Whether you’re going to have sex for the first time or with your regular partner, getting ready can be exciting and nervous. This article will give you a few tips to prep for sex so you can enjoy it as much as possible!
Prepping can be as simple as a few changes to your daily routine. Here are a few things to consider:
Make a to-do list.
Whether you’re getting intimate with someone new or a long-term partner, it pays to make sure you’re fully prepared for the experience. “While spontaneity can be fun, it’s also important to take the time to prepare for sex, so you can go into the experience feeling confident,” Rodgers says.
That means clearing out the bathroom of any embarrassing messes and making sure your breath smells fresh (you don’t want to lose concentration mid-session). You should also shave (or trim, for girls) so that you have smooth skin in those delicate areas. And don’t forget to stash lube, she adds — there are even bedside dispensers that offer hands-free dispensing, so you don’t have to fumble with bottles in the heat of the moment.
Of course, preparing for sex can also mean thinking about what you and your partner need from each other. You might have a favorite playlist or a specific sex game you like to play, or perhaps you have certain foods that trigger sexual arousal in one or the other of you.
Get a good night’s sleep.
Getting a good night’s sleep is key to feeling rested and ready for your first time. This can help you feel more energised and in the mood for sex, plus it will give your body a chance to get rid of toxins.
You can prepare for a good night’s sleep by not working, watching TV or using your phone in bed. This will signal to your brain that the bedroom is for sleeping and sex, making it easier to wind down when the time comes.
Try to make this a regular habit, especially before sex, to ensure you get a great night’s rest every night. Lastly, don’t forget to stash some lube by your bedside. Whether it’s K-Y Naturals Moisture + Intimate Gel or any other of our favourite products, having lube on hand can add to your sexual enjoyment. It’s also important to remember that foreplay is a key part of getting in the mood, so don’t be afraid to try out a few first time foreplay tricks. For example, try kissing, cuddling and even talking a little before you go in for sex to build emotional connection.
Stretch a little.
Stretching helps prevent cramps during sex, and the more flexible you are in bed, the better. Dynamic stretching, such as twisting lunges or high kicks, is the best for improving flexibility.
Aim for at least five repetitions per day.
The quadriceps muscle, found in the knee, is a common area that gets tight in sex positions like doggy style. It’s important to keep this muscle flexible, so you can support your partner in a variety of positions without hurting either of you.
Start by lying on the floor on your back with your legs straight. Wrap a stretching strap around the arch of your right foot and use your hands to pull on it. Try to go a bit farther than you can on your own and hold for two to three seconds. Then repeat 10 to 12 times. Do the same on the other leg.
Avoid spicy foods.
The capsaicin in spicy foods can trigger your nervous system to activate heat-detecting mechanisms, making you feel hotter than you actually are. If you want to avoid this sensation, cut spicy foods out of your diet a few hours before sex to prevent unwanted reactions.
Make sure you have condoms and lube ready for your partner, too. It’s a good idea to get these on hand, even if you’re using a birth control method like the pill or implant. Getting into bed without them can lead to uncomfortable situations.
Finally, it’s a good idea to leave the house with a few signals that you’re ready to hit the sheets, such as giving your partner a long kiss in the morning, flirtatious texting throughout the day, or even a seductive wink when they walk through the door. This will create sexual tension and set the mood.
Remember that sex is a natural human process and not everyone experiences it the same way. It’s normal to feel a wide range of emotions after sex, so don’t be afraid to talk about how you felt with your partner afterwards.
Stay hydrated.
Drinking water helps the body produce natural lubrication, making it a key ingredient to having sex. Dehydration can have a number of negative effects on intimate moments, including decreased lubrication and less orgasm. Drinking water on a regular basis can help prevent and alleviate these symptoms, as well as promote overall sexual health.
Avoiding sugary drinks, like soda or juices, is a good way to stay hydrated and prepare for sex. These drinks contain high amounts of fructose, which can interfere with serotonin production and cause mood fluctuations.
It’s also a good idea to drink a glass of water right before having sex. This will hydrate the body and increase libido, but be careful not to overdo it, as excessive water can cause the need to pee. This can interrupt the intimate moment or even lead to premature ejaculation! Also, remember to remove distractions like phones or tablets. They can be a major turn-off for both partners, and it’s important to focus on each other during this intimate moment.