It’s hot in theory. In practice, it’s often slippery – but not in a good way. Between the risk of slipping while finding a position that works and the potentially painful friction during penetration, shower sex can be tricky. Oh, and don’t you hate when only one person gets to be under the warm water while the other one shivers?
Fortunately, there are ways to make the shower way more enjoyable for sexual activities, so much so that it can become one of your favorite locations to have sex. “Despite shower sex being a bit of an Olympic-style kind of sexual activity, it can actually be really pleasurable and exciting. The warm water is a great extra sensory experience to add to sex,” says Leigh Norén, a sex and relationship therapist and social worker.
Ready for expert-approved tips to take your pleasure to new heights while showering? Here are five tips to help you have actually enjoyable shower sex.
How to have shower sex — even if you thought you weren’t a fan
1. Slip-Proof Your Shower
You can’t fully relax and enjoy the experience if you’re worried about breaking a limb. Norén recommends adding a couple of props to your shower to make yourself less prone to slipping and hurting yourself. A bath mat or a stool can go a long way in terms of slip-proofing your shower (while giving you a few creative ways to explore different positions).
2. Invest in the Right Lube
When having sex in the shower or in a hot tub, lubricant is a must-have for reducing friction and preventing tears. Water-based lubricants tend to wash off right away, so they’re less optimal.
Norén recommends investing in a silicone-based lube: “Silicone-based lube doesn't rub off as easily in the water and will keep that pleasurable friction going during vaginal sex (as opposed to painful chafing from being dry).”
Unfortunately, silicone has its downsides: It’s extra sticky and might not rinse off as easily. And it’s not safe to use with sex toys. If you’re conscious about the ingredients you put on or in your body, you might also be hesitant about the fact that it’s a synthetic ingredient.
Here at Bloomi, we love a good shower time, too. An oil-based lube like Bloomi’s organic Delight Oil-Based Personal Lubricant might be a better option for you, provided that you’re extra careful about not letting it become a slipping hazard on surfaces.
3. Indulge Your Senses
Once logistics like slip-proofing and lube are out of the way, you can focus on fun. Shower sex comes with plenty of unique opportunities to maximize your pleasure. “[Indulge in all the things only shower sex can give you – the feel of the warm water on your naked skin, lathering each other in soap, playing around with the temperature of the water, suggests Norén.
4. Leverage the Shower Head
Plus, the shower comes with a built-in toy: the shower head. As long as you’re not spraying it right near the entrance of your vagina, you can point it to various erogenous zones, such as the clitoris, adds Norén.
5. Avoid Getting Water Into Your Vagina
Whatever you do, avoid getting water directly into your vagina. For women, sex underwater carries the increased risk of vaginal infection, says Norén: “You don't under any circumstances want to spray water up your vagina. This can cause infections and make you wish you never got frisky in the shower to begin with.”
Even with this precaution in mind, you should still have plenty of options to take advantage of the unique qualities of shower sex. Whether you spend a lazy evening cuddling in your robes afterward or head to post-quickie is up to you.