What Do People Do Before and After Sex?

Summary

A study of 2,000 Americans by Pure Romance reveals that a significant portion of people engage in pre- and post-coital rituals to enhance their sexual experiences, with a focus on confidence, satisfaction, and intimacy.

Abstract

The study highlights that 38 percent of participants follow specific rituals before engaging in sexual activity, with women often aiming to alleviate appearance concerns and men focusing on sexual performance confidence. Common pre-sex rituals include showering, brushing teeth, shaving, and wearing clean underwear or lingerie. Post-coital behaviors are also prevalent, with 36 percent of respondents reporting activities such as cuddling, watching TV, and engaging in meaningful conversations. These rituals are indicative of a desire to ensure a pleasurable and satisfying sexual experience for both partners, as emphasized by Pure Romance Founder Patty Brisben. Additionally, a subset of respondents enjoys eating certain foods like chocolate and pineapple before sex, suggesting that dietary choices can also play a role in sexual routines.

Opinions

The study suggests that sexual rituals are a common way for individuals to prepare for and reflect on their sexual encounters, aiming to enhance the overall experience.
There is a gender-specific approach to pre-sex rituals, with women more concerned about appearance and men about performance.
The preference for certain foods before sex indicates a belief in their aphrodisiac or energizing properties.
Post-sex rituals are seen as a way to extend intimacy and connection between partners after the act itself.
The variety of rituals reported reflects the diversity of individual preferences and comfort levels when it comes to sexual intimacy.
The emphasis on ensuring partner satisfaction through these rituals underscores the importance of mutual pleasure in sexual relationships.

Study reveals pre- and post-coital rituals

While people may want to tweak sexual positions to spice things up with their partner, they may still be doing some things in exactly the same way every time they have sex — rituals they perform before and after they do the deed.

According to a study of 2,000 Americans conducted by Pure Romance, 38 percent of people engage in a ritual of some kind every time they have sex for various reasons. For women, the most common reason for engaging in a pre-sex ritual is to reduce concerns about their appearance, while for the majority of men, pre-sex rituals center around feeling confident about their sexual performance.

“Men and women are looking for different ways to ensure that their partners are pleased and satisfied.”

No matter what the reason, the most common rituals participants reported were:

1. Taking a shower

2. Brushing their teeth

3. Going to the bathroom

4. Shaving

5. Using mouthwash

6. Putting on clean underwear

7. Changing the bed sheets

8. Putting on lingerie

9. Flossing their teeth

10. Lighting a candle

For 15 percent of respondents, however, rituals are designed to feed their appetite — in the kitchen, that is. These people said they actually like to eat before having sex, and the most popular preferred pre-coital foods were chocolate (63 percent), pineapple (50 percent), and banana (41 percent).

“Whether it’s their first time or their 189th time, everyone wants to enjoy intimacy in a pleasurable way.”

And the habits did not end at orgasm, as 36 percent of study participants said they engage in ritualistic behaviors after they’ve completed the act. Most commonly, they reported:

1. Cuddling

2. Watching a TV show or movie

3. Drinking water

4. Getting dressed

5. Spooning

6. Nothing — just lying there with their partner

7. Having meaningful conversations

8. Making food

9. Ordering takeout

10. Going on social media

According to Pure Romance Founder Patty Brisben, these types of behaviors boil down to wanting to give your partner a good experience.

“When it comes to providing the best sexual experience in the bedroom, men and women are looking for different ways to ensure that their partners are pleased and satisfied,” said Brisben. “Americans are looking to have an amazing experience every time they have sex with their significant other. Whether it’s their first time or their 189th time, everyone wants to enjoy intimacy in a pleasurable way.”

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