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Illustration of Foreplay (Preliminaries)
Anatomy and biomechanics

The activation phase of the sexual response: prior stimulation (touch, visual, verbal) triggers genital vasodilation, lubrication and the muscle relaxation needed for comfortable, pleasurable sex. It's especially relevant for arousal of the vulva and natural lubrication; caring for it reduces discomfort and increases satisfaction throughout the encounter.

Why this position works

It's the moment when desire builds on a slow burn and, for many people —especially those with a vulva—, it's essential to truly enjoy sex. Anticipation, playfulness and attention to your partner create arousal and closeness that improve everything. Taking care of foreplay means taking care of your partner.

Physical effort: Low Frontal

Foreplay (Preliminaries)

What we call 'foreplay' is, for many people, the essential part. Foreplay isn't a formality before sex: it's the moment when desire grows, the body gets ready and the connection ignites. Taking care of it improves absolutely everything that comes after.

Also known as: foreplay · preliminaries · warm-up · building desire

Deep Intimacy Power Play Sensory Exploration Relaxation and Surrender Easy Maximized Clitoral Stimulation Non-Penetrative Interaction Sensitive Pelvic Floor

Variations of this position

1. Kisses and caresses: the body map

Two people kissing and caressing each other, exploring the body.

Exploring the body with kisses and caresses, discovering erogenous zones beyond the obvious.

  1. Start with kisses and caresses, no rush.
  2. Explore the neck, ears, back, thighs.
  3. Gradually increase the intensity.

2. Oral and manual: increase the temperature

Oral and manual stimulation as part of foreplay.

Adding oral and manual sex as part of foreplay greatly increases arousal.

  1. Add manual and oral stimulation.
  2. Alternate rhythms and areas.
  3. Let the desire grow without rushing.

✓ Tips
  • Ne te presse pas : les préliminaires ont souvent besoin de plus de temps qu'on ne leur en donne généralement.
  • Explore au-delà des organes génitaux : cou, oreilles, cuisses, dos.
  • Les mots et l'anticipation enflamment autant que le toucher.
  • Demande et observe ce qui excite le plus ton partenaire.
  • Ils peuvent alterner et se mélanger pendant toute la rencontre, pas seulement au début.
Interaction type
Prior stimulation (preliminaries)
Active anatomy
Hands / Mouth / Words
Receptive anatomy
Body / Erogenous zones
Main stimulation
Multiple / Sensory / Desire
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people GayHeteroLesbianNon-binary / any

Frequently asked questions

Combien de temps doit durer les préliminaires ?

Le temps nécessaire ; pour beaucoup de personnes avec une vulve, plus c'est long, mieux c'est pour profiter.

Est-ce indispensable ?

Pour la plupart, cela améliore beaucoup l'excitation, la lubrification et la satisfaction.

Est-ce seulement avant le sexe ?

Non ; ils peuvent se mélanger pendant toute la rencontre.

Sources and references

  • Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual

Last editorial review:

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