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If you’re sipping from a comically large water bottle as we speak, consider us impressed.
Ideally, everyone would drink between six and eight glasses of water every day (that's about two full Stanley cups, if you’re wondering). Sadly, not all Brits are so well hydrated, with over two in five drinking less than recommended, according to new research by Lovehoney and SULT.
It’s understandable. We’re all busy. Coffee is life. But what if drinking more water could improve intimacy and performance in the bedroom, as well as all the other health benefits? Intrigued? Dig into the data – and find out how to get free lube – below.
Does staying hydrated impact libido?
Even mild dehydration can leave you feeling tired, sluggish and foggy, so it’s no wonder that 38% of Brits say they feel less in the mood for partner play or self-pleasure when they’re dehydrated.
Dry mouth is a surprising mood killer too, with roughly 20 million adults (38%) saying it makes them feel less easily aroused.
“Hydration and libido are more connected than most people realise,” says Sarah Mulindwa, a specialist sexual health nurse. “Staying hydrated supports good blood flow along with your hormone regulations and energy levels, all of which are essential for sexual arousal and performance! Think of water as your body’s natural fuel – when you’re running low, so is your libido.”
Being dehydrated can also lead to vaginal dryness, which will make any kind stimulation ‘down there’ feel less comfortable and enjoyable. It could even trigger the unpleasant burning sensation of a urinary tract infection (UTI).
But that’s not all. "If you have a penis, poor hydration can affect circulation, which plays a key role in maintaining an erection,” adds Sarah. When your body is low on water, and you’re feeling dried out, your performance could dry out too!
Keen to quench their thirst in more ways than one, 85% of Brits say they’d drink more water if it improved their sex life. Fancy joining them? Check out Sarah’s hydration tips below.
How to boost hydration (and bedroom performance)
22% of Brits have delayed or skipped play time with a partner to rehydrate first. It’s never a bad idea to swig some water before you get into it – but our specialist sexual health nurse, Sarah Mulindwa, has even better advice.
Start early
Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water! Place a glass by your bed so you can drink when you wake up and take sips while you’re getting ready to leave the house.
“Thirst is a late signal,” Sarah explains. “By the time you’re craving water, dehydration may already be affecting your focus and even your ability to stay aroused.”
Drink water first
If you’re feeling thirsty, drink water instead of soft drinks. You might crave a quick boost but avoid energy drinks. They’re packed with caffeine, which can dehydrate you more.
Instead, electrolyte drinks like SULT can help maintain fluid balance and support energy levels – especially in hot weather, after exercise, or at festivals. “But don’t rely on them solely,” says Sarah. “Regular water is still your number one!”
Balance it out
When drinks contain alcohol or caffeine, they’re more likely to dehydrate you, even if you feel like you’re drinking a lot. “For every cocktail or iced coffee, try matching it with a glass of water,” Sarah recommends. “Your body (and your bedroom self) will thank you!”
Eat your water
When it’s hot, you might need a little help staying hydrated. Certain foods contain a lot of water and make tasty snacks too. Look out for watermelon, cucumber, and oranges to please your taste buds while topping up your water levels.
Be consistent
Rather than chugging a bottle of water 10 minutes before making bedroom eyes at your partner, try and keep your body nourished with enough water every day.
“Staying consistently hydrated matters ALL the time,” says Sarah. “Think of it like skincare – results come from the routine, not one time use.” You could keep a reusable litre bottle of water on your desk and aim to finish your first one by lunch time.
Don’t be shy with lube
1 in 4 Brits wrongly believe that lube is only for people with medical issues – and 1 in 3 don’t use any at all to enhance their pleasure. You can't drink lube, but you can use it to make intimacy and solo play feel better, especially if you've accidentally let yourself get dehydrated.
“Don’t be shy with it,” says Sarah. “There’s no such thing as ‘too much lube’, so use as much as feels good.”
When should you use lube?
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that lube is only for older people or people who aren’t turned on enough,” says Sarah. “This couldn’t be further from the truth!”
The vagina is naturally self-lubricating, but the amount varies from person to person, especially if you’re dehydrated. Natural lubrication can also dry up quite quickly, even if you’re still aroused.
Whether you’ve had your six glasses of water or not, using lube can make intimacy feel smoother and more pleasurable for everyone involved. It’s especially important for penetration, but it can enhance all sorts of sensations.
“Lube is for everyone, and it’s all about enhancing pleasure, not fixing a problem,” says Sarah. “Whether you’re dealing with dryness, using toys or just want a smoother experience – lube can take things to the next level.”
Our research found that 30% of Gen Z admit to using spit as lubrication. No bueno! Spit dries up quickly and doesn’t offer that much protection from friction. You’re better off with a versatile, water-based lube that gives you plenty of cushioning and can be used with toys or condoms.
And “Check the label,” Sarah recommends. “For sensitive skin, choose lubes that are pH-balanced and glycerin free.”
Sources
All stats are from a nationally representative survey of 2,016 adults over the age of 18 (Lovehoney/Cint June 2025). Recommended daily water intake sourced via the NHS.
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