Sexual hygiene: Here are the best ways to clean up after having sex

Sex often involves exchange of different bodily fluids: sweat, saliva, semen and vaginal discharge. Kissing and cuddling after a romp session are recommended sexual after care practices. However, some people are also particular about hygiene after the fact, although sex educator, Anne Hodder says:

There are no medical reasons that I am aware of for why someone would need a special hygiene routine for after sex.

Taking a shower

Cleaning one’s genitals after sex can help prevent infections such as urinary tract (UTI). The advice here is to gently wash the area with plain, warm water. According to Hodder, the vagina is capable of cleaning itself even with sperm inside.

Never… [use] products that claim to ‘clean’ the vagina or vulva, especially no douches! The vagina is a beautiful biological machine, and there is absolutely no reason to disrupt the process with soaps, sprays, or other products.

The same goes for men, especially those with foreskin; gently pull it back and wash underneath with water.

Empty your bladder

If you don’t feel like hitting the shower, you should at least consider peeing. WebMDexplains that bacteria can enter your urethra during sex, increasing your risk of catching an infection. You can spend some moments snuggling up to your partner and basking in the afterglow, but at some point, you should empty your bladder to get rid of any bacteria that may have entered your urethra.

After anal sex

Engaging in anal sex can result in tears to the sphincter. According to Healthline it is important to shower after having anal sex.

Anal sex can cause microscopic tears to your sphincter. And if the bacteria from your anus (including faecal matter) gets into those tears, it can cause an infection.

It is also advisable to rinse your genital area to get rid of any lingering bacteria. You should also wash your hands to remove any bacteria you may have got from touching your partner’s genitals or bodily fluids.

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