FOREPLAY
What is Foreplay?
Foreplay is best defined as an intimate act, demonstrated emotionally and physically between one or more people in order to create sexual arousal and/or desire for a form of sexual activity. Foreplay is usually described as an erotic stimulation right before intercourse. However, foreplay is an act that could be done every day, throughout the day. Nonphysical foreplay (mental and verbal stimulation) is also a way to arouse your partner and increase your desire for sexual activity.
Psychologically, foreplay emotionally connects you to your partner in and out of the bedroom. Not in a relationship? Cool! Foreplay also lowers inhibitions, which can make sex hotter between couples as well as singles. Foreplay also supports low libido and/or anxiety connected to sexual performance as well as reduces stress by triggering a release of ur stress hormones - oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin and increases feelings of affection, bonding, and euphoria.
Physically, foreplay gets those juices flowing (literally). This increases sexual arousal (your body's physical response) as well as sexual desire (your motivational state of interest and engagement).
Foreplay does not have to lead to sexual intercourse. It can be its own source of pleasure that could lead to an orgasm. In fact, studies have shown that those with a vagina do not have an orgasm by intercourse alone. Foreplay can also help with challenges such as erectile dysfunction or vaginismus.
Arousal vs desire
As mentioned above, sexual arousal is not to be confused with sexual desire. Let's look at the differences:
Genital arousal: vaginal lubrication, engorgement of blood in the genital tissue, perceptions of genital pulsing, throbbing, tingling, and warmth.
Extragenital arousal: nipple erection, pupil dilation, skin flushing, increased heart rate, sweat gland activity, and respiration rate.
According to sexologists Miss Jaiya and Ellen Heed, “desire is the coming together of visual, biochemical, emotional, and biomechanical cues that trigger a hormonal cascade.
Types of Foreplay
Remember, foreplay can be done throughout the day, not just before the sexual engagement.
- Leave a note: on the pillow, in the gym bag or lunchbox that lets them know you can't wait to them later to (fill in the blank)
- Sexting: a quick text sharing what you want to do or have done.
- Meet up for drinks: Few ways of pre-fun - making out in the bathroom, footsies under the table, sneak peek of what you have (or don't have on) underneath.
- Roleplay: live out your wildest fantasies - strangers, doctor, maid, etc
- Passionate kissing: use your tongue, hands, eyes, and body against theirs
- Talking dirty: being very explicit and graphic when the end game is sexual activity.
- Light candles: setting a sexy and romantic scene
- Put on music: fin out their favorite songs that put them in the mood
- Dance: pressing two bodies together and being affectionate and present
- Striptease: Dim the lights and slowly remove articles of clothing.
- Erotic spread: Juicy strawberries, whip cream, cherries, or a fun aphrodisiac like oysters or chocolate
- Massages: sexual massages are wonderful for the mind and body. Spice it up with essential oils or edibles.
- Erogenous zones: Nibble, lick, kiss, and caress your partner's erogenous zones
- Skin on skin: dry humping is not just for teens.
- Verbalize: communicating your needs, wants, and desires
- Toys: finger and nipple vibrators can spice things up. Other sex toys and vibrators are also great stimulators.
- Sensory play: blindfolds, hot soapy showers, and ice cubes are all there to tickle the senses.