What is Foreplay?

Foreplay is a sexual activity that happen before sexual intercourse. It can also be called pre- sex or warm up for sexual intercourse. Kissing, touching, talking, cuddling, sexting are some examples of foreplay. Foreplay helps to build up sexual arousal.

Why is Foreplay important?

1. During foreplay some hormones (oxytocin, serotonin) are released which helps to reduce stress, thereby making one more relaxed and also have fun during sex.

2. During foreplay blood flows into the clitoris, it also leads to the lubrication of the vagina. Without blood flow to the clitoris and the vaginal lubrication, there will be no pleasure during sex.

3. Foreplay also helps to build emotional intimacy between you and your partner.

Tips on how to enjoy Foreplay

1. Don’t take foreplay as a quick pre-sex requirement, take your time, do not rush. Savor every moment of anticipation. Enjoy a long make-out session.
   

2. Expand your definition of foreplay, anything that impacts the mind has the ability to impact one’s sex life, so prepare your mind always.
   

3. Help each other get relaxed and ready to play.
   

4. Whisper sweet words into each other's ears, the key to long term sexual satisfaction with your partner is good communication. Becoming more comfortable talking about your sexual desires will lower your inhibitions and generate more intimacy in your relationship. Encourage your partner by telling them about the things they do that you enjoy or what you would like them to do. Ask them what they enjoy and want out of foreplay. If your conversations about sex and foreplay are difficult, consider talking with a sex therapist to discuss ways of enhancing communication.
   

5. Make use of your lips, hands and mouth on each others body. As long as there is clear consent, consider running your hands down to your partner’s genitals to give them manual stimulation. Stroke and rub your partner with different motions and speeds. Using your lips and tongue on your partner’s erogenous zones is another great foreplay technique.
   

6. Use an imagination to build out scenario in your mind and perhaps pretend you are strangers meeting for the first time. Alter your behavior to fit the role you’re playing, and enjoy experiencing a new kind of sexual encounter with your partner.

Layla Martin, sex expert and author of Wild Woman in the Bedroom, says the best kind of foreplay puts the emphasis on "play," setting aside intercourse as the goal. "If you are touching or seducing your partner and you're thinking, 'I’m just doing this so we can have sex,' she’s going to feel that. It’s not going to be sexy, and can even shut her down."

What sex and foreplay look like to you doesn’t need to line up with what you see in the media.

You don’t have to follow a certain order or agenda to enjoy either! It’s like having dessert before dinner — it’ll be delicious no matter when you have it.

Remember, foreplay starts outside your bedroom, before you start touching each other.