Sometimes, the steamiest scenes are left unseen: just ask audio porn listeners.
As the demand for sensory play continues to grow, women are curious to explore alternate ways to feel turned on, and they're starting to realize film is but one. Plus, a little differentiation is encouraged, if you ask sexperts.
"When you start to explore touch and sensation in whole new ways, not only do you create new pathways to turn-on and orgasm, but you actually rewire your body for more pleasure, more ways," Anne More, CSB and certified Erotic Blueprint Coach, previously told My Imperfect Life.
Charge up the ear buds, find a spot to get comfy and bring a sex toy, too, if you so choose. Here's why the experts want you to listen in.
What is audio porn and what are its benefits?
It's exactly like it sounds, pun intended: an erotic audio story. But much like romance novels and films, there isn't one way to enjoy the sensual ride: there are plenty of genres, styles and sounds to satisfy any listener.
"People want to relax and feel tingles, so it only follows that those pleasant sensations and feelings can enhance your self-pleasure repertoire," Angie Rowntree, the founder and director of Sssh.com, tells us. "Moreover, just as people love regular stories as audiobooks, they also love erotic audio stories. If you pop in your earbuds, you can enjoy erotic audio content with discretion from virtually anywhere, which only broadens the appeal."
If you thought your fellow commuters were only tuning in to news podcasts, you're probably mistaken! Jokes aside, Rowntree says the demand is only growing and diversifying. In honor of her site's new ASMR audio roleplay series, The Boyfriend Experience, she's encouraging everyone to give things a listen, particularly to Sssh.com's prolific collection, from ambient audio scapes (like Forbidden or On Display) to guided masturbation, a particular crowd-pleaser amongst subscribers.
"Part instruction and part imagination, guided masturbation invites you to explore what is generally familiar territory in new ways. It is an exciting way to up the ante in your self-pleasure journey," Rowntree adds.
Why should you give audio porn a listen?
Since solo sex has become an integral part of wellness routines, and we're in the midst of Masturbation May, sexperts encourage you to keep up the practice and switch things up, lest you get bored. Even still, some of us are still feeling hesitant about new practices.
"If you feel skeptical or haven’t tried audio porn yet, consider this: if you give your screen-weary eyes a break and give yourself the chance to relax and settle in and focus only on what you are hearing, you might be surprised by the sheer power of what your imagination—and your body—can unleash," Rowntree insists.
But there's no reason to feel on edge; after all, tuning in is all about indulging in some necessary TLC.
"If audio porn helps to give you that perfect 'me time' and orgasmic fantasy escape, then that’s all the more reason to rock on," Rowntree adds.
So, what's first up on your erotic audio playlist?