It’s often said that porn is bad sex ed, but that doesn’t mean all videos are. In fact, one of the best sources of information about sex these days is YouTube. And with YouTube videos’ short, digestible format, you can put these on when you get dressed in the morning and leave the house with newfound knowledge about sex.
Angie Gunn, LCSW, Sexuality Expert at Talkspace, tells Bustle that many of couples’ biggest sex problems come down to inadequate sex ed. “Basic anatomy and sexual health information is severely limited amongst many clients, which dramatically impacts intimacy," she said. "How long does it take the female genitals to become erect/engorged and aroused? Can a non-erect penis reach climax? Where is the G-spot and what is squirting? These and many more important questions speak to a lack of basic sexuality education and information that can dramatically improve sex."
Since many of us don’t learn the answers to these questions in sex ed — and since a lot of the information online is really misinformation — good sources of information about sex can be a godsend. So, without further ado, here are some YouTube channels to check out to learn more about sex.
1
Planned Parenthood
I’m not sure what I love more, the video that uses actual cats to teach people about the vagina or the ones that explain consent in a wonderfully gender-neutral manner. Aside from covering anatomy, Planned Parenthood’s videos teach important things like what to do if someone doesn’t want to have sex with you and what to do if they’re not sure.
2
Laci Green
Regardless of what you think of Laci Green’s latest videos, some of her earliest ones changed my life. They taught me that first-time sex isn’t supposed to be painful and that it’s normal for your inner labia to stick out. With their friendly and funny tone, her talks are not only super informative but also entertaining. You feel like she’s an older sister giving you the low-down on masturbation and porn and orgasms.
3
Sarah Rae Vargas
If Laci Green is your older sister on YouTube, Sarah Rae Vargas is your best friend. Her “Let’s Talk About Sex” series feel less like lessons and more like (hilarious) rants, including toy reviews, oral sex tips, and more. The videos feel unscripted and get in lots of funny lines. When she’s not talking about sex, she talks about plus-size fashion and body positivity.
4
GlamourPuss, M.D.
Olivia Richman mixes the knowledge of a med student with the humor of someone who uses the phrase “the clit is lit” to teach viewers about the internal clitoris, how to know if you have herpes, and how different birth control methods work. Her lively delivery makes these topics anything but dry.
5
AMAZE Org
With its cartoons and even some songs, AMAZE Org makes sex ed fun — and a lot more inclusive. The videos acknowledge more than two genders, speak out against bullying, and use bunnies to explain birth control.
6
Hannah Witton
Hannah Witton’s sex talks are funny and relatable, documentary personal experiments and exploring larger issues like slut-shaming. She’s even vlogged from the toilet and announced she’s on her period.
7
7. Ash Hardell
Ash Hardell describes themselves as “hella queer,” and their videos explore issues relevant to hella queer people and everyone else, including myths about bi women with boyfriends and what it means to be asexual and aromantic.
Now that I’ve spent a few hours of my life falling down the YouTube rabbit hole, I should warn you: You probably won’t want to view these if you have something important to do any time soon. They really are they fascinating, which is great — because people should be paying attention to this kind of stuff.
