4 Things Women Should And Shouldn't Do After Having Sex To Prevent infections

4 Things Women Should And Shouldn't Do After Having Sex To Prevent Vaginal Infections

While you might just want to lie back after a good tumble in bed, there are certain hygiene essentials that need to be taken care of in order to avoid medical conditions that can harm your vagina.
By eghosa endurance
December 6, 2019
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When it comes to our health, many people's first thought would be about their organs such as their hearts, lungs, kidneys and more. Then there's a rush to have it checked out by a medical professional. But it takes a while to remember that there is one more organ we need to worry about taking care of — our sexual organ, especially after intercourse.

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Clinical Practice, women in their 40's and 50's reported their sexual activity. The results showed that 28.57% reported being fully sexually active, while 57.14% mentioned they were partially sexually active. Though sexual intercourse or sexual health might not be the priority for everyone, it still doesn't hurt to be aware of what might seem like harmless habits that could have an unhealthy effect on our body. So what should you not do, especially after intercourse?

1. Don't skip peeing




When engaging in intercourse, germs are exchanged between you and your partner and are forced into your urethra and vagina. This gives the germs fertile ground to spread and fester, maybe even resulting in a urinary tract infection (UTI). Peeing after sex can reduce that risk and ensure a healthy environment for your vagina. Additionally, once you're done peeing, wipe yourself from the back to the front to keep any bacteria from your anus to transfer into your sensitive vagina. "Due to swelling and micro-abrasions that can occur during intercourse, your vulva and vaginal skin are particularly tender and prone to infection," says Kansas-based gynecologist Leslie E. F. Page to Women's Health Mag.

2. Keep away from "douching"


Vaginal douching is the act of washing the vagina with water or a mixture of fluids to eliminate bad smells and "clean" the organ, says WebMD. According to Women's Health Gov, one in five women aged 15 to 44 douche. However, it is an unsafe practice. Douching puts you at high risk of contracting various infections like yeast infections as the "cleansing" disrupts the necessary balance of healthy bacteria (vaginal flora) and natural acidity of your vagina. This can lead to more severe health conditions such as a higher risk of ovarian cancer, according to a study published in the journal Epidemiology, cited by NCBI.

3. Don't wash your vagina with soap or wet wipes immediately after




While cleaning up after sex is important, it can be harmful if it is done with soap or wet wipes. This is due to the fact that strong chemicals can irritate your sensitive skin and even trigger allergic reactions. In some cases, you might even experience rashes. "When the vaginal tissues have been lubricated, swollen, and rubbed against during intercourse, it changes how that tissue reacts to the environment," Page says. "Primarily, you run a much greater risk of infection. The vagina is a self-cleaning organ, and needs to be treated very, very gently - if you wouldn't put it in your mouth, you shouldn't put it in or around your vagina."

She also suggests that if you still feel like cleaning up, make your own "wipe with warm water and vinegar," says Page. "Mix one teaspoon of vinegar with a quart of water, pour some on to a washcloth and wipe your vulva over the toilet, and then pat dry. The vinegar is mildly cleansing and helps maintain the skin's natural acidity." Or just use plain water.


4. Avoid getting into a tub with or without your partner


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Though a warm bath after sex is an inviting temptation, it isn't recommended. Page tells Women's Health Magazine, "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," which is the kind of stimulation that a warm bath will give. So a warm bath with your partner can increase the risk of infection from the shared bacteria. Additionally, Page mentions "extensive water exposure reduces the efficiency of your skin’s antimicrobial barrier."

If you start to experience rashes, redness or itching around your groin or vagina, visit a doctor immediately. They will be able to give possible causes and treatments to solve the issues.


Disclaimer : This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.