Foreplay is a pleasurable and exciting part of a sexual experience and includes adding different foreplay techniques to your sex-life. It's a great way to heighten sexual arousal, intimacy and pleasure between you and your partner. With this in mind, we’re here to answer all your common questions about all things foreplay - find out what foreplay is, why foreplay is important, types of foreplay techniques, what to do if you don’t like what your partner is doing, does foreplay always lead to sex and some important tips on how to improve foreplay in your sex-life.

What is foreplay? 

Foreplay is a type of sexual activity that typically occurs before sexual intercourse. Foreplay helps to increase sexual arousal and excitement leading to more satisfying orgasms and increased intimacy. Foreplay includes techniques such as mutual masturbation, oral sex, caressing each other's bodies whilst paying particular attention to the erogenous zones to discover sensations that you and your partner find pleasurable. 

Why is foreplay important? 

Foreplay is important because it increases sexual arousal and prepares the body for sexual intercourse. When you add foreplay to your intimate moments, your body responds by sending more blood flow to your genitals whilst activating the release of sexual hormones to lubricate your genitals and increase desire. 

Adding foreplay techniques to your sex-life also creates a safe space for you and your partner to build on intimacy and discover new sexual sensations that you may or may not have experienced before. As well as this, foreplay can help build trust between partners and increase open communication by discussing what feels good, what doesn’t and what you might be keen to try. By spending time dedicated to foreplay, you and your partner can experience more satisfying orgasms. 

Types of foreplay techniques 

Kissing and caressing

Passionate kissing, gentle touches or caressing are an important part of foreplay techniques. Not only do they increase anticipation of what might come next, but they also increase bonding between you and your partner.

Oral stimulation 

Whether that’s through cunnilingus (oral sex of the vagina) or fellatio (oral sex of the penis) - oral sex is another popular foreplay technique to add to your sex-life. Adding oral stimulation to the erogenous zones can help increase intense pleasure and sexual arousal for both partners. 

Sensual massage 

Adding sensual massage to your foreplay is a great way to relieve stress and tension, making you feel more relaxed before sexual intercourse. Also by taking it slow with a sensual massage, it can add to the ambience whilst getting you both in a sensual and intimate mood. 

Role-play and fantasy 

Role-playing and engaging in shared fantasies can add excitement and novelty to your sexual encounters - increasing the connection between both partners. 

What if I don’t like what my partner is doing? 

Being able to have an open and honest conversation with your partner is crucial for being able to explore foreplay in a safe and fun way. If your partner is doing something that you don’t like, communicate this to them in a non-confrontational and calm way - we all like different things, and although it may be something they enjoy, they may not be aware that you think differently. 

You can also offer guidance to your partner by expressing what feels good or what doesn’t feel good when adding new foreplay techniques to your sex-life. This is why foreplay is a good way of exploring and discovering new things that feel good together. 

Does foreplay always lead to sex?

No. Foreplay doesn’t always lead to sex. It can be a sexually satisfying and pleasurable experience on its own and a good way of increasing sexual arousal. Sexual experiences are different for everyone, and it’s important to recognise that everyone's sexual desires and boundaries may differ. Foreplay can be a good way to connect intimately with your partner, being able to explore each other’s bodies and experiencing a heightened pleasure without the goal of sexual intercourse. It’s important to be mindful of this - that although you may want foreplay with your partner, you don’t have to engage in sexual intercourse afterwards. 

How can I improve foreplay? 

There are many different ways you can improve foreplay in your sex-life but here are just a few of our favourites;

Communication: Have an honest conversation with your partner about your sexual desires, needs, fantasies, boundaries and possible foreplay techniques you would like to add. By discussing what you enjoy and what you don’t, you can create a safe space to explore foreplay together. 

Explore sensual activities: Experiment with different foreplay techniques, such as sensual massage, scented oils, or add in novelty props such as a feather or blindfolds. You can also explore each other’s bodies through touch, discovering what causes the most pleasurable sensations for you both. 

Go slow: Take the time to enjoy the experience. Rushing through foreplay may reduce the sexual pleasure you can endure together. Being able to go slow allows you to build up anticipation and intensify pleasure - it’s a sexual journey you can both take together.