Sex In The Shower: Exploring Pregnancy Pleasure Points

is sex in the shower safe during pregnancy

Sex in the shower is generally considered safe during pregnancy, as long as you take certain safety precautions. Firstly, it's important to be aware of the potential slipping hazards that come with shower sex, especially if you're pregnant. To minimise the risk of falling, it's recommended to install sturdy handles and non-slip mats in your shower. Choosing the right position is also crucial – for example, having your partner sit in the tub or on a shower chair while you straddle them can help prevent accidents.

Another consideration is lubrication. Water can wash away the body's natural lubrication, leading to uncomfortable friction during sex. This can be mitigated by using additional silicone-based lubricant, which is generally considered safe to use with condoms. However, condoms may be more likely to slip off or tear in the shower, so it's important to be prepared with extras.

While shower sex during pregnancy can be enjoyable and safe, it's always important to listen to your body and do what feels comfortable and secure for you.

Characteristics Values
Safety As long as safety precautions are taken to prevent slipping, shower sex is generally considered safe during pregnancy.
Lubrication Water can worsen friction and wash away the body's natural lubrication, so additional lubrication is recommended.
Condoms Condoms can be used in the shower, but they may be more likely to slip off or break.
Positions Positions that help brace yourself and stay put, such as "hands against the wall," are recommended.
Water temperature Pregnant women should be cautious of very hot water, as it can cause heat stress and potentially harm the baby's development.

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Water is not a lubricant

Water is not a good lubricant for several reasons. Firstly, it has a low viscosity compared to most fluids used as lubricants. This means it can support a lower mechanical load at a given velocity, and there is a greater likelihood of direct contact between moving parts. This can lead to increased friction and wear, and in the case of machinery, can cause damage to components.

Additionally, water can wash away the body's natural lubrication. This can result in dryness, which can then lead to tearing, increasing the risk of infections such as yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.

Water can also cause rust formation when used as a lubricant with most steel and iron alloys. It also has a tendency to fluctuate in temperature and is a solvent.

A good lubricant should have the following characteristics:

  • High boiling point
  • Low freezing point
  • High viscosity index
  • Thermal stability
  • Hydraulic stability
  • Demulsibility
  • Corrosion prevention
  • High resistance to oxidation

While water may be used as a lubricant in certain specific applications, such as water-lubricated strut bearings for marine propeller shafts, it is generally not suitable as a lubricant in most cases.

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Water doesn't prevent STIs

While shower sex may seem like a fun idea, it's important to be aware of the risks involved. One of the biggest misconceptions about shower sex is that it prevents STIs. This is absolutely false. Shower sex does not protect against the transmission of STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, condyloma (genital warts), HIV, or any other STIs. In fact, shower sex can increase the risk of transmitting some diseases due to the irritation and microtears that can occur during intercourse.

Water does not act as a lubricant and can actually worsen friction, leading to discomfort and an increased risk of microtears. These microtears can make it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the body, increasing the risk of infection. Additionally, the use of soap and shampoo as lubricants can cause further irritation and dryness, increasing the risk of infection.

Condoms are still necessary during shower sex to prevent STIs. However, condoms can be less effective in the shower as they have a greater likelihood of slipping off when wet. It is recommended to put the condom on before getting in the shower and to use additional lubrication to prevent breakage.

Shower sex can be enjoyable, but it's important to be aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions. Always use protection, be mindful of the potential for irritation and microtears, and ensure that you have a sturdy setup to avoid slipping.

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Water doesn't prevent pregnancy

Water does not prevent pregnancy.

While it is true that if a man ejaculates into water and not into his partner's vagina, the sperm will die within a few minutes, this is not an effective form of contraception. If a man ejaculates inside a vagina, that sperm is very much alive.

According to sex educator Erica Smith, "There is a pervasive myth that water and/or chlorine kill sperm and it's not true. Having sex in the water doesn't reduce the risk of pregnancy or STIs."

Dr. Sanaz Ghazal, MD, FACOG, Co-Founder & Medical Director of RISE Fertility, agrees: "Showering wouldn't have a significant impact on conception rates since it would mainly be washing away any semen outside the vagina."

If you are looking to prevent pregnancy, it is recommended that you use protection, such as condoms, or hormonal birth control.

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Water can increase the risk of infection

While shower sex can be enjoyable, it's important to be aware of the potential risks involved, especially during pregnancy. One key concern is the increased risk of infection due to the presence of water. Here are some essential points to consider regarding this issue:

Vaginal Lubrication

Water tends to wash away natural vaginal lubrication, leading to increased friction during intercourse. This can result in discomfort or pain and heighten the risk of microtears or tiny cuts in the vaginal tissue. These microtears can serve as entry points for bacteria, increasing the likelihood of infections such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), bacterial vaginosis, or yeast infections.

Condom Usage

The use of condoms in the shower is generally safe and recommended for preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, condoms have a greater likelihood of slipping off when wet, and they may not be as effective in a hot shower due to the potential interference of hot water with the latex material. Therefore, it is advisable to use condoms with additional lubrication and ensure they are put on before entering the shower.

Water Quality

The quality of water you are exposed to during shower sex can also impact the risk of infection. Bodies of water like lakes, ponds, or oceans can harbor bacteria, increasing the chances of bacterial infections if that water enters the vagina. Even chlorinated water in pools or hot tubs is not risk-free, as it can still contain bacteria that may cause infections.

Personal Hygiene

It is crucial to maintain good personal hygiene before and after shower sex to minimize the risk of infection. Ensure that you and your partner are clean and free of any potential bacteria that could be transferred during intercourse.

Alternative Options

If you are concerned about the risk of infection, consider alternative options such as foreplay in the shower followed by intercourse outside the shower. This way, you can still enjoy the sensuality of showering together while reducing the risk of infection.

Remember, while shower sex can be enjoyable, it's important to prioritize your health and that of your baby during pregnancy. Always consult with your healthcare provider if you have any specific concerns or questions regarding sexual activity during pregnancy.

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Slipping hazards

Pregnancy itself can make a fall more likely. As your belly grows, your centre of gravity shifts, and it becomes easier to lose your balance and fall. This is especially true when getting in and out of the bath or shower, so take extra care at these times.

To reduce the risk of slipping, it's a good idea to install a non-slip mat in your shower. You can also buy a slip-resistant shower tray. Additionally, you might want to install a grab bar or shower rail to provide extra support. Make sure to test out the sturdiness of any handles before you need to rely on them.

It's also important to keep your shower clean and free of any build-up of soap or shampoo, as these substances can be slippy.

Frequently asked questions

As long as you're taking safety precautions to avoid slipping, shower sex is definitely doable during pregnancy. However, it's important to note that water can wash away the body's natural lubrication, so you may want to use additional lube to make up for this.

To make shower sex safer, you can install sturdy handles and non-slip mats in your shower. Testing out the sturdiness of the handles before you need them is also a good idea.

One of the best positions to avoid slipping is to have your partner sit down in the tub or on a shower chair while you get on top. Another option is to have your hands against the wall to help you brace yourself and stay put.

Yes, in addition to the risk of slipping, shower sex during pregnancy carries the same risks as sex outside of the shower, including the possibility of pregnancy (if you're having penis-in-vagina sex) and STIs.

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