1. Initial Sexual Experiences Often Include Failures It’s common for the first sexual experience to be challenging; success often requires 2–5 attempts. These early struggles are often linked to inexperience with physical intimacy. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go smoothly at first; simply take a break and try again later or after a day or two when both partners feel more comfortable.

2. Communication is Key to Sexual Happiness Studies on sexual science show that intimacy is a two-person activity, requiring both partners to be in sync for a fulfilling experience. Without understanding each other’s preferences and sensitivities, harmonious intimacy is difficult. After each experience, discussing how you both felt can build mutual understanding, enabling partners to respond intuitively to each other’s cues over time.

3. Avoid Cold Drinks Right After Sex Post-intimacy can leave one feeling hot and thirsty, leading many to reach for cold beverages. However, the body is in a state of recovery, especially in the digestive system. Cold drinks right after can strain the stomach lining. Instead, it’s better to drink warm water or room-temperature water to stay hydrated without discomfort.

4. Drink Water Before and After Sexual Activity Drinking 1–2 cups of water beforehand can improve circulation, enhancing endurance and sensitivity. Staying hydrated also supports hormone production and lubrication, and helps prevent urinary infections by enabling a quick post-activity urination. Afterward, warm water can replenish fluids, aid circulation, and boost energy recovery.

5. Maintain Personal Hygiene Before Intimacy Regardless of the moment, cleanliness is essential before intimacy. Showering beforehand can reduce the risk of bacterial infections that could arise from unwashed skin. If using any toys or accessories, ensure they’re sanitized properly to prevent infections.

6. Choose Safe Contraception for Newlyweds If not planning for children immediately, condoms or external contraceptives are suitable options. For couples planning to delay pregnancy for a couple of years, short-term contraceptive pills are effective. However, if considering pregnancy, stop using contraceptive pills six months in advance, and if using an IUD, wait for two or three regular cycles post-removal before trying to conceive.

7. Courtesy is Important During Intimacy Respect is essential in intimate relationships. Partners should avoid making critical remarks, which can harm each other’s feelings. Intimacy experts recommend always seeking consent, respecting privacy, and avoiding comparisons to other partners to ensure both parties feel valued and comfortable.

8. Avoid Intimacy During Menstrual and Early/Late Pregnancy Periods During menstruation, hormonal changes and cervical openings increase the risk of infection. For the first and last trimesters of pregnancy, sexual activity can potentially lead to complications, including miscarriage. It’s best to avoid intimacy during these times for health and safety.

9. Avoid Falling Asleep Immediately After Intimacy Many people experience fatigue after sex and may fall asleep quickly. However, a short recovery period is helpful to let the body relax and reset. This break can reduce lingering fatigue and ensure you feel refreshed afterward.

10. Moderation in Frequency and Duration of Sexual Activity For most healthy adults, 1–2 times a week is moderate and beneficial, though individual needs vary. Regular, moderate frequency is associated with overall satisfaction and wellness, while excessive frequency can lead to exhaustion. For men, typical intercourse lasts 3–15 minutes until climax, and for women, reaching climax can take 5–15 minutes.