Sex positions to avoid during heatwave as couples issued warning signs to immediately stop intercourse
Trying to have sex in a heatwave is a bit like doing cardio in a conservatory.
Technically it's possible, but after a minute or two you might be fighting for your life.
Yesterday (26 May) was the hottest May on record in England and Wales, and having to work in 30C+ felt illegal - and it soon might be.
But after a long, hard day in the office, winding down, or perhaps winding it up, with your partner might not be a good idea, according to Dr Susanna Unsworth.
Advert
"Sex is a form of physical exertion, so during heatwaves there is a greater risk of dehydration, dizziness, overheating or feeling faint, particularly in poorly ventilated environments," the Women’s Health Expert for intimate wellness brand Intimina tells LADbible.
"This can be more significant for people with cardiovascular disease, respiratory conditions, during pregnancy, or in menopausal women already experiencing hot flushes and temperature regulation difficulties."
Dr Unsworth recommends to stop immediately if:
- you feel unwell
- you feel lightheaded
- develop chest pain
- develop significant breathlessness
Safest sex position in a heatwave
While there is no single ‘safest’ sex position during hot weather, Dr Unsworth insists that 'comfort and avoiding overheating become more important' than normal.
"Positions that require less physical exertion or allow airflow may feel more comfortable during extreme heat," the gynaecologist adds.
Cooling tips during sex
- stay well hydrated
- avoid the hottest parts of the day
- use fans or cooler rooms where possible
- take things more slowly
- stop if feeling dizzy or overheated
- lubricants may also be helpful, as dehydration and heat can sometimes worsen vaginal dryness and discomfort
Sex positions to avoid
Missionary
While missionary is said to be the most-searched sex position in the UK, you might not want to do it when it's hot.
The position involves a lot of body-to-body contact which essentially traps heat inbetween two partners.
Not ideal unless you want to feel like you're inside a jacket potato.
The wheelbarrow or acrobatic lifts
Positions that require the receiving partner to hold their own weight, or the other partner to support them, demand high physical exertion, which increases heart rates and excess sweat.
6/9
Not to be confused with 6/7, but 6/9 requires your faces and upper bodies to be directly on top of each other, again trapping the heat between you.
"For most healthy people, sex during hot weather is safe, but extreme heat can place extra strain on the body," Dr Unsworth adds.
"The bigger message is about listening to your body, staying hydrated and adapting to the conditions rather than pushing through discomfort.
"Heatwaves affect sleep, mood, hormones and physical wellbeing in lots of interconnected ways."
Hot weather can affect fertility
High temperatures may reduce sperm count and motility, she warns.
"There is some evidence that excessive heat can temporarily affect fertility, particularly sperm quality. High temperatures may reduce sperm count and motility," Dr Unsworth adds.
"In women, heat itself is less likely to directly impair fertility, but dehydration, disrupted sleep, physical stress and illness during extreme temperatures can potentially affect ovulation and overall well-being.
"For pregnant women, overheating and dehydration are more of a concern, particularly later in pregnancy, as pregnant women are more vulnerable to heat-related illness."
How heatwaves affect libido
And finally, if you're not feeling up to it in a heatwave - it's completely normal.
Dr Unsworth says that 'sex can feel physically uncomfortable' when you're overheated, dehydrated and quite possibly sleep deprived.
"Sleep disruption is another major factor. Poor sleep caused by hot nights can significantly affect libido, mood and relationship dynamics," the expert says.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Weather
Anish Vij