This article was scientifically fact-checked by Human Sexuality expert Dr. Laurie Mintz.
Shower sex is one of the most highly fantasized about quickie locations, yet remains one of the hardest to pull off. How can you overcome the logistical disconnect and make sudsy sex* a recipe for success? Read below to find out!
Why Have Sex In the Shower?
Inherent Sensuality
From the warm, relaxing water to your soapy bodies and hands caressing each other, the shower is one of the most naturally erotic places to have sex.
Practicality
Not only are you in a confined space, able to enjoy the sensation of each others’ wet bodies, the running water can mask any moans or gasps, so you can be louder than usual, which is a good thing because sex noises are a turn-on for those making them and those hearing them.
Fun Bath Time Toys
This is the time to bring out your more deliciously scented body washes for their aromatic effect, and don’t shy away from the different sensations brought on by scrubs, sponges and loofahs.
As well, you can incorporate any number of waterproof sex toys, whether it be a Smart Wand™ Large for getting to all those hard-to-reach-places, or the compact ALIA™, which has a convenient handle and fits neatly into a soap dish.
Ideal Foreplay
If you find the place too narrow or too wet for your romantic acrobatics, the shower is an ideal place for a warm-up lap before jumping between the sheets. Sensual massage from both hands and showerheads will get your heart racing while you ensuring you’re both squeaky clean for oral explorations.
What Are the Necessary Considerations for Shower Sex Positions?
The Faucet
Not only is the faucet just waiting to poke you uncomfortable in the back of the legs, depending on the model, it can be very easy to change your perfect temperature to burning hot or freezing cold with an accidental knock of the elbow (unless you want to experiment with temperature play!)
Slip and Slide
Keep in mind that the mixture of water and soap can make the floor like an ice rink; slow and deliberate movements keep your shower fantasy sexy and not a Hitchcock horror.
Soaps
Everyone knows soap in the eyes will turn your sexy shower into an uncomfortable eye wash emergency, but the same also occurs when soap enters into some of your other sensitive orifices, so don’t caress your partner’s intimate parts with soap.
Lubrication
For all the stereotypes about pleasure in the tub, water and natural lubrication are not on good terms. Make sure to keep a personal moisturizer with easy applicator on hand.
The Environment
No need to spend hours testing every position of the kama sutra, remember that for most people the ideal duration of sex is only 7-13 minutes! Still, here are a few kamu sutra positions that adapt well for the shower!
Shower Sex Positions
Standing Shower Sex Positions
The Hanging Garden: This face to face sex position is probably the most standard, but is dependent on complementary height, or the thrusting partner having the strength and balance to support their partner against the wall without slipping
The Frisk: Very simple, very satisfying and a staple of any fulfilling sex life, this standing sexual position is called ‘the frisk’ because of the receiving partner’s stance – hands against the wall, bending slightly forward, feet apart –similar to a police body search.
It’s also great because both partners can be in control of the speed and intensity of the action, as well as maintain a solid base with legs slightly father apart.
Seated Shower Sex Positions
The Union of Lotus: If you have an appropriately sized shower, this position is best if you’re concerned about slipping. The receiving partner sits in the lap of their partner for a slow motion that lets you both luxuriate in the sensation of the water falling upon you.
The Edge: Of course, if you want something a bit more dynamic, you can try this position. If your shower has a bathtub, have the thrusting partner sit on the edge of the bath with their legs inward, while their partner sits, using the wall opposite to help support.
*In this article, for ease of reader understanding, we are using the words sex and intercourse as synonymous, as is done in popular culture in general. Similarly, we use the word “foreplay” the way it is used in popular culture (i.e., the sexual acts such as oral sex that come before intercourse). However, as aptly pointed out by our sex expert Laurie Mintz, we would also like to acknowledge that such language exalts men’s most reliable rout to orgasm and linguistically erases women’s most reliable route to orgasm—clitoral stimulation, either alone or coupled with penetration. Indeed, only between 4% and 18% of women reliably orgasm from penetration alone. We look forward to the day when such language is not commonly used in culture.
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Facts checked by:
Dr. Laurie Mintz
Laurie Mintz, Ph.D., is a professor at the University of Florida, teaching Human Sexuality to hundreds of students a year. She has published over 50 research articles and is a Fellow of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Mintz also has maintained a private practice for over 30 years, working with individuals and couples on general and sexual issues. She is also an author and speaker, spreading scientifically-accurate, sex-positive information to enhance sexual pleasure.