5 Things You Should Never Do After Sex
There's no denying that warm, tingly, oh-so-relaxed feeling that washes over you after a [...]
Go hot tubbing
While a relaxing trip to the bubbly hot tub might sound ideal after a quick sesh in the sack, you'd actually just be introducing your vagina to a lot of unwelcome bacteria and germs.
"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," Kansas-based gynecologist Leslie E.F. Page, MD told Women's Health.
So that means any germs that are lingering in the water, including those on anyone else's skin, have free reign over your lady bits.
prevnextForget to pee
Peeing after sex is more than just an old wives' tale. Remember the bacteria that makes its way into your urethra during sex? You can help flush it all out afterwards by simply using the restroom within an hour.
Once you do, make sure to wipe your vagina front to back so as to not get any fecal matter in any nooks and crannies that could turn into an infection.
prevnextLather up
On the other hand, if you do feel the need to shower after sex (been there), whatever you do, don't use a scented soap down there. The vagina is like a self-cleaning oven — as long as you're rinsing her out with warm water, she'll take care of the rest. In fact, soap could actually cause more harm than good, disrupting pH levels and the delicate ecosystem, leading to vaginal irritation and dryness.
Page even says that a general rule of thumb to live by is that if you wouldn't put it in your mouth, keep it away from your vagina.
prevnextUse flushable wipes
Especially if you're sensitive to chemicals like perfumes, alcohol, glycerin and certain oils, using a flushable or throw-away wipe can lead to irritation. Because your skin down there is more susceptible to unfamiliar properties after sex, you could see symptoms like redness, itchiness, swelling and tenderness.
If TP just isn't doing the job, try warm water on a washcloth at first, and then if that doesn't work, switch to a highly diluted vinegar/water solution (one teaspoon vinegar to one quart water). Or just simply hop in the shower!
prevnextSleep in lingerie
We'll be the first to recommend a sexy little number to spice up your love life — and also the first to tell you to leave it on the floor once you've had your fun. While sleeping in breathable, cotton undies is A-OK, the opposite can be said for nylon, rayon or polyester fabrics.
The fact of the matter is that your lady bits just don't have enough room to breathe, and thanks to the sweat, semen and vaginal secretions that occur during sex, that could be the perfect environment for a brewing yeast infection. Next time, go sans panties — or just switch to your comfy cotton ones.
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