What Is Foreplay?

Foreplay is well known as the sexual acts before penetrative sex. It ranges based on what you like and what turns you on. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into answering what is foreplay, what does foreplaying consist of as well as foreplay ideas for both men and women. 

Definition of Foreplay

Foreplay Is considered any sexual activity before intercourse. However, intercourse doesn’t need to be the grand finale, it doesn’t even have to be on the menu at all if you don’t want it to be. Great foreplay can be just what you need when it’s done right.

Foreplay alone can be all you need to reach orgasm, and research has shown that most people with vaginas don’t orgasm from intercourse alone and most likely achieve orgasm through foreplay. Foreplay can be whatever gets you going and doesn’t have to b strictly physical. Foreplay can be a mental build-up of arousal in which you and your partner start to feel the sexual tension. For many women, foreplay can be the best thing about sex, so stop looking at foreplay as an appetiser and start thinking of new and exciting ways you can experiment. 

What Does Foreplaying Consist Of?

Foreplay can be incredibly hot when done right. And foreplay can mean different things to different people. For some, it’s a steamy make out sesh followed by some fondling before moving on to penetration. For others, there’s a whole background, storyline, and setting that allows you to unleash your deepest fantasies. There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to how to foreplay, simply go with what feels right for you and your partner. 

Many people enjoy prolonging the foreplay, starting as early as a mid-afternoon sext or leaving a note for your other half before you hurry off to work in the morning. The anticipation can stay with you all day until you’re ready to turn up the heat when you rendezvous in the bedroom later that day. 

Set the scene for your passionate foreplay with some music, candles and maybe even throw in a strip tease to get hearts racing even more. 

Why Is Foreplay Important? 

Foreplay is important for so many reasons. Foreplay triggers physiological and physical responses that make the sexual activity as enjoyable as possible. 

Physiological

Engaging in foreplay helps you to build emotional intimacy that can make you and your partner feel more connected in and out of the bedroom. Even if you’re not in a relationship, foreplay can make sex hotter between couples and virtual strangers alike. For example, kissing triggers a release of oxytocin, dopamine and serotonin which is a chemical cocktail that lowers stress levels and increases feelings of affection and euphoria. 

Physical

Foreplay literally gets the juices flowing by increasing sexual arousal. By increasing arousal, you can experience:

• An increase in your heart rate, pulse and blood pressure
• Dilation of your blood vessels including your genitals
• More blood flow to the genitals which causes the labia, clitoris and penis to swell
• Swelling of the breasts and erect nipples
• Lubrication of the vagina which can make intercourse more enjoyable and prevent pain

Foreplay Ideas For Both Men & Women

Whether you’re in a long term relationship or are having a first time hookup, foreplay is easy to get overlooked. Here are a few ways you can go next level on your foreplay:

Start outside the bedroom

Your sexual experiences don’t always need to start in the bedroom. Try initiating foreplay in the kitchen, office, garage or any other non-typical place. It’s the unexpected that keeps things interesting. Once you initiate in an exciting new place, you can either lead your partner to the bedroom or have sex right there and then. You might be surprised how many places to have the sex you’ve been overlooking. 

Talk dirty

Talking dirty can be extremely effective for getting turned on. It’s also a great way to initiate foreplay. If you’re not sure where to start, just don’t overthink it. Sometimes it can be as simple as telling your partner exactly what you want to do to them, or what you want them to do to you. 

Make it all day event

Foreplay can start as early as the moment you wake up. A seductive statement that lets your partner know they’re in for a treat at the end of the day can be a great way to induce sexual anticipation. The, sending sexy texts and pictures throughout the day or teasing each other during errands can help build up the heat. 

Do the unexpected

Use the element of surprise during your foreplay sessions to keep your partner on their toes. One of the best foreplay tips is to switch things up. For example, try initiating sex first thing in the morning, or try switching the lights on instead of off or turning on a candle for some sensual mood lighting. 

Act out a fantasy

Everyone has some sort of sexual fantasy, so acting one out is a sure-fire way to make your partner's dreams come true. Try writing both of your fantasies down on slips of paper then choosing one at random to act out. Try keeping it up for 30 seconds at a time if you’re feeling awkward and you might find yourselves getting swept up in the roles.

Massages

Sometimes, the best form of foreplay is relaxation. Giving each other sensual massages is a great way to help each other relax whilst being able to touch every inch of their body which can help you both get in the mood. Use sensual massage oils in your favourite scents and enjoy a sensory overload experience. 

Watch a sexy movie

If you and your partner are both into porn or are intrigued by it, try checking it out together. Try talking about what you want to try to open yourself up to ideas you might not have thought of before.

Be a tease

Have your partner lie on their back and play a little game of ‘getting warmer’. Use your hands, your mouth or a sex toy to caress different areas of their body to build sexual anticipation. Keep ‘getting warmer’ until they can’t take it anymore.