Hygiene after sexual encounters is essential to prevent infections. Besides, it allows you to fully enjoy intimate encounters. What must be considered? Hygiene after sex is a fundamental aspect that many couples must consider to avoid certain infections. The latter, although more frequent in women, can also affect men.

However, women can often develop cervical-vaginal diseases. As poor hygiene after an intimate encounter is one of the triggering factors, as detailed in a publication in the Journal of Gynecologic Oncology.

So what to do to improve it? What are the hygiene habits to consider after having sex? In this opportunity, we want to detail everything about it.

General hygiene recommendations

In a large number of cases, genital infections stem from poor hygiene practice. Both bacteria, viruses, and fungi can easily attack when there is no adequate cleaning. Therefore, in general, the following is recommended:

• Take a bath before and after sexual intercourse.
• Daily changes in intimate clothes.
• Avoid sexual intercourse if you have a genital infection.
• Avoid having multiple sexual partners.

But, in addition to these recommendations, there are also other points to consider. In the following sections, we will deal with them in more detail.

Hygiene after sex: key points

One of the key points for good hygiene after sex is urination, as this helps kill bacteria that may be present during sexual contact. Similarly, it is recommended to drink enough water, since this, in addition to hydrating the body, contributes to urinating more frequently.

Urinating can help kill bacteria found in a woman’s urinary tract, thereby lowering the risk of cystitis pictures. Of course, it is also not about ingesting liquids in excessive amounts because it can be harmful.

In the case of men, urination can contribute to the prevention of sexually transmitted urethritis, produced by the same contact.

Other recommendations for hygiene after sex

It is suggested to wash the hands, the face, or any other part of the body that, in addition to the genitals, may have been in contact with the sexual organs.

• Use a specific soap for the intimate area.
• Use moisturizing gels in the intimate area.
• In the case of using soap, it must be neutral to avoid irritations.
• Avoid excessive washing with products that can be harmful to the intimate area, such as body gels that are not specific to the genital area. These alter the pH of the vaginal area and can cause dryness and other injuries.
• Use intimate clothing with cotton fabrics, and avoid those that are synthetic or very tight, since they produce more sweating, and this alters the vaginal microbiota.
• Similarly, it is recommended to have a balanced and healthy diet.
• Having good sleep hygiene, as this also affects sexual health.

Hygiene after sex: what else should you consider?

Apart from the previous suggestions, it is important to remember that, in the case of women, it is not advisable to have sex if there is no good stimulation.

Without good lubrication, injury to the genital mucosa is possible. In the case of dryness, you can use lubricants. However, it is convenient to choose soft formulas, free of irritating components.

In general, taking these guidelines for hygiene after sex allows you to enjoy full and safe sexuality. Despite this, it is always good to request a gynecological checkup, since the professional will be able to determine if there are infections or if specific guidelines are needed to care for the intimate area.