Cuddling after sex might be one of the easiest ways to keep her coming back for more, suggests a recent survey from the Sex Information and Education Council of Canada and Trojan condoms.
For the survey, which is under review to be published in scientific journals, researchers asked 2,400 Canadians about the last time they had sex .Â
In fact, post-sex intimacy was just as important to women’s pleasure as foreplay, says study author Robin Milhausen, Ph.D., a professor of human sexuality at the University of Guelph.
That may be because women’s (and men’s) bodies are flooded with oxytocin—the bonding hormone—after sex, making them crave more affection, Milhausen says.
Plus, women often feel vulnerable after sex, she says. Spending a few extra minutes caressing her in bed reassures her that you care about her.Â
“It’s one of the easiest things you can do to improve your relationship,†Milhausen says. “It’s a really important, but often missed, opportunity for connection.â€
Most people in the study fell short of the 6-minute mark: 17 percent of the subjects didn’t cuddle at all and 36 percent kept it under five minutes.Â
So after your next romp, pull your partner close to you or have her rest her head on your chest, suggests Milhausen.Â
Take at least 6 minutes to play with her hair, rub her back, kiss her on the cheek or forehead, and give her a sweet compliment about how good it felt to be with her.Â
What’s in it for you? In the survey, cuddling boosted satisfaction for men, too.
And since cuddling leaves your partner feeling happier with your relationship, chances are she’ll feel game for more sex in the near future, Milhausen says.