What Is Shower Sex?

Medically Reviewed by Gabriela Pichardo, MD on July 02, 2023
3 min read

Enjoyed with a partner or alone, and in a space separate from others, shower sex is the practice of performing sexual activities under a running shower. You can turn up the heat in the bathroom with activities including sexual intercourse or masturbation. 

Given that most people are naked while showering, many people see it as an ideal time to get intimate with a partner or themselves. The warm water also helps people feel comfortable and relaxed.

Bathroom sex is a broad category that includes all sexual activities performed in a public or private bathroom.

Shower Sex vs. Bathroom Sex

Bathroom sex activities can involve engaging in intercourse on public or private toilets, sinks, showers, or bathtubs. Shower sex is limited to sexual activities performed in the shower. 

Shower Sex vs. Golden Shower

A golden shower refers to the act of urinating, particularly on another person. While golden showers can be part of shower sex, you or your partner don’t have to perform them to practice shower sex. 

Shower sex doesn’t have to reflect the sexual acts performed in movies or television shows. Although you and your partner can practice different sexual positions in the shower, it’s not necessary to engage in ones you’re not comfortable with.

Shower sex doesn’t have to involve actual sexual intercourse or a partner. Some shower sex activities can be done alone through masturbation. 

The water from the shower won’t prevent you or your partner from becoming pregnant. Sperm can survive for a maximum of days in the female reproductive system, and washing out the ejaculate after intercourse will not prevent pregnancies. 

Sex in the shower doesn’t protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The water does not prevent you from getting gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, condyloma (genital warts), HIV, or other sexually transmitted diseases. Water often washes away natural lubrication, which can lead to irritation of the vulva and penis during shower sex and increase the risk of transmission of some diseases. 

You may want to try shower sex at certain points in your relationship. When this happens, it’s important to communicate what you are interested in doing with your partner.

Some partners find that shower sex provides them with a space separate from others. Since the shower and bathroom offer a place to lock the doors and be away from children and other family members, shower sex can enable you and your partner to express intimacy in private.  

When practicing shower sex, it’s important to keep certain safety considerations in mind. Since shower sex will not prevent pregnancies, you should use contraception if you’re trying to avoid pregnancy. If using a condom, make sure it doesn’t break or slip off in the shower. 

If you use vibrators or other sex toys during shower sex, be sure to clean them properly to prevent bacterial infection or STI transmission. Items made of glass, steel, plastic, rubber, and other materials have different cleaning needs, so follow the cleaning instructions.  

As water can wash away natural lubrication, you may find it helpful to use a silicone-based lubrication product. Accidentally spilling the lube can make the shower floor more slippery, so be aware of any spillage.

To prevent slipping, purchase a non-slip shower mat for the bottom of your bathtub. This will help avoid injury. Also, if you rub soap, shampoo, and conditioner onto your partner, make sure to rinse the residue from the shower floor to avoid slips.