What Are the Most Hygienic Ways to Clean up After Sex?

Over time, there have been a lot of post-sex hygiene questions, and this article will answer some of the major questions. A number of people are quick to hop out of bed immediately after sex to clean up themselves and their surroundings. Sex is an inherently messy process following the sweating, kissing, and other bodily fluids involved in outercourse or intercourse.

As funny as it may sound, for the most part, you really don`t have to do a thing after sex, as there are no medical proofs yet of why someone would need a special hygiene routine after sex. While there’s no pressing medical reason to rush into the shower after sex, it is good to have a post-romp protocol, depending on what happens during sex, your hygiene preferences, and infection risk. Let`s discuss some pressing post-sex hygiene questions you might have.

FAQs on Post-Sex Clean up

How Should I Clean up After Anal Sex?

You can have microscopic tears in your sphincter after anal sex. You may get infected if the bacteria from your anus or fecal matter gets into those tears. Be sure to take a shower if you’ve had anal sex. This will help you get rid of any lingering bacteria. You also want to rinse your genital area carefully.

If you have a clitoris, gently pull back the vaginal folds and lift the clitoral hood toward your belly button to clean. Please ensure you don`t get soap in the vaginal area. You may just clean around it with warm water and gentle soap. You may also use cleansing wipes.

If you have a penis with a foreskin, make sure you clean the entire head of the penis by pulling the skin back. Bacteria will most likely get stuck there the same way it is common for semen to dry or get trapped under the skin.

Should I Clean up After the First Round?

Don`t get caught up wanting to clean up everything and end up missing out on bonding with your partner. This will only take you out of the moment. The time after sex is great for connecting with your partner. Cuddle, have a gist with them and go for another round.

How Should I Clean my Vulva After Sex?

First, you should know that the vagina is self-cleaning. The vagina is perfectly capable of cleaning itself after sex. Trying to clean the vagina will only disrupt the biological process or the microbiome inside it. So by all means, avoid using any product to ‘clean’ the vagina or vulva. Stick to rinsing the vulva and just let the vagina manage its cleaning. If stains bother you so much, use unscented baby wipes.

How Do I Clean my Penis After Sex?

There`s no need to rush to the bathroom to clean your penis immediately after sex. A gentle wash in the morning will do. If you have a foreskin that`s still intact, you will need to give the area a gentle warm wash to prevent any semen buildup or infection risk. You may also use unscented baby wipes to clean up.

A person with urinary tract infections (UTIs), or yeast infections is prone to irritation and would want to get cleaned up immediately. A gentle rinse after sex is fine.

What`s the Best Way to Clean Sex Toys?

Immediate cleaning of sex toys after use will not only remove bacteria but will also make them safe for immediate use the next time you need them. If you do not know how to go about the cleaning, check for instructions on each sex toy. Usually, the cleaning is determined by the kind of material the toy is made of and whether or not it has a motor or batteries.

How Should I Clean Sex Toys Without Motors

These are usually platinum-cured silicone, and you can either put them in a dishwasher or boil them. For splashproof or 100 percent waterproof products, try washing them with liquid antibacterial soap and warm water, however, be sure not to submerge them.

If your sex toy doesn’t have cleaning instructions on the label, just wash off the part of the product that has made contact with the skin or bodily fluids. You can use liquid antibacterial soap and a washcloth soaked in hot water to do this washing.

Do I Have to Pee Immediately After Sex?

Peeing is effective at lowering the chances of contracting UTIs or vaginal infection, however, there are no studies to prove that it has to be immediately after sex. Any bacteria introduced into the urethra during sex gets flushed out as the body rids itself of fluids. It wouldn’t hurt to pee after sex though, particularly if it gives you peace of mind. But this does not mean you should hurry to the bathroom the second you finish having sex. Take a few minutes to relish the sex you just had. Don`t spoil the moment by running to the bathroom so quickly. Your urethra will be fine as long as you pee within a safe period of time, say like thirty minutes after.

You may also try keeping a glass of water by your bed. Drinking some water before, during, and after sex will help your bathroom trip more productive.

Having the Right Tools Available Before Sex

There are ways to go about it if the mess during sex prevents you from post-coitus cuddles.
For irritation-free and easy sex, make the following items available:

Towels

To ensure that bodily fluids or sweats don’t leave stains, lay towels on the bed or whatever surface you’re having sex on. Also, always keep a glass of water nearby, as sweat and fluid loss during sex can make you thirsty.

Deodorant or Body Spray

To help eliminate post-sex odor, keep a deodorant or body spray around. Use it before sex, however, don’t put it on your genitals, as it may cause irritation.

Mattress Shields

Your mattress shields can create a barrier if you’re so concerned about other bodily fluids or sweat seeping through the sheets and into your mattress.

Unscented Baby Wipes

Wipes will help get rid of any bodily fluids if you don’t want to take a shower immediately. You`re advised to use unscented baby wipes because scented baby wipes may irritate you.

STI Facts you Should Know

• The origins of STIs/STDs are not entirely known yet. While some researchers suggest that microbes adapted themselves to affect the human genital area, some others claim that they are from animals.
• Curable STIs/STDs are usually bacterial; the common ones are gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis.
• There are about 40,000 new HIV infections in the United States every year.
• Donovanosis is a rare sexually transmitted disease in which small, painless nodules appear after 10-40 days, and if left untreated, can destroy penile tissue.
• Viral STIs/STDs like HPV cannot be cured, however, the body can clear it.
• People can contract STIs without having intercourse; intimate bodily rubbing and shared bodily fluids are the most common transmission mediums.
• STIs usually cause obvious symptoms, however, a number of people remain unaware, usually because the symptoms are common with some other conditions.
• STIs can infect many areas of the body like the mouth, throat, genitals, and anal area.
• STIs are caused by microscopic organisms like bacteria, viruses, and parasites.
• More than half of sexually active people will contract an STI at some point in their lives.