Let’s Talk Hygiene
Clean and safe sexual practices are important to ensure you and your partner are kept in tip top conditon when getting a little frisky. Here are some ideas to ensure you keep hygiene in mind before, during, and after sexual activity and some easy things to incorporate into the bedroom.
Wash After Sex
Whilst you don’t have to hop straight into the shower right after sex, having a quick gentle clean can help you to protect yourself from urinary tract infections (UTIs). Wash your genitals with warm water, avoiding strongly-scented soap as this can irritate the skin. Peeing after sex may also help to avoid UTIs as this will flush bacteria out of the urethra.
Use Protection
Safe sex can help prevent the transmission of STIs, infection, and pregnancy, and can be used for oral, anal, and vaginal sex. never go from anal sex to vaginal sex without changing a condom first and washing your genitals. Bacteria can travel from the anus to the vagina and cause an infection. (The same goes for fingers and sex toys.)
Wash Those Hands
This might well sound obvious, but are you washing those dandies of yours after getting down and dirty? Get rid of nasty bacteria to stop infections spreading by washing your hands in warm water and with plenty of soap. Make it part of your post-sex routine for good clean fun.
Clean Your Sex Toys
Hopefully another obvious point! Sex toys must be washed thoroughly after sex to get rid of lingering bacteria, viruses, germs, and even fungi. Check the toy’s packaging for cleaning instructions and don’t share toys with other people. Wipes and sprays are commonly available through sites like Lovehoney and Amazon.
Clear Up Infections ASAP
Infections are common, especially UTIs and thrush. Make sure you eliminate the risk of spreading them by clearing up infections completely before having sex again. Common indicators of an infection are a burning sensation when peeing, itching down below, or unusual discharge. See your local pharmacist for some advice and help.
Consider Getting Tested
STIs are common and most are easily treated, but some can go undetected as symptoms can vary. Consider getting regularly tested if you are having sex with different partners, or before having nookie with a new partner, just to make sure you’re all ship shape and shiny down below and to start treatment ASAP if anything is wrong. Speak to your GP for some advice.
Pregnant? Take Extra Care
Pregnant people are more likely to get UTIs and other infections, so should take extra care when getting it on. Basic hygiene like washing hands and cleaning down below are essential, and remember to encourage your partner to do the same.
Keep Hydrated
Dehydration can cause all sorts of health issues, but in terms of sexual health did you know it can lead to erectile dysfunction and vaginal dryness? Dehydration can also lead to itchiness and painful sex. Stay hydrated to ensure you enhance your physical and cognitive performance as hydration can also prevent fatigue and increase alertness.
Wear Loose Fitting Clothing
Sexy lingerie can help set the mood, but hot, sweaty places are the perfect spots for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Let the air in by swapping to cotton underwear and loose clothes after a bit of nookie, or even avoid wearing anything all together – let that nether region breathe!