Ice cube sex is having a moment because of 'The Idol,' but sexperts insist the sensory play has always been cool

Most sex toys are buried in nightstands, but necessities for ice cube sex are tucked away in the freezer—proof that the simplest accessories can be the best. 

Despite frigid temperatures, this form of sensory play is heating up, largely thanks to The Weeknd and Lily-Rose Depp's new show, The Idol. Controversy has surrounded the HBO series from the get-go, particularly because of its graphic sex content. However, because of one particular NSFW scene, viewers seem intrigued to learn that frozen water has the capability to heat up any sexual experience.

Provided there is consent, our sexperts encourage you and your partner to explore different temperatures, textures and so forth when engaging in intimate activities. The results might surprise you, they say. 

"Sensory play is your secret to success," Anne More, CSB and certified Erotic Blueprint Coach previously told My Imperfect Life. "When you start to explore touch and sensation in whole new ways, not only do you create new pathways to turn-on and orgasm, but you actually rewire your body for more pleasure, more ways!"

What is ice cube sex?

There are no specifics for ice cube sex—it could entail running cubes of ice up and down your partner's body, or it could take things a bit further, depending on everyone's comfort level.

"I love recommending to people that they should introduce an ice cube during foreplay as the coldness of the ice cube adds an element of surprise, and can build anticipation in intimate moments, therefore, building more excitement and desire," says Pippa Murphy, the sex and relationship expert at Condoms.uk. 

She adds: "Not many people know that the cold sensation from the ice cubes can cause blood vessels to constrict, which is then followed by dilation when the ice is removed. This can increase blood flow and arousal in the erogenous zones, such as your nipples, neck, wrists and more."

How to get the most out of ice cube sex

Before venturing to the freezer, there are a few things to keep in the back of your mind as you engage in this type of activity. (Again, consent is a must.)

"When inserting ice cubes into the vagina, you must cover them with a condom as they can stick to the vagina or anal walls and create painful ice burns," Murphy says. "However, if you're just rubbing the ice cubes on your partner's body, feel free to wrap the ice cube in a thin cloth instead. This will create a barrier whilst still allowing enough of a cold, sensual sensation to come through."

Although Murphy recommends heading for the erogenous zones, you might want to start somewhere a little less sensitive, depending on how your partner feels, both literally and figuratively.

"Start slowly and rub the ice cube on less sensitive areas of the body," Murphy says. "If your partner feels comfortable with this chilling sensation, you can then move onto their erogenous zones whilst paying attention to their response. If they feel comfortable enough, you can insert it into them."

If this chilling practice seems a little too cool for you, soak up the vitamin D and explore sexperts' recommended sex positions for the summer. 'Tis the friskiest time of the year, after all!