Sexual hygiene habits everyone should practice

Think about this – in order to have an enjoyable, active, and healthy sex life, don’t forget this one vital thing.  Before falling asleep in each other’s arms after an intimate act of lovemaking, be sure to take care of your sexual hygiene.  Even before engaging in sex, your sexual hygiene matters. As important and necessary as it is to have regular sex, it is just as important to practice preventative steps to keep it that way.  Ignoring routine sexual hygiene basics can lead to infections of the genital area causing your sex life to take a nose dive. 

To protect yourself from any sexual disruptions and to keep things hot under the covers, here are sexual hygiene habits you should always follow:

·      Keep genital area clean

 This should go without saying but keeping the genital area clean will dramatically lower risk of infections.  For women, this means washing from your vagina to your anus to prevent the transfer of germs from the anus to the vagina and to also avoid yeast infections. For uncircumcised men, pull back the foreskin and wash the glans with warm water. Also wash the inner skin of the foreskin, which is susceptible to bacteria and dead cells and body fluids. After sex, it’s a good idea for both men and women to clean themselves with plain warm water. Mild soaps can be used but if you have sensitive skin or already have an infection, this may dry out or irritate the area.

·      Don’t douche

Douching for women is discouraged.  The best way to care for the vagina after sex is to leave it alone – it cleans itself naturally. Douching can actually lead to more infections as it can upset the natural balance of bacteria that protect the vagina. 

·      Avoid wipes, creams or sprays

There are numerous drugstore wipes, creams, and sprays claiming to help you “freshen up” your personal areas.  The problem with these products is some are made with harsh soaps, perfumes, detergents, shampoos, or lotions that can cause skin break outs. It’s best to stick with a gentle rinse with warm water after sex.  Women should also avoid scented tampons, pads, powders and sprays which can irritate delicate vaginal tissues.

·      Empty your bladder after sex

One of the best ways for women to greatly reduce their chance of an infection, is to always empty her bladder right after sex.  During sex, bacteria can get into the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body increasing the risk of urinary tract infections. By using the restroom soon after sexual intercourse, the urine stream instantly mechanically cleanses and flushes bacteria that could enter the urethra.

·      Wear loose fitting clothing to bed

Bacteria and yeast thrive in moist, hot areas of the body which include the genitals.  Lying in bed for hours each night wearing tight fitting underwear or clothes is a perfect breeding ground for infections to occur in private areas.  Both men and women should opt for wearing cotton undies that are more breathable and absorb moisture.  Or, simply skip underwear altogether keeping things fresh and aired-out.

·      Wash your hands

After having sex, it’s a good idea to wash your hands with soap and water to prevent infections.  This gets rid of bacteria you may have picked up from touching your or your partners genitals.

·      Keep sex toys clean

For couples who enjoy using sex toys, be sure to keep them clean. Bacteria, fungi, and viruses can harbor on these items possibly spreading STDs and other infections. After every use always clean them with warm soap and water. Check packaging instruction for cleaning instructions and never share sex toys with other couples. This would only spread germs back and forth between couples.

·      Treat yeast infections immediately

Both men and women can get yeast infections and unless they are diagnosed by a doctor and treated, they can be passed back and forth during sex. Symptoms of a yeast infection include itching, burning, or a thick, white discharge from the vagina or penis.  Go to your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and to start treatment as soon as possible.

·      Get tested for STDs

All couples should be tested for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) but especially so if you are with a new partner. Many STDs have few if any symptoms making testing crucial. Certain symptoms associated with STDs can include discharge, pain, blisters, sores, spots, or lumps around the genitals.  If you suspect you might have an STD, get tested and treated right away and avoid sex until you are in the clear.

Health and Hygiene: Sexual Hygiene Habits #1
For women, it is essential to note the direction of washing your genitals. It is recommended to wash from your vagina to your anus to prevent the transfer of germs from the anus to the vagina and also avoid yeast infections. 
 

Health and Hygiene: Sexual Hygiene Habits #2
For uncircumcised men, pull back the foreskin and wash the glans with warm water. Also wash the inner skin of the foreskin, which is susceptible to bacteria and dead cells and body fluids.
 

Health and Hygiene: Sexual Hygiene Habits #3
Both partners should wash their hands and nails before and after sex to prevent transfer of germs and bacteria to your genitals.
 

Health and Hygiene: Sexual Hygiene Habits #4
It is important to trim the hair in the private parts. During summer, heat and sweat can result in boils and skin problems.
 

Health and Hygiene: Sexual Hygiene Habits #5
To avoid embarrassment or bad odour, women should avoid having sex in the first two days of their menstrual cycle.
 

Health and Hygiene: Sexual Hygiene Habits #6
Avoid oral sex if your partner has sores around the mouth or near the genitals, it can pass on to you.