Hey guys, it's Ali! Let's be totally honest: most of us didn't get a great sex education growing up. Whether it was the awkward gym teacher rushing through a slide on STIs, or simply the abstinence-only approach, a lot of us entered adulthood with more questions than answers.
But that's okay! We live in a golden age of accessible, sex-positive, and science-backed information. I've spent years exploring this space as a sex educator in training, and I've put together my ultimate curated list of the absolute best resources out there. Whether you're looking for resources for yourself, your relationship, or trying to understand advanced topics like ethical non-monogamy and kink, I've got you covered.
Best Overall for Adults & Couples
OMGYes is arguably the best resource on the internet for understanding female pleasure. It's completely science-backed, based on massive research studies into what actually feels good for women. It uses real, honest videos of women exploring their bodies and explaining techniques, completely devoid of pornographic performance. It is essential reading/watching for anyone with a vulva, and anyone who sleeps with people who have vulvas.
Target Audience
Adults, couples, anyone interested in female pleasure.
Best Feature
Interactive simulations & real interviews.
Pricing
~$49-$89 one-time fee per season.
What I Love
- Based on actual, comprehensive scientific research.
- Incredibly normalizing and destigmatizing.
- Practical techniques you can actually use tonight.
- One-time purchase (no annoying subscriptions).
What Could Be Better
- Currently only covers female/vulva pleasure.
- Can be a bit pricey for some budgets upfront.
Visit OMGYes
Best for Specific Communities & LGBTQ+
Scarleteen has been the gold standard for inclusive, comprehensive sex education for teens and emerging adults for over two decades. Their approach is direct, respectful, and heavily focused on consent and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Target Audience: Teens, emerging adults, LGBTQ+
Strengths: Highly inclusive, non-judgmental, comprehensive library on identity and bodies.
Weaknesses: The sheer volume of text-based content can be overwhelming for some learners.
Visit Scarleteen
Created specifically by and for queer and trans folks, this platform offers workshops, zines, and resources that address the nuances of LGBTQ+ sex and relationships that mainstream resources often miss.
Target Audience: LGBTQ+ individuals, queer youth, allies
Strengths: Deeply affirming, culturally competent, practical advice for trans/queer bodies.
Weaknesses: More focused on workshops and PDFs than a massive free searchable library.
Explore Queer Sex Ed
Best YouTube Channels & Video Platforms
Hosted by Dr. Lindsey Doe, a clinical sexologist. The channel covers everything from anatomy to kink in a totally accessible, shame-free, and incredibly friendly manner.
Target Audience: Adults, teens, curious minds
Strengths: Warm, engaging host; covers a massive variety of topics in short, digestible videos.
Weaknesses: YouTube's algorithm sometimes makes specific videos hard to find without direct searching.
Watch Sexplanations
Florence Barkway and Reed Amber host this unapologetic, very honest platform. They explore real-life sexual experiences, toys, and relationship dynamics with humor and radical transparency.
Target Audience: Young adults, adults exploring kink/toys
Strengths: Extremely relatable, highly sex-positive, great toy reviews and practical discussions.
Weaknesses: Can be very explicit/NSFW; not suitable for teens or younger audiences.
Watch Come Curious
Best Websites & Educational Platforms
Think of it as the "MasterClass for Sex." Beducated features high-quality video courses taught by certified sex educators, therapists, and experts. It covers everything from beginner topics (how to give a great massage) to advanced techniques (shibari, ethical non-monogamy, specific kinks). It's incredibly sex-positive and beautifully produced.
Target Audience
Adults, couples wanting to spice things up.
Best Feature
Massive library of high-production video courses.
Pricing
Subscription-based (~$30/month or ~$120/year).
Pros:
- Incredible production value.
- Real, expert educators.
- Huge variety covering beginner to advanced kinks.
Cons:
- Can be expensive for a subscription.
Visit Beducated
Essential Reading (Books for Advanced Topics)
Written by Dr. Emily Nagoski, this book is required reading. It completely demystifies female sexuality, breaking down the science of desire, arousal, and orgasm. Her concepts of the "brakes and accelerators" and "spontaneous vs. responsive desire" will fundamentally change how you understand sex. If you only read one book on this list, make it this one.
Target Audience
Adults, couples, those wanting to understand female arousal.
Pricing
~$15 - $20 (Paperback / Audiobook).
Pros:
- Scientifically rigorous but incredibly easy to read.
- Life-changing paradigms for desire discrepancy.
Cons:
- Can feel repetitive for some readers.
View Come As You Are
The seminal guide to navigating ethical non-monogamy, polyamory, and open relationships. Even if you are strictly monogamous, this book is a masterclass in communication, dealing with jealousy, setting boundaries, and negotiating consent. It challenges traditional relationship paradigms in a really healthy way.
Target Audience
Adults exploring non-monogamy or seeking advanced communication skills.
Pricing
~$15 - $20 (Paperback).
Pros:
- Incredible tools for managing jealousy and negotiating boundaries.
- Pioneering text on ethical non-monogamy.
Cons:
- Language and examples can sometimes feel slightly dated despite revisions.
View The Ethical Slut
Written by Ian Kerner, this is basically the encyclopedia of oral sex for women. It moves past the idea of foreplay as a warm-up and positions coreplay (specifically cunnilingus) as the main event. It's practical, anatomical, and highly effective.
Target Audience
Adults, specifically partners of people with vulvas.
Pricing
~$15 (Paperback).
Pros:
- Highly actionable, specific techniques.
- Focuses entirely on female pleasure as the main event.
Cons:
- Some framing and language is very heteronormative.
Best Podcasts & Audio
Hosted by Dr. Emily Morse, this is one of the longest-running and most popular sex podcasts. She answers listener questions, interviews experts, and talks about everything from communication to the best new sex toys. It's very approachable, fun, and easy to listen to.
Target Audience
Adults, couples, anyone seeking casual advice and toy recs.
Pricing
Free (ad-supported).
Pros:
- Very approachable, upbeat, and accessible.
- Great interviews with experts in various fields.
Listen to Sex With Emily
While not strictly a "sex" podcast, Esther Perel's podcast lets you listen in on real, anonymous couples therapy sessions. It provides unparalleled insight into relationship dynamics, intimacy, infidelity, and communication. It is profound, empathetic, and incredibly educational for understanding the emotional side of sex and relationships.
Target Audience
Couples, adults interested in relationship psychology.
Pricing
Free (some exclusive episodes may require a subscription).
Pros:
- Profound, empathetic insights from a world-renowned therapist.
- Real sessions give an incredibly raw look into relationship dynamics.
Cons:
- Focuses more on emotional intimacy/psychology than physical technique.
Listen to Where Should We Begin?
Best Educational Apps for Couples
Coral is an app designed to help you improve your sex life through science-backed exercises, guided audio sessions, and educational content. It's great for couples looking to reconnect or individuals wanting to explore their desires in a safe, guided format.
Target Audience
Couples, adults looking for guided intimacy exercises.
Pricing
Free tier, Premium ~$60/year.
Pros:
- Actionable, step-by-step guidance for intimacy.
- Great for couples who need structured ways to connect.
Cons:
- Much of the best content is locked behind the paywall.
Download Coral
While primarily known for short, sexy audio stories (ethical, feminist erotica), Dipsea also includes a fantastic "Wellness" section with guided sessions on mindfulness in the bedroom, overcoming performance anxiety, and understanding your arousal.
Target Audience
Adults wanting to explore their fantasies or overcome performance anxiety.
Pricing
Subscription (~$60/year).
Pros:
- Amazing combination of ethical erotica and grounded wellness sessions.
- Very female/queer gaze friendly.
Cons:
- Erotica might not be for everyone looking for strictly clinical education.
Download Dipsea
Quick Comparison Guide
| Resource |
Type |
Best For |
Free Option |
Inclusive/LGBTQ+ |
| OMGYes |
Website |
Female Pleasure / Adults & Couples |
No (Paid) |
Yes |
| Scarleteen |
Website |
Teens, Emerging Adults, LGBTQ+ |
Yes (Free) |
Yes (Focus) |
| Sexplanations |
YouTube |
Accessible Video Ed for All Ages |
Yes (Free) |
Yes |
| Beducated |
Platform |
Couples / Video Courses |
No (Trial) |
Yes |
| Come As You Are |
Book |
Understanding Desire/Arousal |
N/A |
Yes |
| Sex With Emily |
Podcast |
Casual Advice / Q&A |
Yes |
Yes |
| Coral |
App |
Guided Intimacy Exercises |
Yes (Limited) |
Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sex education resource for female pleasure?
OMGYes is widely considered the best resource for understanding female pleasure. It is a science-backed platform that uses research from thousands of women to teach practical, effective techniques for vulva owners and their partners.
Where can I find free sex education online?
Scarleteen is one of the most comprehensive, free sex education resources online, particularly aimed at teens and young adults. It covers anatomy, STIs, boundaries, and LGBTQ+ topics extensively. Additionally, podcasts like "Sex With Emily" offer free, accessible advice.
Are there any good apps for couples to improve intimacy?
Yes, apps like Coral and Dipsea offer excellent guided exercises, audio sessions, and wellness practices designed to help couples communicate better, overcome performance anxiety, and reconnect intimately.
What is the best book to read about female sexuality?
"Come As You Are" by Dr. Emily Nagoski is essential reading for understanding female sexuality. It explains the science of desire, arousal, and how factors like stress affect libido, using concepts like the "brakes and accelerators".