'Heatwave divorce' explained as expert shares important message to couples

With parts of the UK and Europe currently experiencing some scorching temperatures this week, many people are feeling beyond hot and bothered.

Whether it's dealing with sunburn, dehydration or headaches from the relentless blast of electric fans, it's clear that this heatwave is taking a pretty major toll on our physical health as well as our mood.

And the hot weather even seems to be impacting our love lives, with many going through what we've coined a 'heatwave divorce' - AKA when extreme summer temperatures trigger a spike in relationship breakdowns and arguments.

This phenomenon is driven by a mix of things. Most importantly, a decrease in patience, energy, sleep deprivation, and, frankly, feeling too hot and sweaty to even think about getting it on.

It's not all doom and gloom, however, as intimacy expert and founder of Lustery, Paulita Pappel, is now encouraging couples to rethink their approach to sex during a heatwave.

An intimacy expert has shared some top tips on how to best navigate the dreaded 'heatwave divorce' (Getty Stock Images)

You needn't put your sex lives on hold; you simply need to adapt.

"Sex during a heatwave doesn't have to be less satisfying," Paulita explains. "A few simple adjustments can make intimacy more comfortable, safer and often more connected. The goal is to work with the conditions, not fight against them."

Paulita also helpfully shared some of her top tips for staying cool while keeping the spark alive between the sheets during a heatwave.

Choose positions that reduce body contact

"In a heatwave, I think people really benefit from choosing positions that reduce full-body contact and physical strain," Paulita says. "When there's less weight, less friction and more airflow, the body stays cooler and more comfortable. It's not the time for anything overly demanding; it's about ease, not effort."

She added that the most 'practical ' options tend to be those where the body is supported, and movement is minimised.

"Side-lying positions like spooning variations are ideal because both people are supported and there's minimal exertion," the expert suggested.

"Seated face-to-face positions can also work well because they're stable and allow more control over intensity without overheating."

Sex during a heatwave doesn't have to be less satisfying, the expert assures (Getty Stock Images)

Work harder, not smarter

The intimacy expert also recommended trying out cowgirl or reverse cowgirl, but with a slower pace and shorter bursts of movement, 'since they allow one partner to stay relatively still while the other controls intensity'.

"Edge-of-bed setups are another good option, one person lying down while the other kneels or stands," Paulita continued. "This reduces full-body contact and helps with airflow, which makes a big difference in the heat."

Consider mutual masturbation instead

Paulita also shared her thoughts that 'mutual masturbation is one of the most underrated forms of intimacy in hot weather'.

"It reduces overheating because there's less physical exertion, but it still keeps the experience shared and connected," she outlined.

"You don't lose intimacy, you just change its form. You can be together, watch each other, and still feel very close without needing full-body contact!"

The expert suggested shower sex as a possible workaround to getting it on during a heatwave (Getty Stock Images)

Cool off together in the shower

"For couples looking to escape the heat, shower sex can be appealing, but the most important thing is not trying to replicate what you'd do outside the shower," Paulita explained.

"It's about using the water to cool the body and making positions safe and sustainable. Also, you can still save water by showering together, staying cool and being environmentally conscious!"

According to the expert, one of the easiest ways is to have one partner sit down in the bath or on a non-slip surface in the shower while the other kneels or stands in front.

This reduces slipping risk, avoids strain and keeps both people cool under the water.

"Using the walls or built-in support for balance, keeping movements slow, and prioritising steady footing over complex positions makes the experience much more comfortable and far more enjoyable in hot conditions," she added.

The more you know - eh?