So, you finished having sex. Maybe it was good, maybe it was bad, but that’s not the point. The point is, it’s over. So, what should you do after sex?
Sex is, well, honestly, what can I say about sex. It’s great. Sure, at times it can be overrated and underwhelming, but for the most part, it’s a lot of fun. The fetishes, the outfits, the chemistry—these things are all amazing parts of sex. But what about after sex? Yeah, I know, you probably wonder what I mean. No, I’m not suggesting that after sex you continue the sexual experience by performing naked aerial yoga.
11 post-sex rules you need to follow after sex
This is about you and what you do after sex. Everyone is so focused on pre-sex and sex itself, they forget the importance of after sex. Your sexual experience may have been jaw-dropping or cringe worthy, but after it, there are things you should and should not do that keeps your body healthy.
#1 Stay hydrated. You just had sex which means you definitely got your sweat on. Like with any workout, you should stay hydrated.
Now, you don’t have to run to the kitchen right after sex, but, eventually, you should guzzle down a cup or two of water. That way, in case round two happens, your body will be replenished and ready to go. [Read: Round two? How to prepare for sex the right way]
#2 Munch on some probiotics. If you’re a woman, then you know the importance of probiotics. The vagina is full of bacteria, and you want to keep the healthy bacteria flourishing in your vagina.
Eating probiotics like yogurt encourages the growth of healthy bacteria. You can actually insert a probiotic supplement into your vagina or even place non-flavored yogurt in the vagina. However, that may be a little too messy for you. [TheTalko.com: 15 tips to ensure you stay fresh down there]
#3 Go pee. When a penis enters in a vagina, there’s a transfer of bacteria. Which is completely normal as the penis also comes with its own bacteria. Once inserted into the vagina, the bacteria then transfers, if your body rejects it, it causes a UTI.
So, what you need to do is pee. It helps flush out the bacteria inside your vagina. You don’t have to pee right after having sex, however, I would do it within the hour. [Read: Peeing after having sex and other confusing myths about the vagina]
#4 Stay away from the soap. I know this may sound strange after sex, I want to have a hot soapy shower. But, no. That’s really not what you should be doing. Sure, soap your body but keep it away from your vagina. Your vagina, after sex, is extremely sensitive and contains good bacteria that you want in your vagina. Instead, wash your vagina with water.
#5 Go commando. Or at least wear cotton underwear. The point is, you need to let your genitals breathe, whether you’re a man or woman. If you wear constricting underwear, your genitals won’t be able to breathe which causes infections such as an UTI.
The point is, you want free-flowing air moving down there. If moisture gets trapped, you’re going to get bacteria growth. [Read: Pretty pussy essentials: 14 tips to make it purr with delight]
#6 Wipe front to back. After going pee, you’re going to wipe, I mean, that’s a pretty standard procedure when it comes to going to the bathroom. However, you really want to make sure you wipe front to back. By doing this, you keep the bacteria from your anus away from your vagina. This is important to do especially after sex since your vagina is sensitive at that time.
#7 Communicate. This is the best time to lay next to your partner and talk about what you both liked and didn’t like during sex. Maybe there was a position you weren’t a fan of or perhaps you really liked it when your partner went down on you.
Express these feelings to your partner so that they know what to do next time. [Read: Emotional connection: 8 small ways to build a happily ever after]
#8 Clean your sex toys. Okay, you don’t have to do this right away, wait until he leaves, but clean your toys. If you don’t clean them relatively soon after sex, you may forget and who knows if you’ll remember to clean them. You need to make sure you disinfect them since they’ll be covered with bacteria. [Bustle.com: 6 post-sex mistakes you may be making]
#9 Feel your body. Having sex is great but sometimes, your body won’t react as positively. Maybe your partner’s penis was too big for you or maybe you did a position which didn’t feel right inside. After sex, take some time to feel your body and how it feels. Does your vagina feel good? Is there a pain inside? Sex shouldn’t hurt, at least not in that way.
#10 No hot tub. Hot tubs are sensual and sexy, but don’t go in one after sex. I know, it sounds like a great idea, but it’s not. The vulva of the vagina will be swollen after sex—meaning your vagina is more susceptible to infection.
In addition, if your partner is also in the hot tub, then you also make yourself open to the bacteria from their genitals and anus. Yeah, maybe take a break on the hot tub for a little bit. [Read: How to make your vagina smell good and taste even better]
#11 Cuddle. You need to cuddle. It’s actually a very important part of sexual intercourse. Cuddling after sex is a post-sex reward and makes both partner’s feel satisfied. Cuddling also connects to people’s satisfaction in the overall relationship. Cuddling connects, so, take some time to lay in the arms of your partner.
[Read: The dreaded post-sex call etiquette: Do’s and don’t’s]
If you incorporate these things into your after sex routine, you’ll ensure that your body stays healthy and your genitals function happily.