Sex has long been a taboo topic or even sensitive to people that feel awkward and uncomfortable vocalizing about their sexual life. It’s necessary to know some facts about sexual health, no matter your status (active or not). This article will discuss the 10 sexual hygiene tips for healthy and better sex.
Sex is great, BUT it can be messy! There is no way around it between the kissing, the sweating, and the other bodily fluids that make an appearance during outer or intercourse; sex is an inherently messy process.
Most people love to cuddle up and enjoy that post-sex glow, while some just want to clean up immediately. You don’t have to hop out of bed and into the shower right away, but, Whatever way, it’s still good to have a post-romp hygiene routine in mind.
Here are 10 sexual hygiene routine tips you should follow;
- Drink Water: Since it’s a good idea to pee after all the acrobatic display, don’t forget to drink water. When you stay hydrated, you’ll pee more, which means that more bacteria will wash out of your body before infections can flare up.
- Pee After Sex: The theory behind peeing after sex is that it could work as another way to help lower the chances of vaginal infection or UTIs. Your body rids itself of fluids, and any bacteria that might have been introduced into the urethra during sex may also be flushed out. It doesn’t hurt to pee after sex, especially if it eases your mind.
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Wash Up After Sex: Remember, when it comes to cleaning out the vagina, the vagina is perfectly capable of cleaning itself following sex, even if there’s sperm inside. Trying to overdo it can actually do more harm than good. Gently cleaning yourself after sex can protect you from infections, like the urinary tract (UTIs).
Just stick to cleansing the vulva and let the vagina manage its own cleaning. You can cleanse using water & a Natural feminine wash (Tielle's Nectar Feminine Cleanser is a good product).
Never use products that claim to make the vagina or vulva squeaky clean or smell like roses or taste like candy; avoid douching. The vagina is a beautiful biological machine, and there is absolutely no reason to disrupt the process (or the microbiome inside the vagina) with douches, soaps, scented washes, sprays, or other chemical-based products. - Wash Hands: Washing hands is the best way to get rid of bacteria you might pick up just before sex or during sex from touching you or your partner’s genitals. That’s key to stopping infections from spreading. Wash with soap and water, and make it part of your post-sex clean-up routine.
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Clean Sex Toys: Make sure it’s clean before use. Your sex toys could spread STDs and other infections. Bacteria, viruses, and fungi can hang around them after use.
Clean each toy after every use, and check the packaging for cleaning instructions. It’s better not to share toys with others; it can send germs back and forth. If you do plan to share, try to cover the toy with a new condom each time you use it. - Treat Yourself of Yeast Infection: You and your partner can pass yeast infection back and forth during sex lovingly. So if you notice the symptoms; itching, burning sensation, thick, white discharge from the vagina, treat it before the next time you love up.
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You and Your Partner Should Test for STDs: If you’re sexually active, especially if you’ve been with a new partner, or you know you would be indulging in unprotected sex, it’s a good idea to get tested for STDs.
Most of the time, these infections have no symptoms, so testing is the only way to know for sure if you have one. You can also watch for symptoms, like discharge, pain, blisters, sores, spots, or lumps around your genitals; the more reason why you should know your body & get into the habit of checking your genitals for any irregularities.
Also, Quality communication between sexual partners is a big part of sexual hygiene. It may be uncomfortable, but talking about STDs and sexual health issues from the start can make a big difference down the road. - Use a Condom: To avoid unwanted pregnancies and protect yourselves from hidden STDs and STIs.
- Take Extra Care If You’re Pregnant: Sex is usually safe during pregnancy, but you are more likely to get infections like UTIs during this time. So it’s even more important to take care of the basics after sex, pee afterwards, wash around your vagina, and drink water. Encourage your partner to do the same.
- Wear Loose Fit: Whether we’re talking about underwear or pants, a looser fit is better for your functioning down there. Restriction and overheating can both affect fertility and contribute to infection, like jock itch. It’s still important to wear supportive clothes during sports but wash yourself and your clothing if you’ve worked up a sweat to stay as hygienic as possible.
MORE TIPS…
- It is important to trim the hair in the private parts. During summer, heat and sweat can result in boils and skin problems. Avoid having sex just after shaving; it puts you at risk of STIs and other vaginal infections because of the likelihood of tiny scratches and wounds from shaving.
- To avoid embarrassment or a bad odour, women should avoid having sex in the first two days of their menstrual cycle.
- Avoid oral sex if your partner has sores around the mouth or near the genitals; it can pass on to you.
In conclusion, practising good sexual hygiene is crucial for maintaining a healthy and enjoyable sex life. By following these hygiene tips before and after sex, you can reduce the risk of infections, promote overall sexual health, and enhance your sexual experiences. Remember, open communication with your partner about sexual health is essential for a safe and satisfying intimate relationship.