7 Icy-Hot Ways To Cool Down During A Summer Sex Sesh

By Whitney C. Harris

Steamy sex is hot as hell, but cooling things down can also be fun—especially in the summertime, when you can never seem to stop sweating (also: sweaty sex can give you a sexually transmitted fungus). Use these fun ideas when the temps start rising above your comfort zone.

Or, you know, whenever you want.

1. Cool Down Oral

Try taking a little ice water in your mouth and swirling it around while you go down on him, suggests Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., author of Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life. The novel sensation can add a fun new element to your bedroom routine.

2. Take A Shower Together

Turn on the water, and let it run cool (but not too cool—your guy will appreciate that). Then hop in together, and bring a tube of a good-quality silicone-based lube, like Wet Platinum ($8, buywet.com), since your natural lubrication will be washed away, says sex therapist Madeleine M. Castellanos, M.D., author of Wanting to Want: What Kills Your Sex Life and How to Keep it Alive.

3. Wipe Each Other Down

Grab a washcloth, and throw it in a bowl of ice water—then wring it out. Have your partner wipe the rag across the back of your neck, across your chest, and between your legs, suggests Castellanos. Then put the washcloth back in the bowl, wring it out again, and return the favor.

The sensual nature of doing this intimate act for each other will definitely get you in the mood—not to mention literally give you goose bumps (because of the quick temperature change), says Castellanos.

4. Crank Up The A/C

Then get busy in doggy style directly in front of the stream of air, says Castellanos. It'll be fun to have the sensation of cool air blowing on you while you literally heat things up.

5. Play with Ice

"You can use ice anywhere on your body," says Castellanos. Just fill a glass with some cubes, and keep it by your bed during foreplay. (Don't forget paper towels to sop up any excess drips if you know those will distract you and keep you from enjoying yourself.)

Experiment with taking pieces and rubbing them slowly across you or your partner's skin, says Castellanos. Just don't hold a big chunk on one area for a long time because it will start to feel numb—not exactly the effect you're going for.

6. Try a Cooling Lube

Rapini likes Wet Ecstasy Xtra Cooling Lubricant ($10.50, buywet.com). The coolness will cause extra tingling...never a bad thing during sex.

7. Add an Element of Surprise 

Bringing a blindfold into the bedroom always adds an erotic element to the mix, says Rapini.

Try this cool twist: Once one of you has their eyes covered, have the other drip tiny beads of cool water in unexpected places. Keep your partner guessing where the next cold drop will land, and hit some sensitive areas like the lips, nipples, and inner thighs.