Sex Question: Is Having Sex in a Pool Safe?

Dear Dr. Kate,

My boyfriend and I have been planning to have sex in a pool, but I have one problem-I'm worried that I can get an infection from the chlorine. What do you think?

Pool sex is not as sexy in real life as it is on TV or in the movies. There are three issues: lubrication, irritation and infection. The water in the pool will likely wash away your natural lubrication; ironically, being surrounded by water makes you drier inside, so intercourse may be more uncomfortable. And depending on the level of chemicals, the chlorine may be seriously irritating to your vulva or vagina, which you might not notice until later-but a red, swollen, itchy, burning vulva can really kill the post-sex glow. Finally, if you're in a pool (or worse, a hot tub) that hasn't been properly chlorinated, there is a risk of a bladder infection from the microbes in the water. Given all of this, why not try a little manual foreplay in the pool instead of intercourse? The water will increase the slickness of your fingers on each other and it's risk free (other than the risk of being caught…).

Have you readers ever tried having sex in a pool? Were you uncomfortable after or was it worth the risk? What do you think about having sex in water (maybe the shower instead)?

Have a sex health question of your own? Ask Dr. Kate here, and keep checking back to see if she's answered it.