There’s something about water sex that feels inherently liberating.
Perhaps it’s the adventure or the heightened sense of intimacy. Or maybe it’s the mystery of wading into unknown waters — literally.
However, there are risks to be aware of. This includes the potential to slip, develop an infection, or possibly break a few laws (which you definitely don’t want to do).
But if you’re ready for the thrill and willing to educate yourself about the challenges water poses, there’s no reason not to dive right in.
If you have a shower that’s big enough for more than one naked body, shower sex can be both fun and intimate.
The waterfall of your shower can encourage you and your partner to get close — and we mean really close.
Pros
Showers give you a great opportunity to test out standing positions that you might not be able to do when having sex on a bed or couch.
Shower sex is also great for solo play. Make use of your alone time by discovering what feels good for you.
It’s even safe to experiment with using the showerhead to massage external areas, such as your nipples, labia, or clitoris.
Just make sure not to spray water inside your genital cavity, as this could mess with your body’s natural pH levels.
Cons
Shower sex often happens standing up, so there’s a risk of slipping. Using an anti-slip shower safety mat can give your feet extra padding and traction.
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Standing sex may be difficult to navigate at first — especially if you and your partner are different heights — so consider this entry-level move.
All you have to do is position the receiving partner closest to the wall.
If they want to face the wall, all they have to do is press against it for support.
Or they can lean their back against the wall and push their tips toward the stimulating partner.
If the shower is small enough, they can press their hands against the opposite wall for support.
Tub time isn’t just for bath bombs and meditation. In fact, bathtub sex can be a great way to get physically closer to your partner.
Pros
Unlike with shower sex, bathtubs offer the option to sit or lay down comfortably while being partially or completely submerged.
Cons
Being submerged in warm water opens the door for
Adding bubbles, bath salts, or oils to the water may also increase your risk of developing a urinary tract infection.
Although water itself won’t transmit a yeast infection from one person to another, engaging in underwater sexual activity might.
In other words, you should hold off on water sex until you or your partner has cleared the infection.
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Being in the bathtub shouldn’t limit you to just underwater sex.
To get the best of both worlds, try sitting on the edge of the tub while your partner goes down on you or vice versa.
If you’re worried you might slip, prop yourself up with a nearby countertop or railing.
In the likely case that a bathtub isn’t big enough for you and your partner, a hot tub might be a great alternative.
Pros
The jets feel great on your back, right? Now imagine incorporating that feeling into your foreplay.
Plus, most hot tubs come with ledges and seats that offer plenty of support for switching up positions.
Cons
Contrary to the rumors you might hear, having sex in a hot tub doesn’t prevent pregnancy.
You have the same chances of getting pregnant in hot water as you do on dry land.
What’s more, submerging an outside condom (the kind worn on a penis) in hot water and chlorine could cause it to deteriorate.
This means that it could rip or otherwise break.
So if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy, make sure you and your partner are on board with your birth control methods before jumping in.
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For a comfortable position that allows you to rock yourself into a steady orgasm, face your partner and straddle them as they sit on the seat.
For even more arousal, position yourselves near a few jet streams.
Unlike bathtubs and hot tubs — which have limited space to move around — pools can feel limitless.
Pros
There’s so much room, both vertically and horizontally, for you and your partner to explore. You also have more buoyancy to work with.
Cons
As with bathtubs and hot tubs, pool water can be a site for infections.
According to the
These outbreaks resulted in at least 27,219 individual cases of illness and eight deaths.
It’s also important to ensure that you’re not breaking any rules. Steer clear of public swimming pools.
Personal pools are typically cleaner and more private — plus you won’t have to worry about breaking laws.
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If the deep end of the pool is a little daunting, head to the shallow end and take advantage of the stairs.
Float on your back with your legs wrapped around your partner’s shoulders, while your partner sits on the stairs. This will allow them to stimulate you from the front.
Having sex in an ocean, river, or lake can be completely exhilarating, especially if you’re trying not to get caught by onlookers.
Pros
There are plenty of reasons to love the freedom of open water sex: the adrenaline rush of being outdoors, the satisfaction of losing yourself in the moment, and the wonderment of being one with nature.
Cons
Unfortunately, unlike your shower or bath water, there’s no way of knowing if the water outside is going to be clean.
It can be a hotbed for the germs you don’t want near your private parts, like parasites.
You also want to make sure that you’re not violating any city ordinances or state laws.
If you can, opt for a sheltered body of water on private land just to err on the side of caution.
Otherwise, swim to an area that’s shallow enough for you and your partner to stand, but far enough out that no one can see what you’re doing underwater.
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If the body of water is on the deeper side — and in a private area — try incorporating a flotation device into your water sex.
Lay face up on a raft or inner tube while your partner uses the gentle ebb and flow of the water to grind their body up against yours.
Keep it private. Your bedroom probably has a door with a lock, but most types of water sex aren’t as closed off — especially in the great outdoors. The last thing you want is to get a ticket for indecent exposure or a write up as a registered sex offender.
Intercourse isn’t your only option. Test the waters with your partner and different types of stimulation. You might even find that what you like in water differs from what you like in bed.
Silicone-based lube is key. Water-based lubricants rinse off underwater, and water itself isn’t a great lubricant. Stick to silicone!
Condoms still work. If you’re planning on using a barrier method, like an outside condom worn on a penis, put it on before stepping into the water.
Ejaculate in the water isn’t going to get you pregnant. It’s highly unlikely for ejaculate in the water around you to cause pregnancy. This is especially true in hot water — high temperatures can kill sperm that are outside the body within seconds.
But pregnancy is possible — even in a hot tub. Just like on dry land, pregnancy is very much possible if you’re in water. Hot temperatures won’t kill sperm that’s ejaculated inside the vagina, so take the proper precautions if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy.
So are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Talk to your partner about the last time you were both tested and, if you choose to do so, use inside condoms (worn in the vagina) or outside condoms (worn on the penis) to help prevent transmission.
Aftercare is crucial. No matter how you and your partner enjoy yourselves in the water, make sure to take care of yourselves once you’re done. Clean yourselves off, go to the bathroom, and rehydrate. (Not only are you getting a workout, but hot water can dehydrate your body too.)
Quite simply, be safe and have fun.
Water sex can be an exciting way for you and your partner to get even closer than you were before — not to mention, a little wet.
Just make sure you discuss any potential risks or questions you might have beforehand so that you and your partner are on the same page.
You should also make sure that you won’t traumatize any innocent bystanders if you’re in space that’s more public than your backyard.