relationships3 min(s) read
One major benefit of 'warm sex' craze that's increasing in popularity among couples - term has been explained
A new “warm sex” trend is gaining attention — and one expert argues it deserves a place in bedrooms everywhere.
You might wonder how sex can be anything beyond “warm,” but according to Barbara Santini, a psychologist and sex and relationships adviser at Peaches and Screams, “warm sex” has nothing to do with temperature.
Warm sex as the new slow intimacy, and one major benefit
Santini believes this slower approach brings benefits far beyond the bedroom. “I see it as a gentle balm for the soul, soothing anxieties and fostering a sense of security,” she explained. “Warm sex can reduce stress, boost self-esteem and strengthen bonds.”
We often hear sex described as “hot,” usually meaning passionate and fast-paced. The idea of “warm” intimacy, however, is different. Instead of rushing toward climax, warm sex moves at a gentler, more deliberate pace.
As the 2004 American Sex Survey from ABC found, 83 percent of men reported enjoying sex “a great deal,” compared with only 59 percent of women.
That gap suggests many women may not always feel the same level of satisfaction — and warm sex might help close that divide.
What warm sex really means
The curriculum in Sexological Bodywork introduced warm sex as a slower, more thoughtful alternative to the high-speed encounters often portrayed on screen.
“’Warm sex’ is about slowing down, connecting deeply and savouring every moment. It's not just about the physical act,” Santini told Glamour. “It is about nurturing emotional intimacy, which is the bedrock of any strong relationship.”
Instead of hurrying to remove clothes, reach climax, and return to life as usual, warm sex removes the pressure of a goal entirely.
Reignite connection through presence and vulnerability
The magic of warm sex lies in opening up — both physically and emotionally — to your partner. Taking time to explore each other fully can help fend off feelings of disconnection or stagnation.
Prioritizing connection “over quick gratification” allows couples to tap into new layers of pleasure and fulfilment that extend well beyond the physical.
Setting the mood for warm intimacy
Ready to try warm sex? Santini has some suggestions for getting started: “Dim the lights, light some candles, play soft music, anything that creates a serene atmosphere.”
Once the mood is set, the key is to stay focused on each other — without a fixed goal — and communicate openly. Talk about fantasies, desires, or even insecurities if it feels right. For Santini, vulnerability during this process is essential.
In its essence, warm sex resembles practices like tantric sex: slow, intentional, and designed to bring two people closer together rather than treating intimacy like a box to be checked. It’s about pausing, connecting, and rediscovering closeness.