Whether it’s your first time having sex or you’ve been doing the horizontal tango for years, the question still sneaks in: “How do you prepare for sex… the right way?”

Spoiler: There’s no one right way. But there are ways to make it smoother, safer, sexier, and way less awkward.

Forget the cringe-inducing sex ed talks, WOO’s here to give you the good stuff. The kind of tips that’ll make your next sexy time less stressful, more pleasurable, and way more sexy.

Key Takeaways

• Prepare mentally: Check in with yourself and make sure you actually want it and feel safe. Confidence starts in your head.
• Clean up for comfort: A quick rinse or wipe down with intimate wipes keeps you fresh, confident, and irritation-free.
• Set the vibe: Lighting, music, and a tidy space make a huge difference for intimacy and relaxation.
• Lube is your best friend: A natural, pH-friendly lube is a must-have for enhancing pleasure and reducing friction.
• Practice safe sex: Keep condoms, birth control, and other protections handy to reduce the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
• Embrace the awkwardness: Sex isn’t perfect. Laugh at the weird moments and focus on connection over performance.

#1 Get Your Head in the Game 

Before the candles, the playlist, or even the lube, sex starts in your brain. Feeling mentally and emotionally ready sets the tone for everything else.

Ask yourself:

• Do I actually want this?
• Do I feel safe with this person?
• Am I open to being vulnerable and connected right now?

If the answer is “yes,” you’re already halfway there. If it’s a “maybe” or “not sure,” pause. Consent isn’t just about saying “yes,” it’s about feeling it, too.

WOO Tip: First-timers, try taking five minutes to breathe, shower, or even journal before getting intimate. It helps you land in your body instead of letting your nerves take over.

#2 Get Clean To Get Down 

You don’t need an hours-long spa session, but a little hygiene prep never hurts, especially if you want to feel extra confident and reduce the risk of irritation or infections.

Quick checklist:

• Rinse off or shower (especially intimate areas).
• Pop a mint or brush your teeth.
• Wear whatever makes you feel hot (or nothing at all).
• Keep wipes handy for a quick refresh if needed. WOO’s Freshies are pH-friendly, travel-sized, and perfect for pre-play touch-ups.
  

#3 Set the Scene (Because Vibes Matter) 

Sex is as much about energy as it is about bodies. Setting the mood can turn just okay into oh-my-god-yes.

How to nail the vibe:

• Tidy up! Clothes on the floor? Distracting.
• Light candles or dim the lights.
• Put on a playlist that actually makes you feel something.
• Keep water and a towel nearby, especially helpful if things get extra wet.
  

You don’t have to create a rom-com set, but a little intention goes a long way.

#4 Talk Before You Touch 

If we had to choose one rule that changes everything, it’s this: talk about sex before having sex.

Boundaries, desires, expectations—just say them out loud. It can be quick and casual:

• “Anything off-limits tonight?”
• “Want to bring some toys into play?”
• “Should we grab the lube now or later?”

It’s not unsexy. It’s communication. And trust us, nothing builds hotter chemistry than being on the same page.

#5 Lube. Always Lube.

Let’s say this louder for the people in the back: LUBE MAKES SEX BETTER. Even if you’re naturally wet, even if you think you don’t need it, lube makes sex so much more fun. Period.

It reduces friction, prevents microtears (yes, those are a thing), and turns good sex into great sex.

• Try WOO’s Shag Juice, a water-based, pH-friendly lube safe for condoms and toys.

• Or go for WOO’s Coconut Love Oil for oil-based play, massages, and oral (bonus: it’s edible and tastes like dessert).
  

Pick your lube, and thank us later.

#6 Prioritize Safe Sex (Without Killing the Mood) 

Look, safe sex isn’t only a PSA, it’s the freedom of a fully relaxed mind. Using birth control and barrier methods like condoms not only reduces the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies but also lets you relax and focus on the fun part.

WOO Tip: Always have condoms or your preferred method handy. The time you have sex isn’t the time to scramble for protection; it’s the time to use it.

#7 Care for Your Body Before, During & After

Sex is fun, but it’s also physical. Treat your body with a little TLC.

Before:

• Eat something light if you’re hungry.
• Hydrate (trust us, sex is thirsty work).
  

During:

• Listen to your body; discomfort is not a turn-on.
• Change positions when you need to.
• Take breaks. Pleasure isn’t a race.
  

After:

• Pee (this helps prevent UTIs).
• Wipe down or shower if needed.
• Rehydrate and snack.
• Cuddle, nap, or dance around the room. Whatever feels right.
  

Your body deserves aftercare just as much as your mind does.

#8 Embrace the Awkward

First-time jitters? Weird noises? Accidental elbow-in-face moments? Welcome to real sex.

It’s messy. It’s imperfect. And that’s what makes it beautiful. Laugh it off, check in with each other, and remember, it’s all part of figuring out what feels good for you.

FAQs About Preparing For Sex

How do you prepare for sex if it’s your first time?

Focus on comfort first. Make sure you feel emotionally ready, have talked about boundaries, and are using protection. Prep your space, grab some lube, and take it slow. There’s no rush.

What should I do before having sex to stay safe?

Use birth control and condoms to reduce the risk of STIs and unplanned pregnancies. Have intimate wipes on hand for quick cleanup, and communicate openly about what feels safe and comfortable for both partners.

Do I really need lube if I’m already aroused?

Yes. Arousal isn’t always the same as hydration. Lube reduces friction, protects sensitive skin, and enhances pleasure for everyone involved.

How do I talk about sex without making it awkward?

Keep it honest and straightforward. Use casual prompts like, “Anything you’re not into tonight?” or “Want to try toys or keep it simple?” Communication upfront avoids misunderstandings and makes sexy time more enjoyable.

How do I set the mood without overcomplicating it?

You don’t need a Hollywood setup. Dim the lights, put on a playlist, tidy your space, and maybe light a candle. The goal is to create an intentional vibe that lets both of you relax and get into it.

Final Thoughts on Prepping for Sex

Forget perfect. Here’s the truth: preparing for sex is about feeling ready, confident, and safe enough to fully enjoy the moment. From setting the mood to talking openly about desires and boundaries, a little intention goes a long way.

And when in doubt? Slow down. Check in. Focus on connection, not performance. That’s where the magic happens.