk and hold a conversation with their “owner” and can even learn to recognize their voice.

To some, these sex dolls are preferred over real women in the bedroom. That’s because they don’t have to deal with the emotional intimacy that a real relationship brings. [Read: Homemade pussy – 37 DIY sex toys for men that feel like the real thing]

Plus, the dolls don’t judge them, nag, or complain because they are inanimate.

18. 18th birthdays

This is also called the “consenting adults paradox.” 

When someone turns 18, that is considered to be the first official milestone into adulthood. It’s the age when most people can legally live on their own, vote, start families, join the military, and so much more. [Read: First-time sex and the male virgin – 21 secrets to feel like a pro in bed]

However, it can also be a sexually taboo topic. Some people think it’s not only unhealthy but borderline creepy that some people are so obsessed with someone’s 18th birthday from a sexual point of view.

Just because someone is a legal adult doesn’t mean that they have become an adult mentally or emotionally. Some studies say that your brain isn’t finished developing until the age of 25. [Read: What age does a man emotionally mature? 19 signs of maturity in a guy]

So, even if they are legal adults, their mental age still might be much younger than 18. That’s why this is so taboo – because it is borderline pedophilia.

19. Intense nipple play

Nipples have a ton of nerve endings, so they are very sensitive. And believe it or not, you can have an orgasm just from nipple play!

When your nipples are stimulated, they shoot off sparks in the genital sensory cortex. These are the same areas of the brain that are aroused by vaginal or clitoral stimulation. [Read: Nipple play – 26 ways to focus on a girl’s breasts and make her orgasm]

There are different ways to engage in intense nipple play, and some people choose to use nipple clamps. While it doesn’t sound comfortable to a lot of people, others enjoy it.

Nipple clamps can be a great tool to enhance sensation and pleasure, whether you’re into kink or not. They are clamps that are used to pinch or squeeze the nipple. This restricts the blood flow to the nipple which creates a unique feeling.

20. Being degraded *consensually*

Sexual humiliation and degradation are forms of sexual masochism. It’s usually part of the dominant-submissive agreement. [Read: BDSM tips and tricks for curious first-timers]

The more dominant partner humiliates and embarrasses the submissive one for the sake of sexual arousal and gratification. 

There are people who love being verbally, physically, and psychologically humiliated. They feel like they can’t reach this level of sexual arousal any other way.

Sexual degradation has to be done with the informed consent of all parties involved. [Read: From red room to real world – BDSM in your boudoir]

Just like any other kink, humiliation needs to be negotiated because there are different types and levels of humiliation – and they’re different for everyone. 

Possible types of degradation include embarrassment, physical humiliation, verbal humiliation, and small penis humiliation, among others. It’s kind of one of the odd sex topics.

[Read: Strange, interesting facts about sex you didn’t know]

If we didn’t have the wealth of knowledge and visual images available on the internet, imagine how clueless we would all be about all these sexual taboos and sex topics. But, then again, all of these things existed long before they were posted online.