There are some people that may want erase 2020 from the history books, but there are some milestones in sexual health that warrant attention. The pandemic reminded us of many important life lessons. We’ve learned how important it is to always cherish family and friends, stay connected to loved ones, and maintain sexual intimacy. Here are some pivotal sexual highlights for 2020.

CBD and THC
Everywhere you turn there is another use for CBD or THC oil. There are many ways people are utilizing CBD, by taking it orally, using it as an oil. You can even find it in lubricants that enhance and entice sexual excitement.

New Contraception
We’ve also seen new drugs for women’s health that will ultimately change how women choose their contraceptive method. Phexxi is a new pH modulator that comes in a prefilled syringe. You take one dose, one hour before intercourse. This on-demand method allows women to be in more control. Another new method is Annovera. It’s a vaginal ring that is placed in the vagina for three weeks. You take it out for one week, wash it, and then is re-inserted. One ring will last for up to 13 months. You can forget those monthly trips to the pharmacy with what some say is the ultimate experience in convenience. Tyblume is the latest combined oral contraceptive pill to hit the market. It is low dose and low side effect profile. Bonus: it’s chewable!

Sexual Pandemic
With the pandemic and social distancing, safe sex has taken on new meaning. While many societies have advocated that, “you are your safest sexual partner,” the new field of digisexuality has exploded. Digisexuality is when technology and sexuality collide. Virtual reality sexual encounters are at an all-time high, and chat room rendezvous can happen at any time of the day or night.

Polyamorous Relationships
You may be one of the people who received their first invitation to a swinger party this year. Open relationships have become more mainstream and more people are discussing their new paradigms for sexual success. Curiosity led men and women to begin exploring sexuality boundaries. Open relationships, while at times challenging, can be healthy with clear and directed communication, mutually consensual boundaries, and trust. The most important thing when exploring open relationships is mutual respect.

Pure Romance and the Patty Brisben Foundation (PBF)
Pure Romance saw the introduction of some new sex-santional accessories, including touch-sensor technology that only vibrates when touching skin and an enhancement G-spot cream called GPS. The Patty Brisben Foundation, which works to educate and fund research for women’s sexual health, has been busy during 2020. PBF has been creating and publishing many new resources and brochures for clients and Partners. The pandemic did not stop the PBF from formulating a new medical advisory board and organizing the first-ever virtual PBF Gala! The gala was a huge overwhelming success and donations encompassed more than $295,000 for female sexual health research.

Michael Krychman
Michael L. Krychman, MDCM, is the Executive Director of the Southern California Center for Sexual Health and Survivorship Medicine located in Newport Beach California. He is the former Co Director of The Sexual Medicine and Rehabilitation Program at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer. He also is a clinical sexologist and has completed his Masters in Public Health and Human Sexuality. Dr Krychman has a degree in Erotology, Sexual Education and Forensic Sexology. Dr Krychman is also an AASECT certified sexual counselor. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California Irvine, Division of Gynecological Oncology and the Medical Director of Ann’s Clinic, a high-risk program for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Survivors.

His special interests include menopausal health, hormone therapy, sexual pain disorders, and loss of libido, chronic medical illness and medical devices and their impact on female sexual function. He is a well-known speaker who is featured locally, nationally and internationally. He has published many articles in peer-reviewed journals and has been featured in many scientific journals and lay magazines. Dr Krychman is an active reviewer for the Journal of Sexual Medicine. He was the Scientific Chairman for the 2010 International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health annual educational meeting. He is an active member in good standing in North American Menopause (NAMS), International Society sexual Medicine (ISSM), European Society Sexual Medicine (ESSM), International Society Study of Women’s Sexual Health (ISSWSH), American Society of Sex Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). He was a member of the Standard Committee for ISSM and has been a guest professor at the ESSM Sexual Medicine Summer School in Oxford, England. He was the creator of the recent WISH Initiative (Women’ Initiative on Sexual Health: www.yourvoiceyourwish.com) and the 2013 recipient of the WISH Outstanding Achievement award given by the ISSWSH. He is also on the professional advisory board for the Patty Brisben Foundation.

Dr. Krychman’s has published 7 books including his most recent one: The Sexual Spark, 20 Essential Exercises to Reignite the Passion, 100 Questions & Answers for Women Living with Cancer: A Practical Guide to Female Cancer Survivorship has been recently published, 100 Questions and Answers about Women’s Sexual Wellness and Vitality and Breast cancer Sexuality, Sensuality and Intimacy. He has been featured on the Today show and in the New York Times and US News and World Report World Report, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Health Magazine and many others. He was named one of Orange County Top Doctors for 2015 and 2016 in Menopause, Sexual Dysfunction and Vulvar Pain. In 2019 and again in 2020, he has been named an Orange County Physician of Excellence by Orange Coast Magazine in Survivorship, Sexual Medicine and Menopause.