NSFW ‘locktober’ trend surging among young people is not for the faint-hearted

Kinks come and go, but this ‘Locktober’ trend is something that could shock the pants right off you.

There’s nothing better than celebrating October by trying out something new.

Usually, it’s where people spend 31 days trying out witchy things or whacking on horror flicks in preparation for Halloween.

But for others, it’s 31 days of something else entirely.

You may have heard about the benefits of chastity in a relationship, and this kink is a little similar.

There have been so many studies about sex in relationships, like scientists' warning for women who do it less than once a week, or a warning for men who also get it on less than once every seven days.

How often couples have sex is a big topic, who when a couples therapist reveals that not having sex could be healthier for you, people tend to stop and listen.

Withholding pleasure is a big trend (MARHARYTA MARKO/ Getty Stock)

Couples Therapy Melbourne notes the benefits of not having sex can include being closer to one another.

"Emotional and physical closeness without sexual activity can strengthen bonds, enhance mutual understanding, and foster a deeper connection between partners," the experts said.

They added: "It’s about being vulnerable, open, and honest with your partner, allowing them to see your true self. This form of intimacy is built through communication, empathy, and mutual respect.”

Following this line of thought, it can also be used as a way to enrich a person’s sex life through the use of forced chastity - this is where ‘Locktober’ shines for some couples.

Essentially, it’s 31 days of sexual restraint.

Usually seen in a submissive and dominant pairing, the sub (most commonly men) will spend the month of October locked in a chastity belt, according to Gigi Engle, a sex expert at 3Fun. “Essentially, it’s a way to celebrate chastity kinks,” Engle said to Cosmopolitan.

According to C4S, interest in chastity toys has surged by 193 per cent since 2020, and even saw a 71 per cent increase in 2024 alone, making this a very popular trend.

It’s usually seen between men and women, where the man is strapped into a device which prevents erections or release, and the woman holds the key.

Locktober is the act of using chastity devices (CSA Images/ Getty Stock)

This sexual denial is the root of the kink, which can be paired with sexual teasing and tension to really agonise the wearer.

However, some people might participate on their own and hide the key from themselves.

You might think this is just another side of No Nut November, but Engle notes that Locktober is a different kettle of fish.

For those who refuse sex or masturbation in November, it’s usually linked to masculinity, but Locktober is a ‘celebration of sexuality’.

If you want to try it, she explains you need to ‘get clear about the boundaries and timelines, as this play can span over the course of the whole month’.

This could be the length of time you wear the belt, the situations that you wear it for, and more.

Having a safe word is also key, as you both will need to have trust that it can be taken off without hesitation if asked.

Remember, kinks are rooted in consent, particularly a Sub and Dom pairing.