Sex may not be as fancy as it looks in movies, but it sure is messy. With all the saliva and bodily fluids exchanged, it’s important to take good care of yourself post-love-making.
One of the best things you can do is to head to the bathroom right after sex and pee. This will help flush any bacteria that could have entered your body, preventing infections like UTIs.
What is the best way to clean yourself after sex?
Most people know they need to wash their hands after sex, but many aren’t sure how to handle post-coitus cleanup. While some prefer to skip the shower completely and just lounge around for cuddles, it’s important to do what feels right to you.
Your genitals are marinating in sweat, saliva and other bodily fluids, so a good shower is key. If you’re not up for a full-on scrub down, just washing the area around (not inside) your vulva with plain water is good enough to help prevent infections like UTIs. For men who have foreskin, gently pulling it back and washing underneath is also a smart move.
And if you’re not in the mood for a shower, a quick wipe with unscented baby wipes can help, too. Just make sure you’re using a fresh pack, as expired ones can be full of bacteria that could cause an infection.
Obviously, you need to take a little extra care when it comes to cleaning up after anal sex or during menstruation. But beyond that, your post-romp clean-up should be about what feels right to you and your partner.
If the stickiness of soap irritates you or gets in the way of snuggles, skip it. But, if it turns you on and is part of the experience, go for it!
Do I need to bathe after sex?
While it may seem like a great idea to jump in the hot tub after sex, experts recommend taking a shower instead. It will help you clean off sweat, semen and vaginal secretions. This will prevent bacteria from having a field day and cause infections such as UTIs, yeast overgrowth and bacterial vaginosis.
You should also avoid using soap around the area, as it might irritate the skin. The genitals are swollen post-sex, making them super sensitive to any harsh chemicals. Using soap could also lead to an infection in the area, so it’s best to wash with plain water.
It is a good idea for both women and men to urinate right after sex. This will flush away any bacteria that has been pushed into the anal canal or urethra. Urinating will also reduce the chances of a UTI or bladder infection.
You should also wash the outside of your vulva and penis with plain, warm water. If you have a lot of foreskin, you can gently pull it back and wash underneath it as well. You should use soap only if you have a rash or if your skin is extra sensitive, otherwise it’s okay to skip it. However, washing the external sex organs is essential for keeping them healthy and preventing infections. Lastly, it’s important to use a mattress protector and to keep deodorant and body spray on hand to avoid sweat and odor.
Do I need to shower after sex?
Sex is messy and bodily fluids are exchanged, so a shower after sex makes sense, as it can help prevent infections from spreading. However, it’s not a must. Instead, a quick pee is much more important, as it helps to flush bacteria out of the anal area and urethra. Using a baby wipe to clean the front and back of the anus is also good. This can help prevent yeast infections in women, urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men, and other common conditions like vaginal discharge or bacterial vaginosis.
In addition, a quick shower can help wash away any semen that may be on your skin or on sex toys. Washing your hands is also essential after sex to stop the spread of bacteria. Wearing loose clothing that allows for ventilation and breathable underwear is also important, as bacteria thrive in hot, sweaty places. For example, cotton underwear for men and women is a great choice because it wicks moisture away.
For couples who are trying to conceive, showering after sex is still a good idea because it can help prevent bacteria from building up in the vagina and cervix, but for the rest of us, there’s no reason to get all soapy. Simple practices, such as washing hands and the genitals, taking a pee, and using sanitary products, are enough to keep you and your partner healthy after sex.
Do I need to wash my underwear after sex?
A warm bath with a little extra virgin coconut oil is an ideal way to clean your private parts after sex. Avoid using soaps, shampoos or perfumes that can irritate the sensitive area. Instead, choose gentle cleansing lotions, creams and sprays designed to help with feminine hygiene.
Taking off your underwear right after sex is a great idea, as it allows the skin in the nether regions to breathe and helps prevent infections, especially yeast infections (also known as bacterial vaginosis). Choosing loose, cotton underwear, rather than nylon or polyester, can also reduce irritation by helping to wick away moisture.
For men, showering after sex can be helpful, but experts don’t recommend it for all guys, because doing so can lead to more bacteria on the skin in and around the penis. Showering is also not a good substitute for other sexual hygiene practices, including using condoms, internal condoms or dental dams whenever you have anal, oral, anal, or vaginal sex or share sex toys, as these are the best ways to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) like chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis.
Both men and women should also make sure to pee after sex, as this can help flush harmful bacteria down the urethra that can cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). And both men and women should thoroughly clean any sex toys used, as this can prevent infection and reduce the likelihood of sexual fluids or semen passing through the vulva and into the rectum.
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