Naked sex can help keep skin-to-skin contact healthy and encourage the flow of blood. It can also make for a more intimate, empathetic, and connected relationship.
A burlesque performer, sex educator, and social worker shares her gritty and glamorous worlds in these electrifying essays that are equal parts memoir and cultural musings on nudity, performance, and connection.
1. It’s more fun
There’s a lot more to intimate sex than sticking a penis in a vagina. There’s the pleasure of seeing your mate in the nude, the sensation of skin against skin, areas of the naked body that can be licked and nibbled (both men and women love to do this), oral sex prior to penetration, and many more things. Many people find that doing these things more naturally, and without the use of clothing, is much more fun than sex in the usual manner.
In fact, some researchers have found that getting naked with a partner increases the amount of sexual satisfaction and joy people experience during their sex lives. That’s probably not a surprise to most of us, but it’s good to know that spending time nude is a pleasure in its own right and doesn’t just lead to sex.
If you’re not quite ready for full-on naked sex but want to increase your physical intimacy with your spouse, try sleeping naked. This is a great way to spend more quality time together and it’s also easier than you might think. Just make sure that you’re comfortable with this, and that your partner is as well.
Sleeping naked can help you get better, more restful sleep. In addition, it can actually decrease your chances of getting a yeast infection, which is an annoying, painful fungal disease that causes irritation and itchiness in the vulva and vagina.
In fact, some experts suggest a simple and easy solution for couples who are worried about being naked in front of each other: “Take turns using a small flashlight to examine your partner’s entire body (except the face). It will allow you both to become familiar with all parts of each other’s bodies that are stimulating during sex.” Just make sure that you’re comfortable with it and that your partner is too. Otherwise, it might not be as enjoyable as it sounds. It’s important to note that this is a safe and healthy way to increase your physical intimacy, but that doesn’t mean that you should do it if you don’t feel that you’re in a place where it’s appropriate.
2. It’s more intimate
People who engage in naked sex tend to have a more intimate experience than those who do not. This is due to the fact that sex allows for skin-to-skin contact, which promotes feelings of closeness and intimacy. In addition, the act of naked sex often elicits emotional vulnerability and trust between partners, which can also enhance the overall experience.
Many people find nudity to be sexual, which is why the majority of societies have legal prohibitions against indecent exposure. However, a person’s reaction to nudity is based on many factors, including their age, ethnicity, religion, culture, and mental health status. For example, the response to nudity is different for women and men. In addition, some people are more likely to be sexually arouse by certain types of bodies than others.
Some people scream during sex as a way of expressing pleasure or excitement. While this is a very personal decision, some people find that screaming during sex makes them feel closer to their partner and increases their sense of intimacy. It can also be relaxing, as sex is a physical activity that typically requires a lot of energy.
For those who are more nervous about engaging in naked sex, it may be helpful to try doing non-sexual activities with their partner. For example, a couple could take turns touching each other’s faces while wearing masks to protect their identities. This can help them get used to being naked together and create a more comfortable atmosphere when they decide to engage in more kinky activities later on.
Another great way to become more comfortable with being naked is by practicing self-love. This is a practice that takes time and effort, but it is very worthwhile in the end. Loving yourself and accepting your body can make you more confident in your ability to be naked with others, which will ultimately lead to a better experience during sex.
Kerry and I are sharing three things to do that do not need to end in sex. We know this will be controversial, especially for wives, but we think it is important to acknowledge that sex can’t be the only way to feel intimate with your partner.
3. It’s more empowering
Spending time in the nude can make you feel more empowered to be your naked self, and not rely on clothing to define how people see you. That’s what the nudist movement is all about—not allowing other people to sexualize and censor you with their morality or values. “Naturists don’t objectify themselves,” says Cover, which means that they don’t see their bodies as objects of fetish or beauty. “They’re just their bodies, and they’re comfortable in them.” It is a way of living that is very liberating.
It’s important to be mindful when choosing where and how often you go nude. You don’t want to get caught doing something inappropriate or unhygienic in public, so it may be better to practice being nude only around the house. Taking off your underwear for all of your daily activities can help with your genital health, too, since it allows more room for your penis and vagina to breathe and reduces the risk of an infection or irritation from tight underwear that restricts blood flow.
If you’re comfortable enough with your body in this state, it can be a great way to feel more confident and ready for the bedroom. Being more aware of how your body feels can help you with foreplay and make it easier to turn up the heat during sex.
Sleeping naked with your partner can also be an incredibly intimate and sensual experience, since it promotes oxytocin—a hormone that helps to build attachment between partners. It’s important to remember that if you’re uncomfortable sleeping in this state, it may be best to skip this part of the routine until you feel more at ease with your nakedness.
Nudity is a personal choice, and many people don’t dare to go nude for fear of being judged by others. However, practicing being nude more often can improve negative body image and help you become more confident in your own skin. For these reasons, it’s worth trying out a little naked sex in the privacy of your own home to learn how you and your partner respond to each other.
4. It’s more relaxing
Spending time nude with your partner can help you become more comfortable with your body. This can improve your self-esteem and even lead to greater life satisfaction, according to one study. If you’re feeling a little hesitant about sleeping naked with your partner, you can always start by simply being nude in the bedroom while watching TV or reading.
This will be a lot more relaxing than trying to sleep while wearing clothes. It will also allow your skin to breathe, which can be especially beneficial on hot nights like Australian summers. Just be sure to have clothing nearby in case there’s an emergency or you want to cover up in case of cold weather.
Many people don’t realize that being naked is actually very relaxing for them, so it can be a great way to wind down before bed. Sleeping in the buff can also improve your sleep quality by lowering your body temperature and triggering natural sleeping habits.
Another reason why it’s important to be nude in bed is that it can increase your libido. When you’re naked, your genitals can move freely and be stimulated in ways that aren’t possible with tight-fitting clothing. In addition, naked sex is more likely to be satisfying, which can also increase libido.
If you are worried about being seen while asleep, you can try using a small flashlight to shine on the part of the body you want your partner to examine. This will prevent the embarrassment that comes from being caught in the act while naked and is still a good way to connect with your partner in new and exciting ways.
Sexual intimacy is an important aspect of a romantic relationship, but it’s often difficult to achieve if you’re tired all the time. Getting naked in bed can increase pleasure, decrease fatigue, and improve libido. It can even help you overcome a sex drought, so if you’re going through a rough patch in your relationship, it might be worth trying something new. Just be sure to discuss it with your partner and make sure it’s a safe and healthy choice for you both.