Should you have a post-sex hygiene routine?

Should you have a post-sex hygiene routine?

Post-Sex Clean Up: What To Do After Sex

In an ideal world, we'd be able to bask in the afterglow of sex for as long as we pleased without worrying about things like vaginal infections and yeast overgrowth. (I know, what a way to kill the mood.) Unfortunately, in the real world, if you don’t clean up after sex, you become more susceptible to vaginal or oral infections and UTIs—not to mention the fact that you’ll feel much cleaner after a good post-sex hygiene routine.

That's why, instead of lounging in your lover's arms like you’re the protagonist of a Starz period romance,  you should make a beeline to the bathroom almost immediately after the act. 

But is it really necessary to have a post-sex hygiene routine? And if so, what would that routine entail? We went to the experts to find out.

What To Do After Sex: A Step-by-Step Guide 

Luckily, you don't need the equivalent of a 10-step Korean skincare regimen after sex to stay healthy. "There's no need for any extensive post-sex hygiene," says Barb DePree, a gynecologist and women's health provider. “However, that doesn't mean you should sit back and do nothing. There are a few things you should and should not do to prevent infections and keep your vagina healthy.”

Wash your hands

Sex involves a lot of genital touching and contact with bodily fluids, which means a transfer of bacteria. To prevent any possible bacterial infections, wash your hands immediately before and after sex with soap and water. Yes, it may be a bummer to pause your post-sex cuddling, but this is an important step, especially if you have sex during your period

Go to the bathroom

This is one of the most common pieces of post-sex advice out there, and for good reason. During sex, bacteria can be introduced into your bladder through the urethra. Peeing will flush the bacteria out, and reduce your chances of infection, says Moore. So drink a glass of water and head to the bathroom after the act.

Rinse your vagina with mild soap

And by vagina, we actually mean the vulva. "The skin of the vulva can be very sensitive, so this is an area where the 'less is best' rule applies," says DePree. Use a mild soap or a vaginal cleansing wash and clean water to gently rinse off. 

Don't scrub yourself, and don't use any specialized or scented cleansers. "These are often harsh and irritating, or may contain alcohol or preservatives that are very drying to the skin," explains DePree. And whatever you do, steer clear of scented feminine wipes and freshening sprays, as these can throw off your pH. Instead, opt for unscented wipes made with all-natural ingredients.

Also, there's no need to get all up in your vagina to clean it out, because vaginas are self-cleaning. (See below re: no douching.) Simply rinse around your outer and inner labia. 

Clean up after sex with LOLA’s gentle and hypoallergenic vaginal cleansing wash, made with natural ingredients. [Shop now]

Rinse your mouth

If you engaged in oral sex, you should rinse your mouth to prevent the transfer of bacteria from your partner’s genitals, says Aliyah Moore, a certified sex therapist with a Ph.D. in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Washing your face and brushing your teeth after the act doesn’t hurt either to freshen you up. 

Use a warm washcloth

If you can't or don't want to take a shower post-sex, you can also use a warm washcloth or hypoallergenic cleansing wipes to clean up. This is especially important if you use certain lubricants

"Some lubricants contain alcohol, which can be drying to the vaginal mucosa, or glycerin, which can be a food source for bacteria or yeast," says Michael Ingber, MD, a board-certified urogynecologist and Fellow of the International Society for Specialized Women's Health. Just make sure to wipe gently from front to back and not the other way around to stop the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.

Whether post-workout or post-sex, clean up your bits with LOLA’s all-natural, unscented cleansing wipes. [Shop now]

Clean your sex toys

Unwashed sex toys become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This means that the next time you use your unwashed toys, you (and your partner) have a higher chance of contracting an infection or an STD. This is why frequent and thorough cleaning of your sex toys is essential to reduce the likelihood of bacteria, says Chelsea Newton, a sex therapist and sexuality educator with a Master’s in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies. 

Each sex toy will have specific cleaning instructions, so be sure to check the packaging and follow them. Generally speaking, Newton says washing your sex toys with a mild soap and warm water and allowing them to air dry is sufficient. “This removes any lubes, oils, or bodily fluids that you don’t want on your sex toys the next time you go to use them.”

Now that you know what a solid post-sex hygiene routine looks like, you can focus on having more intimate moments with your partner without worrying about the risks to your nether regions after getting down. 

Best Practices for Vaginal Care After Sex

Here are some dos and don’ts for vaginal care after sex to keep your private bits healthy.

According to Dr. Moore, urinating after sex is the single most important post-sex hygiene activity for people with a vagina to prevent UTIs, followed by washing your vulva with a mild, unscented cleanser. 

She also warns against using talcum powder in the genital area after clean-up. 

Although talcum powder is known for its ability to absorb moisture, it has been connected to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Opting for other moisture-managing solutions, such as breathable cotton underwear or moisture-wicking materials, provides a safe and healthy way to maintain post-sex hygiene,” she says.

Piggybacking on Dr. Moore’s comment from above, wear loose-fitting clothing after sex. Hot and sweaty places are the perfect breeding spots for bacteria and yeast, so if you wear tight pants or underwear, you might develop a yeast infection. Wear a fresh set of loose and breathable clothing that lets air circulate your nether regions. (Or, hey, you can just go commando.)

But, whatever you do, do not douche. Douching is kind of like going to a tanning bed or popping a pimple. People still do it, even though there's plenty of evidence that they shouldn't. The vagina cleans itself and has a preferred pH balance. Use of douches or other products to clean the inside of your vagina can throw off the pH balance, leading to yeast infections or other vaginal imbalances,” Newton advises. 

Post-Sex Hygiene Dos and Don’ts:

Dos 

Don’ts

Peeing 

Douching

Gently rinsing the vulva with a mild cleanser

Applying talcum powder on your genitals

Using a warm washcloth to clean up

Neglecting the clean-up of your environment

Washing your hands before and after sex

Rinsing your mouth after oral sex

Cleaning sex toys

Properly discarding condoms 

Tips for After Sex Clean Up

Newton highlights the importance of properly discarding condoms, dental dams, latex gloves, and any non-latex barrier methods used during sex. “Take the time to properly wrap them in tissue or toilet paper and throw them in the trash,” she says. This means no rushing and definitely no flushing!

She also warns readers not to neglect cleaning up your physical environment, i.e. your bed (or wherever you prefer to have sex). If your sheets are soiled with bodily fluids, immediately replace them with fresh ones. Or, you can follow Newton’s helpful tip and place a towel or blanket on top of your sheets for easier cleanup. If you’re having sex on a non-porous surface, your cleanup can be easy. “Simply wipe down any hard surfaces with warm soapy water or a cleansing wipe of your choice,” says Newton.

Dr. Moore also mentions that you should communicate with your partner about your post-sex hygiene preferences as these can vary from person to person. “Every person has different levels of comfort and preferences, and addressing these openly can help establish a supportive and understanding sexual environment.” 

Keep Your Vagina Healthy Post-Sex

Cleaning yourself up after sex doesn’t have to be a chore, nor do you need an extensive clean-up routine. The most important thing to remember is to wash your hands, pee, and rinse around your vagina with a mild and hypoallergenic cleanser or wipes. Easy peasy!

LOLA’s hypoallergenic and gynecologist-approved vaginal care products help you take care of your vagina with all the gentleness it deserves. [Shop now]

FAQ

What to do after unprotected sex?

If you’ve had unprotected sex, urinate and wash your hands and vagina with water and mild, unscented soap immediately. Take an emergency contraceptive if needed and get tested for STDs in the case of coitus with a new partner.

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