There comes a time in every relationship when someone looks into the bathroom and thinks, we should def have shower sex.
Maybe the sheets are in the dryer and you’re horny now. Or, maybe you have a roommates with unusually good hearing. Whatever your reasons for schtupping in the shower, it’s a worthy stamp on your sexual passport.
There isn’t much research about sex in the shower. However, a non-scientific survey by Trojan Lubricants found that 60 percent of people wanted to try shower sex with a partner. So if you’ve been nervous to suggest shower sex to your partner, there’s a good chance they might be interested already.
Here are a few of the benefits of shower sex:
1. Shower sex is super private
The shower is a blue ribbon locale for masturbating without interruption. Having partner sex in the shower is a great privacy option, too. The sound of falling water can drown out all manner of sex noises!
2. It’s easy clean up
Sex can get messy. Instead of playing around in bed and then changing your sheets for the umpteenth time, get down and dirty in the shower (while you also get fresh and clean).
3. Have more period sex (and avoid staining your sheets)
Period sex is totally safe, but it can also get pretty messy, especially on heavy flow days. Sure, you could toss a towel under your bum for period sex, but it might be easier just to hit the showers. Save your stain remover for the next time you spill red wine on the carpet.
4. You can try out standing positions
If you’ve always wanted to try out sex in a standing position, the shower can be a unique place to try. Of course, you can also still have standing sex next to your bed or your couch, in your kitchen, etc.
5. All toys welcome (if they’re waterproof)
Sex toys are a great addition to shower play. Don’t have any shower-friendly sex toys, or need something new? Allow us to introduce you to your new friend, the shower nozzle. Holding it up against a clitoris, anus, or other fun-zone can feel ah-mazing (just don’t spray it into your vagina or anus).
Here’s a few tips to make shower sex safer and more pleasant:
1. Scrub your grody shower first
Soap scum and whorls of hair in the drain are a big no-no. Tidy up your shower before you’re in the mood.
2. Move shampoo, razors, and soap to the side (or out of the shower)
Accidentally knocking your bathing implements over in the heat of the moment can be distracting — and potentially dangerous if someone slips. You or your partner might need the bathtub ledge to place a foot or two.
3. Keep your condoms nearby
Store your condoms in the bathroom ahead of time (no more last-minute naked sprints to the bedroom). If you have a penis, put on the condom before getting into the shower. Lube washes off with water, so you may also want to keep the lube nearby to continually lube up.
Note: Make sure to store condoms in a cool/dry place. Sealed in a cabinet or drawer, so that they’re not exposed to the moisture and heat of the bathroom, is best. This prevents them from deteriorating at a faster rate.
4. Use the right lube
Stick to silicone based lube when in the water. This won’t rinse off or damage condoms. Do not use shampoo, conditioner, body wash, or soap in place of lube.
The acidity of soap throws off the vag’s delicate pH balance and can lead to itching, burning, or unusual discharges (also why you should never douche.) Bath products can also damage condoms and no longer offer protection from unplanned pregnancy or STIs.
5. Use a nonslip mat
Shower sex has even more potential for slipping and sliding, especially with a partner. As a safety precaution, buy yourself a nonslip mat so your shower is less slippery.
You’ve scrubbed the pink mold off your shower walls and put your condoms and lube an arm’s reach. Now, how are you gonna do the damn thing?
1. Captain Morgan
If you’re doin’ it in a bathtub or your shower has a bench, use this to your advantage.
How to do it: Both partners should face each other. Have the receiver lift up one leg and rest it on the edge or the tub, shelf, or bench. Have the other partner enter from the front with a penis, fingers, or sex toy. If the receiver has a penis, you can get handsy.
If you don’t have a bench, have your partner hold your leg as they thrust. You can also reverse this position and have your partner enter from behind for anal or vaginal penetration.
Pro tip: If you are the receiver, keep your balance by keeping the raised leg at least 3 feet on the ground. If you have a handle on the shower door to hold onto, even better.
2. Underwater doggy-style
Take doggy-style beyond dry land with this standing up version.
How to do it: Start with partners standing. The receiver will place the palms of their hands on the shower wall, leaning forward (keep knees slightly bent to keep balance). The giver holds on from behind, keeping their feet on the floor as they thrust, finger, or use a sex toy to enter the receiver. If the shower nozzle is behind you, you’ll feel the warm water on both of your backs.
Pro tip: Use a detachable shower head for extra stimulation down below.
3. Wet cowgirl (or cowboy)
This is essentially cowgirl that is soaking wet in the shower.
How to do it: For this move, one partner sits on the bottom of the tub. The other partner sits front-facing on their lap to allow penetration. This is an ideal move if you’re both a little klutzy or your shower is especially slippery, because there’s no way you can fall over.
Pro tip: If you can get the angle right, you can also make this an anal position.
4. Take a seat
A take on reverse cowgirl, here’s another position where a bench in the shower comes in handy.
How to do it: For this position, the receiver sits on the giver’s lap (think lap dance-style). You can do vaginal or anal penetration in this position.
Pro tip: The giver can also reach around to play with the receiver’s nipples and genitals.
5. Standing oral
Going down on your partner is great for the shower, too.
How to do it: Have the receiver stand while the giver bends down in front of them. Make sure that the person giving the oral pleasure is comfortable under the shower stream, so they don’t get a nose (or mouth) full of water.
Pro tip: A nonslip mat will be more comfortable on the giver’s knees.
Use your hands
A good 101 lesson in shower sex is to use your hands first. Try washing and massaging each other before you amp it up. Stroke, squeeze, rub, pinch… do whatever you typically enjoy.
Playing with hands first gives everyone an idea of what the shower is like. Check out where it’s especially slippery, where the shelves or handles are located, and where the water will fall into you or your partner’s eyes.
Beware of slips and falls! It’s easy to slip in the shower when it’s just you and a washcloth, belting Kelly Clarkson. While shower sex can be fun, no orgasm is worth getting concussion or some weird bruise on your butt.
If you’re not so steady on your feet, shower sex might not be for you. And that’s completely OK!
You might up your risk of infection. Getting horizontal (or vertical) in the shower can cause vaginal irritation from the water washing out natural fluids. It can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Shower sex is still sex, so play it safe. Sex doesn’t automatically become safer in the water. You still need to protect yourself from STIs and unplanned pregnancy. Keep your condoms nearby and put them on away from the shower spray.
- Shower sex can be more private.
- It’s a lot easier to clean up after sex in the shower — no stained bedsheets!
- Clean your shower first and put a nonslip mat on the floor if you can.
- Keep your condoms and lube nearby so no one has to interrupt the fun to run to the bedroom.
- Try using your hands first to get a feel for shower sex. If you and your partner are able to balance safely, then you can graduate to penetrative sex or oral sex.
- If shower sex is not enjoyable for you, that’s OK. It isn’t for everyone.
