Sometimes in the world of sex we hear a term that’s not common or well known. Frotting is certainly one of them!
The word frotting originates from the French word “frott,” which literally means “to rub”—and even though it’s a funny word, it is way more fun to do and not just talk about. Frotting is used to describe non penetrative sex when bodies are rubbing together. This may sound like humping, and in essence, it kind of is! Frotting can be done clothes on or off, without penetration, and is really fun to do to learn and experiment with one another.
It doesn’t matter what kind of relationship you’re in, what your gender orientation is, what your sexual preferences are, or anything else! Frotting and utilizing frotting within your sex life can have an amazing impact on your sex life. Whether you call it humping, dry humping, grinding, or frotting, it can really benefit your sex life in may different ways, and does not have to lead to sexual intercourse. What does that mean? It means that frotting is inclusive of everyone, regardless of whether you are experienced in bed, a virgin, or someone who just doesn’t like sexual intercourse but still desires intimacy.
When you are practicing frotting, it often involves rubbing different parts of your body together. This can be erogenous zones, and areas with nerve endings that provide you with pleasure. If you have a clitoris, you know that touching this area can lead to intense stimulation that can even lead to orgasms when done right. Frotting can help in the stimulation of this by also stimulating nipples and other erogenous zones. People with penises may find intense stimulation in rubbing their penis on their partner without entering—whether this is their partner's ass, breasts, or thigh. Frotting is pleasure without penetration, and that is a huge benefit when you are starting out in a new relationship, shy about penetrative sex, or just someone who doesn’t enjoy that form of sexual pleasure.
Frotting can also allow those who can’t have sexual intercourse to be sexually intimate with their partners. This is a really enabling form of sexual pleasure that is very inclusive for everyone. Frotting is great for members of the transgender community who aren’t comfortable yet in their identity or bodies as well.
Frotting is inclusive and can allow for orgasm—though orgasms aren’t required to be enjoyable! Frotting can also help if a penis owner has premature ejaculation issues, difficulty getting a boner (erectile dysfunction) or for vagina owners who may have vaginismus and experience difficulties with penetrative sex.
Frotting can actually lead to intense orgasms when practiced right as well!
Even though frotting can be clothed or not clothed, you should still practice safe sex by using protection. We all know the old age jokes of people getting pregnant from dry humping—let’s not go back to those days! Plus, you don’t want to risk STI transmission.
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your frotting play!
1. Try frotting on your own!
While frotting is traditionally done with a partner, you can also do frotting on your own simply by humping a sex toy, chair, stuffed animal, and other items that catch your attention.
2. Wear the right kind of undergarments.
You definitely don’t want to wear the wrong clothes. For example, lace underwear can cause painful friction during frotting. Some may find denim adds the right friction to orgasm, while others may find that the seams may really hurt. Denim also heats up, which can be a good thing! Silky underwear are the best items to wear as they have less painful friction and are sexy!
3. Use lube if you do frotting naked.
Naked frotting may warrant for some lube to keep the friction comfortable. If you are using a condom, you’ll want to ensure you use the right kind of lubricant so as not to compromise the protective barrier being used. It is important to remember that silicone lubricants can also be very difficult to get out of clothing, so perhaps using a water based lubricant would be better for that.
4. Throw a sex toy in the mix!
Using a sex toy like a dildo or vibrator can add in a lot of pleasure. You can also use a butt plug, nipple clamps, or a vibrator that is hands free on your clitoris or cock like a cock ring. There are also vibrating panties to really add in extra pleasure while giving your partner the fun vibrations while they grind on you!
5. Any partner can be on top.
It doesn’t matter who is on top, as long as it is comfortable and fun! Remember, experimentation is everything! You don’t know what you like until you try it.
You can use frotting as a stand alone, sexy time activity, or as a way to enjoy foreplay in new ways! Frotting can definitely lead to intense orgasms, so utilize it in whatever way you prefer! It can also be fun to use as an edging experiment—edge each other to the brink of orgasm, and then pull away! Either way, you have to give frotting a chance.