5 Things You Must Be Careful About While Getting Intimate In Shower

‘50 Shades Of Grey’, ‘Grey’s Anatomy’, ‘F.R.I.E.N.D.S’, ‘2 States’, and other films, sitcoms, and web series often show couples getting intimate in the shower. It looks steamy and intriguing, but it can be uncomfortable and dangerous too.

Intimacy in the shower can lead to accidents due to slippery floors. To make it safer, we are offering some basic tips.

On the more serious aspects of it, we also connected with Dr Murugan Nandagopral, a sexual health expert who works as Senior Scientist and Lead Manager at LifeCell International, a healthcare platform.

5 Things You Must Be Careful About While Getting Intimate In The Shower

• Use anti-skid mats to ensure you do not slide on the surface of the bathroom.
• Always keep hold of handles to prevent accidents and injuries.
• Always prioritise using condoms to practise safe sex. Dr Nandagopal suggested putting on the condom before getting into the shower, else it can get challenging afterwards. You should also pick an appropriate condom that does not slip when you get wet.
• Communicate your needs, likes and dislikes to your partner. It will help you establish boundaries and ensure comfort for the parties involved. You should also normalise communicating in between the act if your partner feels any sort of discomfort.
• Dr Nandagopal advised using lubricant to counter the water’s effect of washing off the natural lubrication. You might need to reapply the lube frequently if you stay longer in the shower. However, the expert warned against substituting the lube with a soap or shower gel.

Everyone’s experience in the shower can be different. Dr Nandagopal said, “Be patient and don't be discouraged if shower sex isn't as easy as it seems in movies or books.” He added that you must be flexible in moving to a comfortable space if both of you feel uncomfortable.

How To Ensure Hygiene While Getting Intimate In The Shower

• Besides ensuring use of condom and lubricant (Reasons Why To Use Lubricant), Dr Nandagopal said that while many believe it is healthy to urinate before getting intimate, one must avoid it if planning to explore the shower space.
• Clean your genitalia front to back with mild soap, rinse thoroughly and pat dry post-sex. You must avoid products infused with scents and chemicals.

Why One Should Avoid Getting Intimate In The Shower

• Dr Nandagopal said that while intimacy in the shower seems exciting and effortless in films, books, and web series, it is certainly not as comfortable as it looks.
• Frequent washing in the shower can cause irritation to the genitalia as it washes away the natural lubrication. It increases the risks of transferring infections. “Even during shower sex, semen, vaginal fluids, and other body fluids may not wash away completely, making it possible to contract Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs),” he added.
• Your washroom might seem clean, but there are several bacteria and germs around. Therefore, it carries risks of contracting diseases.

Dr Nandagopal said, “Understanding the potential risks and taking necessary precautions, people can make informed decisions about engaging in shower sex while prioritising their health.”