Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]
If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]
Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
Exploring the benefits and purpose of a dental dam Dental dams may not be trending across social media but could this lesser-known barrier method be a good option for you? What is a dental dam? A dental dam is a thin, stretchy piece of latex or polyurethane that can be […]
If you’ve been diagnosed with a sexually transmissible infection (STI), you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed, worried or unsure about what’s next. It might seem scary but getting an STI is not the end of the world. In fact, 4 million people in Australia will get an STI at […]
Have you ever been having sex and noticed that things were getting a bit…dry? It happens to the best of us and there’s a super easy solution. ENTER: lube. Honestly, lube does not get the love and attention it deserves. Not only can lube make sex feel more comfortable, but […]
Foreplay is usually a big part of sex – some might even say the best part.
Foreplay builds sexual arousal and pleasure through physical and mental stimulation. Touching, kissing, licking, dirty talk, teasing, – as long as it’s consensual, pleasurable and safe, there’s no right or wrong answer.
Foreplay helps your mind and body get in the mood. It’s a way of building arousal and pleasure.
Physiologically, it can make penises and clitorises erect and vaginas and penises self-lubricate. These changes are what make sexual friction and penetration feel good rather than uncomfortable or even painful.
Emotionally, arousal can feel like connection and desire. Foreplay can increase intimacy between you and your partner and can help you discover and communicate your sexual interests.
Sex is about pleasure, not just orgasming – orgasm may not happen every time you have sex, but it should always feel good.
Foreplay provides a way of gaining sexual pleasure that focuses on enjoyment, rather than just the end goal
Sometimes sex is awkward. Communication is key when this happens. Let your partner know what you enjoy. We can all feel vulnerable during sex, especially when we’re with a new partner or experimenting with new things. Starting with “It’d be really hot if you…” can be a flirty way of discussing what you’d like. Or you can simply say “This doesn’t feel great for me, let’s try…”.
Not always. Foreplay is enjoyable on its own. Sex doesn’t have to follow.
Things like our mood can affect arousal. If you’re not into it, don’t feel pressure to have sex. You don’t owe anyone sex, even after foreplay. If you or your partner are aroused, but not ‘wet’ enough, you might need extra lubricant to comfortably have sex.
If you want to know more you can ring 1800 451 624 between 9:00am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday to talk with a sexual health nurse. It’s confidential and free if you call from a landline.
Before having sex, it’s important you have your partner’s consent. Here’s the who, what, when, where, how, and why of consent: What is consent? Consent means to agree to do something, or for something to happen. Why do I need consent? Asking for your partner’s consent shows that you respect […]
Lubricant, or lube, increases pleasure for girls and guys, during sex, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable. Lube is used to decrease friction, which means sex with lube won’t be dry and uncomfortable. There are three main types of lube: Water-based lube Water-based lubes are the most common. They are slippery […]