Sex in the water can be a great experience… or a total nightmare if you don’t know what you’re doing. In fact, many of us have tried it out only to end up feeling awkward, uncomfortable, or even in pain.
Sex in the water seems super sensual, kind of like sex on the beach. If you’ve ever had sex on the beach, however, you know it’s nothing like what you see in the movies. Unless you’re looking to have your lady bits exfoliated, we wouldn’t recommend it without some serious blankets and towels.
Getting busy in the water can be just as deceiving as sex on the sand. Looks simple, but requires practice and some correct expectations from both partners.
Water sex can also have some not great side effects, like the possibility of developing an infection. Having sex in the water can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs), yeast infections, and bacterial vaginosis (BV). These types of infections can leave you with symptoms so uncomfortable you’ll wonder why you ever tried it in the first place.
Thankfully, you don’t have to have a bad experience the first time you have sex in the water. If you’ve already made an attempt and failed, there’s still hope.
The first thing to remember is to dial down your expectations. This isn’t going to look like a movie scene; sometimes your bikini top won’t untie or there’s just no way for you to position yourself comfortably.
If you’re planning to try having sex in the water, we’ve got some tips and tricks to make sure the experience is great.
Expectations vs. Reality
Aquatic sexy time goes off perfectly in our heads. Both people are drenched, the lighting is perfect, your swimsuit comes off without a hitch, or there’s a pool step precisely where you need it. In reality, you’re trying to get it on without anyone seeing and you’re awkwardly propped halfway out of the pool.
Let’s take a look at some common misconceptions about underwater sex:
– It’s water, it’s wet, therefore you should be wet, right? Wrong. So very, very wrong. In fact, maintaining lubrication while underwater is virtually impossible. Even if you’re seriously turned on and tuned up, the water you’re in can wash away your vagina’s natural lubrication. This is not a good way to have sex, we promise.
– You won’t get water in your nose. Yes you will. And then you’ll cough and you’ll potentially have to take a break so you can blow your nose and pretend to still feel sexy. It’s rare that water sexy time doesn’t involve some kind of unintentional water inhalation by one or both parties. Switching positions, losing your balance, splashing; these are all hazards too.
– You’ll totally nail the position. Unless you’ve got some adult film experience, finding a comfortable position while having water sex can sometimes be impossible. Like, literally impossible because there’s no adequate way of your partner getting access to your vagina.
If you do find the money position, it can be awkward and hard to hold. Sometimes it feels like you need a level of flexibility normally reserved for Cirque du Soleil performers.
– You won’t get an infection. You’ve got about a 50/50 chance of not getting an infection, especially if you’re having sex in unclean water like a lake or the ocean. If you’re having sex in a pool or hot tub used by other people, you’re still at risk even if the water is treated with chemicals.
Now that you’re familiar with the misconceptions and issues that can prevent you from being the sexually intuitive mermaid you want to be, let’s look at how to have underwater sex the right way.
How to Have Water Sex That Doesn’t Suck
It’s possible, we promise. One of the biggest factors is considering your location and being realistic. For instance, sex in the ocean can be amazing–unless the water is choppy and there’s a strong undertow.
Here’s how to give yourself a reality check and keep underwater sex fun (and safe):
– Bring lube. Seriously, don’t leave home without it. Saltwater, chemically treated pool and spa water, and even plain bathtub water can all wash away your precious natural lubricant. Your best bet is to grab a waterproof lubricant that will last your entire sex sesh.
If you don’t think it’s that important, think again. If your vagina and vulva are dry your partner could cause microtears in your vaginal tissue, which can allow for bacteria to enter. It might not seem like a huge issue until you wake up the next day with irritation, swelling, redness, and discomfort.
– Consider your options. You’ve got a hot tub fantasy, we get it. Just keep in mind the hot tub has no stairs. There may be no way you can get into a good position unless you’re holding your breath.
Wearing a scuba mask doesn’t sound super appealing during sex either. You can always opt to start your sexcapade in the water with foreplay and then move out of the water to finish up.
Alternately, you can grab a sex toy (assuming it is submergible) and use it in the water. A toy doesn’t require a high level of acrobatics. That means you can have that great water O without worrying about the logistics as much.
– Plan ahead. If you’re prone to getting UTIs, yeast infections, or BV it’s best to plan things out in advance. Are you going to be able to pee right away afterwards? If not, you may need to think about preventing UTIs a week or two before the deed. You can use a bladder health support supplement to make sure you’re extra ready.
Are you prone to yeast infections or BV? It’s nothing to be embarrassed about but you’ll want to keep that in mind. Make sure you have towels on hand, and a way to change out of a wet bathing suit if need be. Staying in wet clothes too long will only become a breeding ground for bacteria or yeast.
– Don’t skimp on the foreplay. Foreplay is important to any pleasurable sexual experience so water sex is no different. Make sure you and your partner are both good and ready before you get down to the nitty gritty.
– Obey the law. Sorry to be a Debbie Downer, but sex in public is illegal. You can risk some pretty heavy fines and even jail time depending on where you decide to get buck wild. Instead, opt for the privacy of a personal pool, hot tub, or your shower.
Even though it doesn’t seem as wild and electric as sex in the pool or a hot tub, sex in the shower is a great option that is private and seriously underrated. You can generally find a comfortable position in the shower that doesn’t involve water going directly up your nose.
Sex In The Water Went Great… But Now I Have A Vaginal Infection
It happens. While you’re still applauding yourself on your epic performance, you go to the bathroom to pee and it burns like fire.
Then the itching starts the next day or so, and maybe even discharge and odor. If you’ve never had a vaginal infection before, it can be scary. Don’t worry. These types of infections are totally normal and virtually every woman experiences them at some point in her life.
You’ll want to make sure you treat your infection properly. If it is the first time you’ve had an infection, you should head to the doctor. They’ll be able to make sure it’s just something like BV or a yeast infection. If it does end up being something more serious like trichomoniasis then you’ll be able to get the right treatment quickly.
The Water Sex Verdict?
Sex in the water can be amazing, but it really comes down to setting proper expectations and being willing to go with the flow. Be willing to be adaptable, and don’t try to force something that isn’t flowing organically. Both you and your partner will be happier in the end if you don’t force it.
Once you figure out how to have awesome sex in the water you may find it’s one of your favorite types of sex. See what works for both yourself and your partner then just enjoy it. That water O will be totally worth it.
Sarah Nelson is a nurse with 15 years of experience working with a variety of patients. She has a Masters of Science in Nursing and has spent a large portion of her career working exclusively with women in an OB/GYN setting.
Nursing is a passion for Sarah but she also enjoys writing and sharing her expertise online with people who need helpful information. Treating patients well and helping them learn more about their own bodies is a key essential to a healthy lifestyle that Sarah truly believes in.