Things you Should After Sex Hygiene!
Practicing good post-sex hygiene habits can limit the risk of infection and allow a person to feel refreshed. Typically, this involves gently cleaning the genital area, drinking water, and urinating after sex.
There is no need to clean up immediately after sex. People may decide to clean up minutes or hours after sexual activity. Some wait until the morning. However, cleaning at some point afterward is important.
- How long a person can wait to be cleaned.
- It depends upontheir health preferences
- Their risk of infection
- What happens during sexual activity
Body hygiene
Maintaining good body hygiene is much important is sexual life. This will remove bad body odours which is an important factor in sex. Good body hygiene avoids or minimises skin irritations and infections. One do not have to hop out of bed and into the shower right away. But gently cleaning by themselves after sex can protect both men and women from infections.
Start by washing the hands with soap and water to prevent the spread of bacteria to other parts of the body. It is then a good idea to clean the genitals.
Penis hygiene
Maintaining clean and healthy is more important in sex.
Tips to maintain a healthy penis:
Men with uncircumcised penis (that is penis with prepuce – foreskin)
Gently pull it back
Clean the sticking semen and whitish smegma
Gently wash the underneath glans penis and shaft thoroughly, pat dry.
Pull forward the foreskin.
Men with circumcised penis
Gently wash with water
Do not use soap, shampoo or scented materials.
If needed can use very mild soap.
If one has sensitive skin or already have an infection, soap may irritate the area.
Wear completely dry, clean cotton underwear.
Do not wear stained or wet underwear.
This will reduce moisture around the genitals which will increase infection risk.
If willing don’t wear the underwear while sleeping.
Vagina Hygiene
It is interesting to note that the vagina is self-cleaning one.Anyway, follow the tips for a healthy vagina and vulva.
Wash the vulva and outside of the vagina( not inside) with plain warm water.
If needed use a mild unscented soap. If one has sensitive skin or already have an infection, soap may irritate the area. Pat dry.
Always wipe the vagina and anus from front to back.
This will avoid the transfer of microbes from the anus to the vagina, which can cause infection.
Wear clean, dry, cotton underwear.
This will reduce moisture around the genitals which will increase infection risk.
If willing don’t wear the underwear while sleeping.
Don’t Douche
Some women think they need to clean inside their vagina after sex with water or prepackaged fluids. But douching can lead to more infections. That’s because it upsets the natural balance of bacteria that protect your vagina. The best way to take care of the vagina after sex is to leave it alone — it cleans itself naturally. Also, keep in mind that a mild smell is normal and may not be a sign of a problem
Hands hygiene
Wash the hands. It’s the best way to get rid of bacteria one might pick up from touching his or her genitals. That’s key to stop infections from spreading. Wash with soap and water, and make it part of the post-sex clean-up routine
Oral sex
The same pattern of cleaning should be followed like other types of sexual activities even after oral sex. Men and women should wash their genitals with water or with a mild, unscented soap. Individuals who have used their mouth to perform oral sex should wash their mouth, face. Swallowing of semen will not do any harm.
Bed hygiene
Wash bed spreads, sheets once a week.
Washing them removes sweat, semen and other body fluids, oil and dirt.
It will reduce the risk of allergies and infections.
Dirty, bad odours of sheets will spoil the sex mood. If there is obvious soiling following sex, it is probably best to wash them more frequently. If one is using more sexual partners, always wash bed sheets between sexual partners.
The most effective way to control infection is to wash textiles with hot water.
Tumble dry them afterward.
To reduce the risk of stains and dirt, put towels on the bed before sex.
Mattress protector will prevent bodily fluids from seeping through the sheets and damaging the mattress.
Possibility of infections
Delaying post-sex cleanup may increase the risk of infection for some people.
To avoid UTI – Urinary tract infections and fungal infections
Drink plenty of water
Urinate regularly
Taking showers after sex
Do not douche
Correct wiping technique – front to back.
Practicing good genital care
Wear loose, cotton underwear
Multiple sex partners
Sexual partners can pass yeast infections to each other. Partners can pass these back and forth during sex. So if one notices the symptoms — itching, burning, or a thick, white discharge from the vagina or penis — treat it before the next sex. With multiple sexual partners, better test and get treated. Or avoid sex until the infection clears up.
Remain vigilant for Sexually Transmitted Infection symptoms.
Seek regular testing for STIs.
Use proper condom
Avoid drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs.
This may lead to risky sexual behaviours.
Use a water-based personal lubricant.
Post Sex Cleanup Kit
- Clean towels
- Mattress protectors
- Unscented baby wipes
- Mild, unscented soap
- Clean, cotton underwear
- Clean washcloths
- Deodorant or body spray
- A glass of water
Dr. Vijayakumar did his MBBS in Kilpauk Medical College and later went on to Madras Medical College for his Master courses in Clinical Pathology. He underwent masters in Psychology and Yoga. Underwent Fellowship training in Andrology and Clinical Embryology by Prof Ariff Bongso. Did his PhD in Hormones, Yoga and Sexual problems. He has been trained by the Council of Sex Education & Parenthood International (India). He was the first medical professional to start an exclusive clinic for the management of sexual problems in Salem,Tamil Nadu in the year 1988. He has put up more than thirty years experience. He has offered professional help to thousands of persons especially newly married. Besides treating sexual dysfunctions, he is also an expert in treating pre-marital counselling.
Trekking and offroad jeeping are his other passions.