Foreplay 102306 224353903 2008-07-08T14:03:55Z SentoDude 2868642 /* What constitutes foreplay */ {{for|the song by [[Boston (band)|Boston]]|Foreplay/Long Time}} :''Heavy Petting redirects here, for an album by Bad Manners see [[Heavy Petting (album)]].'' {{Refimprove|date=January 2007}} [[Image:Martin van Maele - Francion 15.jpg|thumb|[[Martin van Maele]]'s print ''Francion 15'' depicts a couple engaging in foreplay outdoors]] In [[human sexual behavior]], '''foreplay''' is a set of intimate psychological and physical acts between two or more people meant to increase [[sexual arousal]]. Foreplay involves different acts such as [[kissing]], [[touching]], [[Hug|embracing]], talking, and teasing (teasing, in this case, may include methods of satisfaction, such as [[erotic sexual denial]]).<ref> [http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=30484&dict=CALD foreplay] cambridge.org</ref> [[Sexual stimulation]] of all kinds, such as manual or oral stimulation of [[erogenous zones]] are considered foreplay. Sexual role playing, [[sexual fetishism|fetish]] activities, and [[BDSM]] can also be considered foreplay, though they may also accompany intercourse and not just precede it. Of the various forms of foreplay, the most common include [[fellatio]] and [[cunnilingus]]. == History == There are many historical mentions of foreplay. Artistic depictions are widely available. The [[Ancient Indian]] work ''[[Kama Sutra]]'' mentions different types of embracing, kissing, and marking with nails and teeth.<ref> [http://www.karmasutra.com.au/The%20Kama%20Sutra%20_full%20version_.pdf translation], [http://www.sacred-texts.com/sex/kama/kama205.htm biting types], [http://www.sacred-texts.com/sex/kama/kama204.htm using nails] </ref> It also mentions [[BDSM]] activities such as slapping and moaning as "play."<ref> [http://www.sacred-texts.com/sex/kama/kama207.htm slapping] Kama Sutra </ref> ==Function and effects== Psychologically, foreplay lowers inhibitions and increases the [[emotional]] comfort of the partners. Physically, it stimulates the process that produces an [[erection]] in men, allowing them to penetrate an orifice. In women, it helps stimulate the process that leads to erection of the [[clitoris]], raising of the [[cervix]] (elongation of the vaginal canal), and the production of vaginal lubrication, allowing penetration to take place comfortably. <!-- No Fair Use rationale, image removed [[Image:MOULINROUGEF.jpg|thumb|right|Foreplay can take many forms and even begin in public. This kiss has many of the characteristics of foreplay; whether or not the kiss is foreplay depends on what immediately follows it.]]--> ==What constitutes foreplay== {{Original research|section|date=October 2007}} Whether an act constitutes foreplay depends on the intent. If no intimate sexual acts are intended, foreplay-type actions are often classified as [[flirting]], "fooling around" or, in colloquial terms, being "[[physical intimacy|touchy-feely]]". Foreplay is often subtle in its initial stages. Even before the partners are together, foreplay can be introduced by the selection and creation of a particular environment. A romantic, intimate, or overly sexual atmosphere can be considered a gesture of foreplay. Foreplay can begin with non-physical behavior that signals sexual availability. Verbally, foreplay may include sexual compliments, subtle comments with [[double entendre]], and intimate conversations. Non-verbally, foreplay can include provocative clothing, [[preening]] gestures, winking, licking or biting one's lips, standing inside a partner's [[personal space]], and holding a gaze longer than is acceptable for casual acquaintances. If the potential partner accepts the sexual invitation, foreplay has begun. Acceptance is often indicated by reciprocating with similar behavior. Since these interactions are non-explicit, there can be misunderstandings about whether an invitation has been extended or accepted. Inadvertent or not, this kind of miscommunication is often termed "leading someone on." ===Progression=== Foreplay eventually turns physical. Simple and possibly innocuous acts, such as straightening someone's clothing or hair, bumping into someone while walking, stroking someone's arm, or whispering in someone's ear can constitute foreplay. One may also hold hands, touch the face, [[kiss]], "bite", tickle, or [[massage]]. As comfort increases, so usually does the level of intimacy. More intimate examples include: *Deep tongue kissing, also known as [[French kiss]]ing; *Touching and [[massaging]] [[erogenous zones]] over clothing, also known colloquially as [[groping]] or [[Petting#Between humans|"heavy petting"]]; *Rubbing together [[erogenous zones]] over clothing, also known as [[dry humping]] or grinding; *Undressing oneself or partner, also known as [[Striptease|stripping]]. Direct manipulation of naked erogenous zones is almost always considered foreplay (except, of course, in a medical context). In women, this includes stimulation of the [[clitoris]] and [[vulva]]. In men, it includes stimulation of the [[penis]] and [[scrotum]]. For both sexes, it could include stimulation of [[nipples]] and [[anus]]. Stimulation can be achieved by mouth, hands, [[sex toys]] like [[dildos]] or [[Vibrator (sensual)|vibrators]], or common household objects like [[feathers]] or ice cubes.{{Fact|date=October 2007}} [[Safe sex]] practices can be incorporated as part of foreplay. A [[condom]] or [[dental dam]] can be applied in an erotic or playful way as part of the final stages of foreplay. Foreplay tends to become purely physical and intense. It reaches its peak in the moments just before intercourse, when it induces a strong mutual desire for penetration. Some genital teasing may take place for a brief time. Technically, foreplay ends with [[intromission]], or the beginning of intercourse. In practical terms, however, the continuity between foreplay and intercourse may be very great, since the couple may engage in foreplay-like behavior during intercourse. Direct manipulation of naked [[erogenous zones]] is not considered foreplay when it is not preparatory for further sexual acts. For example, [[mutual masturbation]] and [[oral sex]] are often considered final sexual acts; as final acts with no expectation of further sexual congress, these are not considered foreplay. ==Research== Foreplay can vary dramatically based on age, religion, and cultural norms. In spite of the common belief that women demand more foreplay and require more time to become aroused, recent scientific research refutes that myth. Scientists from [[McGill University Health Centre]] in [[Montreal]], [[Canada]] used the method of [[thermal]] imaging to record baseline [[temperature]] change in the genital area as the definition of the time necessary for sexual arousal. Researchers studied the time required for an individual to reach the peak of sexual arousal and concluded that, on average, women and men spend almost the same time for sexual arousal — around 10 minutes. <ref>[http://edu.love-shop.biz/post/foreplayint.html Your introduction to foreplay]</ref> ==See also== *[[Outercourse]] *[[Erogenous zone]] *[[Sexual intercourse]] *[[Footsie (erotic)|Footsie]], the 'feet under the table' practice *[[Making out]] *[[Fellatio]] *[[Cunnilingus]] ==References== <references/> {{Sex}} [[Category:Sexual acts]] [[cs:Milostná předehra]] [[da:Forspil]] [[el:Προκαταρκτικό ερωτικό παιχνίδι]] [[es:Juego sexual]] [[eo:Antaŭludo (sekseco)]] [[fr:Préliminaire]] [[id:Foreplay]] [[it:Preliminari]] [[lt:Meilės žaismas]] [[ml:രതിലീലകള്‍]] [[nl:Voorspel]] [[ja:前戯]] [[pl:Gra wstępna]] [[pt:Preliminares]] [[fi:Esileikki]] [[sv:Förspel (sex)]] [[zh:前戏]]