How Important Is Afterplay?

How Important Is Afterplay?

We are all familiar with foreplay, the moments before intercourse that can last for a few minutes or a few hours. But what about post-coital play?

The best part of sex may also be the most overlooked: the neglected sensation of afterplay. When sensitivity is high and physical intimacy is emboldened, the incorporation of afterplay can correlate to your overall satisfaction.

Afterplay can help with 1) cooling down 2) more enjoyable sex 3) a stronger bond 4) a healthy relationship and 5) more sex.

Why aren’t more couples engaging in afterplay?

Two key components: fatigue and lack of understanding. James Halpern and Mark A. Sherman wrote “Afterplay: The Key to Intimacy” in 1979 where they looked at 264 American men and women. Majority fell asleep within an hour of having sex and the rest were unsatisfied with their after play experiences. However, the participants who did enjoy afterplay with their partners agreed that it correlated directly to the happiness in their relationship.

“Couples should always practice afterplay. It’s not the place to skimp out,” says Gigi Engle, a writer and sex educator. “I know it may not be the most white-hot part of a role play or bondage scene, but it’s incredibly important. Afterplay is an essential part of sexual experience, especially when that experience is new, kinky, or in any way outside of one or more person’s comfort zone.”

We can’t be angry if our significant other falls asleep. They can’t help it due to a parasympathetic nervous response that an orgasm can cause. Sleep is a natural result because of our feelings of deep relaxation. However, their is a gap between men and women in terms of relaxation and falling asleep. Men release several brain chemicals — norepinephrine, serotonin, oxytocin, vasopressin, nitric oxide (NO), and the hormone prolactin — after ejaculation. Prolactin, oxytocin, and vasopressin are to blame for levels of higher drowsiness, which is why after men orgasm, they fall asleep. While men’s breathing and heart rate return to normal after an orgasm, a woman’s body remains active for much longer after an orgasm. Because of this, a woman may lie awake.

What does afterplay entail?

It doesn’t always have to be more sex. Afterplay can come in the form of snuggling, taking a bath together, cuddling, kissing, or simply touching.  Yes, more fondling and more intercourse is always an option but it doesn’t have to be. The moments after sex are moments of vulnerability. Post-coital depression is when a partner feels empty or unhappy after intercourse. Afterplay is important in situations like this as it can reassure the partner through touch and intimacy.

“Be sure to set aside specific time after every single scene to devote to aftercare,” advises Engle. “Even if it’s just 5 minutes. Cuddle each other, kiss, and talk. Take a moment to reconnect.”

Why is afterplay important for couples?

Afterplay creates a strong bond between couples. Since men are prone to fall asleep quickly after intercourse, their desire to create an emotional bond — and stay alert for their partner — will ensure a physical and healthy bond.

Gigi Engle, a writer and sex educator, says that “Afterplay (or aftercare) can definitely increase a couple’s intimacy in that it allows both partners to reconnect after what can often be an emotionally trying (but fun!) sexual adventure.”

2014 study found that couples who participate in post-coital affection report “greater sexual satisfaction.”

“Trying new erotic things takes trust, and establishing and maintaining that trust is critical. Aftercare allows you to step away from whatever fantasy or games you were engaging in to remind your partner that you’re there for them,” says Engle.

Just like foreplay is an important, if not a necessary aspect to having intercourse, afterplay should be similarly imperative. Try to avoid “washing off” or dozing off and enjoy the moments after — consider it dessert.
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