How to Use Foreplay to Improve Your Sex Life

Even if we don’t like to admit it, foreplay often gets missed out of our bedroom sessions - maybe because we’re in a rush or we’ve settled into a bit of a routine.

Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve got foreplay ideas for him and her, as well as all the info about the amazing benefits of a little pre-sex fun.

So, whether you want to persuade your partner to join in on the fun or just need some new foreplay tips and ideas, we’ve got you covered.

Why is foreplay so important?

Foreplay is often thought of as the thing you do before sex - the appetizer before the entrée. But this doesn’t have to be the case.

Foreplay can get you or your partner(s) to peak arousal, which can intensify your satisfaction and feel euphoric. It can even get you ready for that big ‘O’.

And that’s not all…

1. It helps with lubrication

Most of the time, the peak arousal that foreplay can cause will help with the lubrication of the vaginal walls, making penetration less painful and more enjoyable - if you’re not a huge fan of foreplay, this reason should convince you to give it a go.

However, stress, hormonal changes and medication are all things that can impact the lubrication of the vagina, so don’t stress if natural lubrication doesn’t happen. That’s why we have lubricants to help us keep everything smooth and comfortable down there.

2. It helps us relax

Yep, that’s right, foreplay can make you feel less stressed.

Acts of foreplay, like kissing, can trigger a release of chemicals in our brains, such as dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin.

This happy chemical cocktail increases feelings of happiness, euphoria, affection and bonding, all of which will make you feel great and really enhance your sexual experience.

Oxytocin (aka the ‘cuddle hormone’) also helps us chill out by reducing levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

3. It builds anticipation

So, we know we just said that foreplay calms you down, but it can also increase the excitement by building anticipation in the bedroom.

A lengthy foreplay session, especially if there’s a lot of teasing and edging involved, is a great way of building up sexual tension.

One of our top foreplay tips for him (and anyone else) is to take your time. Slowly kiss your partner and remove their clothes one by one. This will have them craving your touch and make it even more enjoyable when they finally get it.

4. It can enhance your connection with a partner

Foreplay can be one of the most intimate sexual activities and spending time getting to know your partner’s body can make them feel desired and attractive - everyone loves feeling good about themselves.

So, whether you’re with a long-term partner or something more casual, the feelings of intimacy that come from a good, long foreplay feast can seriously enhance whatever else you’re exploring during your sessions.

5. It increases sensitivity

Foreplay is a great time to have a play around with stimulating different areas of the body, such as the nipples, clitoris or testicles. This can actually increase the blood flow to the genitals and the breasts, making these already sensitive areas even more so.

Not only will this feel amazing in the moment, but the increased sensitivity foreplay creates can make the rest of your play that much more pleasurable.

6. It can improve communication

Sexual consent is super important, particularly if you’re exploring something new. But, even you’ve been with your partner for years, it can feel a bit awkward asking in the heat of the moment.

Enter foreplay.

Foreplay can be the best time to have open conversations about consent and expectations before things start moving too quickly.

7. It’s a good time to learn something

Spending more time on foreplay can help us learn a whole lot about our partner’s body, not to mention our own!

The best foreplay tips to drive her (or anyone) crazy can involve exploring your partner’s erogenous zones with sensory toys to see how they react.

8. It can help you switch things up

Last, but not least, foreplay is fantastic for spicing things up in the bedroom.

Routine sex can be fantastic - the familiarity of knowing your body and your partner’s, and what you both like is so hot! But sometimes, changing things up can be a great way to keep things exciting.

So, now you know just how good foreplay is for us, are you ready to find out how to have better foreplay?

Foreplay tips and ideas

Okay, so we know how good foreplay can be for us - what’s next?

There’s no how-to when it comes to foreplay; anything that gets you aroused counts as foreplay.

Whether you like kissing or BDSM play, there are endless options when it comes to foreplay.

If you’re looking for some inspo, here are 10 of our favorite foreplay tips and ideas to help you turn up the heat.

Remember, foreplay is anything that gets you hot under the collar. So, whether you like a lengthy make-out sesh or are a fan of some under-the-table footsie, feel free to get creative.

Just make sure you check in with your partner and get their consent prior to experimenting with any kinky foreplay tips and ideas.

For more inspo, take a look at our Top 10 Best Sex Toys for Couples.

But, remember that orgasms aren’t the be-all and end-all of every sexy session you and your partner have - it’s okay if you just want to sit back and enjoy the ride.

So, put on some sexy tunes and tell your lover to get comfortable.

If you’re worried about saying the wrong thing, check out our ultimate guide to talking dirty.