Straight after sex you may be at your most relaxed, but there are three things you should never do after the deed.
“When the vaginal tissues have been lubricated, swollen, and rubbed against during intercourse, it changes how that tissue reacts to the environment,” Kansas-based gynecologist Leslie E. F. Page, M.D. told Women’s Health. “Primarily, you run a much greater risk of infection.”
Today (September 4) is World Sexual Health Day, 24 hours dedicated to raising awareness and breaking taboos.
We’ve already answered some of your most embarrassing sexual health questions, but here are three things you should never do after sex if you want to keep your lady bits healthy:
1. Soap-up down there
You might feel like you want to wash after sex, but make sure you don’t use soap. Lathering up your lady bits can cause irritation and dryness and post-sex you may even experience an allergic reaction.
“The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and needs to be treated very, very gently—if you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, you shouldn’t put it in or around your vagina,” adds Leslie.
If you do want to scrub up use water only.
2. Forget to wee
There’s a reason why you always need to wee after sex – it helps clear any bacteria that may have been pushed into your vagina.
“[Sex] can result in post-intercourse bladder infections,” said Robert Wool, M.D., ob-gyn, “You can have some snuggle time, just empty your bladder within an hour of sex.”
3. Chill out in a hot tub
While the idea of a post-coital hot tub dip might sounds nice, it could actually be very bad news for your vagina.
“When your vulva swells in response to sexual stimulation, it reveals the opening of the vagina, which means you have a greater chance of infection,” said Leslie.
“If you’re in a hot tub with your partner, that means you’re exposed to the bacteria on his skin and anus.”
“Also, extensive water exposure reduces the efficiency of your skin’s antimicrobial barrier,” she added.
There are also some pre-sex rules you should probably stick to if you want to stay healthy.
Make sure to steer clear of these things if you want to impress in the sack:
1. Don’t shave
You might want to feel silky and smooth right before sex, but shaving your pubes isn’t a good idea.
Sexpert Brigette Bard told Daily Star Online: “When pubic hair is shaved or waxed it leaves microscopic open wounds in the skin membrane which means bacteria can enter.
“Given the warmth and moisture down there, it’s a perfect environment for bacteria to breed and there are a rising number of infections, including some nasties such as Streptococcus A and Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA, the antibiotic resistant strain of Staphylococcus aureus).
“Shaved hair means there is no barrier against the bacteria mentioned above and they can be transferred from skin to skin, this can lead to cellulitis infection (a bacterial infection of soft tissues) of the labia.
“Because of the small tears and damage made to your skin during waxing or shaving, you’re also more vulnerable to herpes and HPV (genital warts).”
