Sexual wellness is an important component of the overall health of the body. To maintain sexual wellness, it is important to understand how to care for the body, especially the vagina, after sexual intercourse.
It is crucial to maintain vaginal health after sex because the lubrication produced by the vagina and semen from the other person's body can imbalance the vaginal PH, resulting in STDs (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) or STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections).
In our exploration of '7 Things to Do After Sex to Keep Your Vagina Happy,' we seek to demystify these essential post-sex practices and shed light on their profound impact on your vaginal health.
Our goal? To empower your knowledge to take proactive steps in your post-sex routine, fostering long-term health and happiness for your vagina.
Key Steps to Follow After Sex for a Healthy Vagina
1. Pee after sex if you’re prone to UTIs
Women who suffer from regular UTIs should use the bathroom after sex, recommends Dr. Alyssa Dweck, a gynae from Westchester, NY, and author of The Complete A to Z for Your V. “When you have intercourse, bacteria from the rectum – which is in very close proximity to the urethra and the vagina – can get close to the urethra and can cause an infection, especially in women who are prone to UTIs,” says Dr. Dweck. “The urine washes out the bacteria that are mechanically present at the end of the urethra.”
2. Pop a cranberry supplement
Here’s another one for women who tend to come down with a UTI after every sex session. Dr. Dweck says a once-a-day cranberry concentrate, in the form of a cranberry pill or a gummy available over the counter, may help prevent UTIs. But she warns against downing sugary cranberry cocktail juices.
3. Wipe down
If lube, saliva, you name it, has you feeling less-than-fresh down there after sex, consider doing a quick wipe-down. “Lube and bacteria from the fingers, mouth, and rectum can increase your chance of developing a yeast or bacterial infection,” says Dr. Sherry Ross, gynae and women’s health expert in Santa Monica, California.
She recommends using a non-fragrant soap around your lady parts after sex. Simply take a warm washcloth and gently dab your vagina with soap and water (or just warm water), moving from front to back. She adds that skip your interiors, though: The vagina has an internal wash cycle that keeps it clean and balanced. In other words, no douches are allowed.
4. Soak in the bathtub
Feel like the pampered sex queen you are by treating yourself to a nice, post-sex soak. Pro tip: Consider adding extra-virgin coconut oil to the warm bath to help hydrate the skin of the outer vagina and soothe any vaginal swelling or irritation that occurs after doing the deed, says Dr. Ross. While it’s not a hygiene must, she says this pleasant ritual may help reduce your risk of infection.
But don’t go overboard on the bath oils, flowery bubble potions, and scented balms, says Dr. Mary Jane Minkin, clinical professor in the Department of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at Yale School of Medicine. Too much can be irritating to the vagina. Dr. Minkin says she always sees an uptick in irritation related to bath products after the holiday when patients are using gifts they received.
5. Go commando
Once you’re so fresh and clean, ward off UTIs and other infections by wearing cotton underwear and loose-fitting PJs to keep your privates dry – or better yet, go commando for optimum air circulation. At the very least, avoid nylon underwear and tight-fitting sleepwear, which can trap moisture and help bacteria grow, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
6. Sip some water
You may want to consider sipping some water if you just got sweaty between the sheets, says Dr. Nicole Scott, gynae at Indiana University Health. Dehydration affects your entire body – including your vagina. (Feeling like sandpaper down there might put a damper on round two.) Plus, staying hydrated can help flush pesky UTI-causing bacteria from your bladder.
7. Eat probiotic-rich foods
Post-sex snacks are the best, so reach for something that will keep your vagina happy while you’re at it. “Yoghurt, kimchi, kombucha, and other fermented foods have the same good bacteria found in the vagina,” says Dr. Kelly Kasper, gynae at Indiana University Health. Getting into the habit of snacking on these foods after sex can help to replenish the body’s good bacteria, helping to decrease your risk of a yeast infection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can using condoms increase the risk of STDs or STIs?
No, using condoms significantly decreases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Condom usage is highly recommended for safe sex and vaginal health maintenance.
How can sexual intercourse affect vaginal health?
Sexual intercourse can influence vaginal health in many ways, potentially leading to changes in pH levels, natural lubrication, and microbiome balance. Nevertheless, maintaining good hygiene and safe sexual practices can promote a healthy vagina.
How can one eliminate bacterial infection caused by poor hygiene after sexual intercourse?
Bacterial infections caused by poor hygiene after sexual intercourse can be eliminated by maintaining a consistent and thorough cleaning routine. Products specifically formulated for vaginal health, like pH-balanced cleansers and regular doctor check-ups, can effectively keep infections at bay.
Can I use boric acid after sex?
While boric acid suppositories are a common home remedy for vaginal yeast infections, it's important to consult a healthcare professional before use. After sex, the vagina should be allowed to self-clean, and using boric acid or any other product should be based on your doctor's advice.
