Every summer, it’s the same old story: the rising mercury and the lapping of the waves make you fantasize about frolicking on the beach or in the water. If you decide to take the plunge this year, it’s wise to take certain precautions beforehand. We spoke with our sexologist, Alexandra Hubin, to find out more.
They fuel desire, enhance pleasure, and stimulate our imagination: fantasies spice up our sex lives by experimenting with new practices or having an intimate encounter in a unique setting. Making love in unusual locations is, in fact, among the top 10 sexual fantasies. According to a Lelo survey published in 2020, 82% of French people have had sex in their car, while 71% have made love in a swimming pool.
Precautions to take before making love on the beach or in the water
Among the most popular locations, the seaside also features: 68.5% of French people have already had sexual relations on the beach. “Our bodies are warm, our skin is soft. All of this obviously invites sensuality and eroticism ,” explains Alexandra Hubin, sexologist and founder of SexoPositive .
Some even go further and want to experience sex in the water. And for good reason: “Our whole body will be caressed, will be stimulated under the heat of the waves and the movements we will make (…) We are weightless so we experience our body differently and we will even be able to, why not, try sexual positions that are not feasible on dry land ,” explains the sexologist.
Is making love on the beach or in the water one of your summer plans? To fully enjoy this moment, however, it’s important to be prepared for certain constraints! The first, and perhaps most significant, is that making love in a public place can be considered indecent exposure under Article 222-32 of the Penal Code, which is punishable by one year of imprisonment and a €15,000 fine. This is information to keep in mind if you still wish to indulge in a secluded spot away from prying eyes.
Sand, pebbles, cool water … These elements that make a day at the beach so charming can become real obstacles when it comes to intimacy in this unusual setting. However, there are ways to avoid the inconveniences associated with this particular environment.
Avoid contact between sand and skin
The feel of warm sand beneath your feet is a particularly pleasant sensation. But the dream can quickly turn into a nightmare during intimacy: “The sandpaper-like effect on the skin, and especially on the intimate areas, is obviously anything but pleasant ,” explains Alexandra Hubin. She therefore recommends using a large towel to avoid friction between the skin and the sand.
Check the water temperature
Making love in the water is a fantasy for many couples. However, reality isn’t always as glamorous as in the movies! Among the common challenges is the temperature. Water that’s too cold can diminish sensation, but that’s not all: for men, “the quality of the erection may be slightly compromised ,” notes Alexandra Hubin. All the more reason to check the water temperature before taking the plunge.
Protecting yourself from fungal infections and STIs
Having sex in the water doesn’t mean you can skip using a condom to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections. The sexologist reveals a tip to know if you’re planning an intimate encounter in the sea or ocean: “Putting it in the water is simply not possible. So you have to put on the condom before getting in ,” she explains.
Another constraint to consider when making love on the beach: ” Vaginal lubrication will dissolve in the water ,” notes the sexologist. “If the vaginal wall is completely dry, it will irritate the area, and with the salt in the sea, it’s a recipe for yeast infections, etc. ,” she adds. To avoid this problem, she advises using a silicone-based lubricant .
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