What do you do after sex? Do you collapse onto the bed with a dreamy smile? Or cuddle up with your partner for some extra snuggles?
Whatever your answer, there are a few small steps you should add to your post-love routine that can make a big difference to your well-being. No, we’re not just talking about prolonging the pleasure (though that’s certainly a nice bonus!), but also taking care of your physical and intimate health.
Taking care of yourself after sex isn’t just about cleanliness—it’s about maintaining your overall health. Simple actions like washing up or drinking water can significantly help prevent infections and improve your general well-being.
In this article, we’ll guide you through seven essential steps you should consider adopting after sex to keep your intimate health at its best.
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What to Do After Sex to Take Care of Your Intimate Health
1. Wash Up
You don’t need to jump straight from bed to the shower, but washing up after sex can protect both men and women from infections like urinary tract infections.
Cleaning the area around your genitals with warm water is a good starting point. You can use mild soaps, but be careful: if you have sensitive skin, these products could dry out or irritate the area.
2. Don’t Overdo the Products
Aside from vaginal washes, pharmacies offer a wide range of wipes, creams, and sprays that promise to freshen up intimate areas. However, many of these products contain harsh soaps, detergents, perfumes, or lotions that can irritate the skin.
The best solution is to keep it simple: a gentle rinse with warm water after sex is enough.
3. Empty Your Bladder
During sex, bacteria can enter the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. This increases the risk of infections.
Peeing after sex helps flush out these germs.
4. Drink a Glass of Water
Since peeing after sex is important, it’s also a good idea to drink a glass of water.
Staying hydrated will help you urinate more, further eliminating bacteria before they can cause infections.
5. Wash Your Hands
Washing your hands is the best way to remove any bacteria you might have picked up while touching your or your partner’s genitals. This simple step is crucial for preventing the spread of infections.
6. Clean Your Sex Toys
After use, bacteria, viruses, and fungi can remain on your sex toys. This means they can spread sexually transmitted diseases and other infections.
As a result, it’s essential to clean each toy after use, following the cleaning instructions on the packaging.
7. Wear Loose Clothing
Warm, sweaty areas are perfect for bacteria and yeast to thrive. So, after sex, wear underwear and clothes that allow air to circulate. Avoid tights, shapewear, and tight underwear; cotton underwear works well because it’s breathable and absorbs moisture.
Alternatively, skip underwear altogether when going to bed to let your skin breathe.
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This article first appeared on Grazia.it
