As you take a dip in the shower, your thoughts can wander… how about some sexual bathing? Everyone loves a bath or shower, warm soapy water, and a steamy environment but does it mix well with sex? The answer is yes and also no.
It's possible to have an excellent experience and stay safe, but there are a few practical and not-so-practical things you need to do to ensure shower sex doesn't put you in hot water.
We'll give you our advice on staying safe - but it might be better to avoid the shower if you do plan on using a condom.
Table of Contents:
- Sexual Bathing: Be Prepared And Make Yourself Comfortable
- Can you use condoms in the shower?
- Don’t Use Soap Or Shower Gel
- Use The Right Lube For The Job
- What To Do If Your Condom Splits
- To Sum Up
Sexual Bathing: Be Prepared And Make Yourself Comfortable
It might sound a bit silly and even kill the spontaneity, but making sure you have everything in the bathroom or near the hot tub before you start is essential. No one wants to leave halfway through to get something - that really is a passion killer.
It's also essential to think about how comfortable you are; if you're standing for an extended period of time, your feet might slip and become sore or even worse, you could end up injuring yourself, so make sure you have something soft underfoot like a thick towel or bath mat (ugly I know, but better than a nasty fall).
It's also a good idea to put the heating on as goosebumps are not a good look, and you know what extreme cold can do to a man's pride (deflate it very quickly).
Can you use condoms in the shower?
There are definitely things you need to take into account when you're thinking of using a condom in the shower. Firstly, latex is more likely to weaken and rupture with prolonged use in the heat. We don't recommend using a latex condom in a very hot bath, shower, hot tub or sauna. (Source)
There are also polyurethane (non-latex) condoms available, like these, but we don't fully know how they react to the heat.
We wouldn't encourage you to use condoms when you're getting a bit frisky in a hot shower or hot tub simply because they're more likely to break, tear or rupture due to the heat.
The best advice we can give is that if you want to prevent sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy, have sex away from steamy, hot water and use a condom carefully in a situation where you have better control.
Don't Use Soap Or Shower Gel
Not using soap or shower gel is one of the most critical points when it comes to sex in the shower; if you do use soap or shower gel, this can cause friction resulting in condom breakages, which can lead to unwanted pregnancies and STIs transmission.
Shower gel or soap in the wrong places (vagina or anus) can be itchy and lead to an allergic reaction. You don't want your first shower sex experience to leave you with an unpleasant memory and a nasty rash, do you?
The safe thing to do is avoid using any soap-based product and let the natural slipperiness (or a silicon-based lube) of the shower/hot tub do its job instead (limit how long you stay in the shower, you don't want to be there all night).
Shower sex is best enjoyed quickly (cost of living crisis aside). You don't want to end up like a wrinkled prune and think about what it will do to your hair! Maybe start in the hot tub or shower and take it into the bedroom.
Use The Right Lube For The Job
But if you insist on sexual bathing (good for you), you must use a good quality water-based lube when having sex in the shower. The reason we prefer water-based lube is that other types of lubricants like petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and lotions can break down latex condoms making them less effective at preventing STIs and pregnancy.
Silicon-based lubricant is also a great choice as it lasts longer than water-based and won't wash away with water quickly. As an added bonus, it works great under hot water temperatures – perfect for steamy showers!
You often ask us, 'can you use a condom in the shower' and the answer is yes, but to ensure there are no mishaps, it's a good idea to play it safe and follow our suggestions. Here's a quick reminder of what to do if your condom splits in the heat of the moment.
The Best Lubes For Sexual Bathing
Here are the best lubes for sexual bathing, in our opinion:
Loving Joy Water-Based Lubricant helps you keep things simple and concentrate on what matters most. Loving Joy doesn't have an unpleasant smell or a strong fragrance like other lubes. Most importantly, it provides all the lubrication required for a fantastic encounter between the sheets (or in the hot tub) and doesn't get sticky.
Loving Joy Water-Based intimate lube is easily rubbed into the skin and gives lots of lubrication whenever needed. It is specifically made to moisturise your skin. It is appropriate for foreplay and vaginal sex and works with all condoms and sex toys.
It is ideal for sensitive skin because of its soft, plant-based formulation. Parabens, petrochemicals, and fragrances are common allergic substances absent from Loving Joy Water-Based Lubricant. The good news is it's both vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic.
Lubido Original Water-Based Intimate Lubricant is water-based but not watery and is very enjoyable to use. You won't need to worry about reapplying it mid-deed because a few drops go a long way.
A neutral lube is Lubido Original Water-Based Intimate Lubricant. It is suitable for vegans and has no flavour or smell. The lube is a fantastic option for sensitive individuals or conscientious shoppers. You can also use it for anal sex due to its thicker texture.
On the skin, this clear, long-lasting lubrication feels silky smooth and non-sticky. It doesn't discolour and dries quickly on fabrics. You can easily clean it off with warm water and a towel. It is packaged with the BSI Kitemark logo and made in the UK by British manufacturers.
Why not check out our entire range of lubricants by clicking the link?
What To Do If Your Condom Splits
If you end up with a split condom, it's time to take action. First things first, stop having sex immediately and don't use any more condoms until you have removed and replaced the broken one. Likely, the condom was already broken when you put it on, so check for expiry dates before you start your session.
Fresh condoms are hard wearing, and it's difficult to split or break them, but if you do, then you need to consider whether emergency contraception is necessary as this can be very effective in reducing the risk of unplanned pregnancy - but seek help as soon as possible after the incident from your local Sexual Health Clinic, GP or Pharmacist. Don't delay. It's also wise to get tested for STIs - your local sexual health clinic will be able to help.
Read more about how safe condoms are.
How To Make Sure Your Condom Doesn't Split
It's always best to double-check that you have a reliable condom before starting sex in the shower. Avoid using an expired or damaged condom, as these are much more likely to break during water-based activities.
We also recommend using extra lube with spermicide when using condoms in the shower, as it can help to prevent any breakages or tears that could occur due to slippery surfaces and vigorous movements. Also, ensure you store your condoms correctly when not in use so they don't become damaged before you get around to using them.
Finally, how do condoms work? Condoms are made of latex rubber, which provides a barrier between bodily fluids and prevents pregnancy and transmission of STIs - ensuring both partners' safety. When appropriately used (every time), they are highly effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies and spreading STIs.
To Sum Up
Yes, you can have sex in the shower with a condom, but you should take extra precautions. Make sure to use the right lube, check that your condoms are not expired or damaged and know how long you spend in the shower so you don't look like a prune!
Remember always to double-check that your condom is secure before starting sexual activity and make sure to get tested for STIs after any unprotected sex.
Having safe sex is super important - so if you're going to have sex in the shower, ensure it's done safely and responsibly! And most importantly, enjoy it! :)
