Meet the X-Rated Version of Butterflies: The "Coochie Tingles"

Just like it's normal to feel butterflies before a first date, it's normal to get a little tingle in your vagina right before sex. Known as the "coochie tingles" this is the sensation that happens when you're horny, excited, or just really DTF.

"Coochie tingles often feel like an involuntary reaction, almost as if your vagina awakens in the presence of someone without your conscious control," relationship expert Nicole Moore says. They're not something that can be forced into existence, and they're not something that can necessarily be practiced either. Coochie tingles are simply a vagina's way of communicating that it likes what it sees.

Below, Moore shares more insight into what coochie tingles are and what they feel like.

Nicole Moore is a relationship therapist and founder of the "Love Works Method," a program that has helped people find lasting love fast.

"Coochie tingles are sensations that one experiences in the vagina when they are aroused by or attracted to someone or something," Moore says. For some people, it may feel like a jolt of electricity lighting up their vagina. For others, it may feel more like a quick little tingle or zing sensation. In all cases though, the coochie tingles shouldn't hurt.

Although it's not clear what happens on a biological level, many people experience the coochie tingles when they are mentally or physically aroused. "Coochie tingles are often a sign of desire for someone or something, and they can be a messenger letting you know that there's longing in your body to sexually connect with someone," Moore adds.

In the same way your body can physically communicate that you're anxious by making you feel nauseous or experiencing shortness of breath, your body can also communicate when you're horny. For example, you may experience coochie tingles when you're kissing someone or anticipating sex with them, but you also don't need a partner to experience the coochie tingles. You can get them when you're listening to erotic audio porn or masturbating in general.

Unfortunately, the coochie tingles cannot be forced. It's really just about being present and in tune with your body, Moore says. "Taking the time to breathe, get out of your head, and listen to your body wisdom is key in discerning the messages your body is trying to communicate to you," she adds. Meditation, yoga, and therapy can all help you practice this.

But also, know that it's not a dealbreaker if you don't ever experience this sensation with someone. "If you don't experience coochie tingles with a new partner or date, it doesn't necessarily mean that you two aren't compatible," Moore says. "Many people need to feel comfortable with someone first before their body will display any arousal symptoms."

Especially for those of who who tend to have a hard time getting out of your head during sex (or maybe even in life in general), it may be hard for you to feel the coochie tingles. "People who are super analytical and live mostly in their head might not feel coochie tingles with someone if their awareness is focused on analyzing the interaction rather than being present in their body," Moore says.

At the end of the day, the coochie tingles are all about feeling present in your body. And although they may not be as obvious as boners are, coochie tingles are a powerful sign of arousal.

Taylor Andrews is a Balance editor at PS who specializes in topics relating to sex, relationships, dating, sexual health, mental health, and more.