Sexual activity can result in various fluids, sweat, or stains. Therefore, post-sex hygiene should be carefully considered. However, these areas are often sensitive, so proper cleaning techniques are essential.
1. Do you need to clean immediately after sexual activity?
Most of the time, you don't need to do anything immediately after sexual intercourse. However, sexual activity, sweating, and bodily fluids that are present during or after the act are some factors to be aware of. The likelihood of you, your partner, and your bed (or anywhere else you choose to have sex) getting stained with anything is quite high.
After sex, your first instinct might be to immediately get out of bed to clean up everything — especially yourself. But it turns out that this isn’t entirely necessary. For the most basic form of intercourse, Anne Hodder, a multi-certified sex educator based in Los Angeles, says, "There’s no medical reason I know of why anyone needs a special hygiene routine after sex."
Of course, this also depends on what happens during sex, your personal hygiene preferences, and the risk of infection. So, while there seems to be no medical requirement to rush to the bathroom after intercourse, you should still pay attention to the post-coital care.
2. How should I clean my intimate area after sex?
This is actually a tricky question. When it comes to cleaning the vagina, this is completely inaccurate. The vagina is fully capable of self-cleaning after intercourse — even with sperm inside. Additionally, attempting to clean it yourself can actually do more harm than good.
“Never… [use] products that claim to 'clean' the vagina or vulva, especially douching!” The vagina is a beautiful biological system, and there is absolutely no reason to disrupt the process (or the vaginal microbiome) with soap, sprays, or other products.
Simply wash the vulva and let the vagina self-clean. But if stains bother you, keep some fragrance-free baby wipes on hand. Alternatively, keep a towel nearby and place it underneath you before things get too hot and heavy. Avoid relying on the top sheet, as fluids may soak through.
That being said, if you're prone to irritation, urinary tract infections (UTIs), or yeast infections, and post-coital hygiene helps you feel at ease, gently rinsing is fine.
Hodder says, “There’s no harm in gently washing the vulva with warm water.”
3. Do you need to urinate immediately after sex?
If taking a shower feels like too much (which can happen after great sex!), urinating may be another way to help reduce the risk of vaginal or urinary tract infections.
Although research on this method is limited or lacks significant evidence, many people still do this after intercourse.
The theory is that when your body naturally expels fluids, any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex could also be flushed out. Urinating after sex is harmless, especially if it helps put your mind at ease.
However, you don’t need to rush to the bathroom immediately after finishing. Hodder says, “You can take a few minutes to enjoy the afterglow of sex.”
As long as you urinate within a reasonable time frame (there’s no strict limit, but a reasonable estimate is within 30 minutes), you and your urethra will be fine.
Tip: Keep a glass of water by the bed. Drink it before, during, or after sex, whenever your body needs it. This can help with urination after intercourse."
4. What happens after anal sex?
Anal sex can cause small tears in your sphincter. If bacteria from your anus (including feces) enter these tears, it can lead to infection.
If you’ve had anal sex, remember to shower afterward. Also, clean your intimate area to remove any remaining bacteria.
For individuals with a penis and a tight foreskin, make sure to pull back the skin to clean the entire head of the penis. Semen can often dry beneath the skin, or bacteria can become trapped there.
For those with a vulva, gently pull back the vaginal folds and lift the hood toward your belly button to clean. Use warm water and mild soap, or a clean wipe. It's best to avoid putting soap inside the vagina.
5. How do you properly clean sex toys?
If you and your partner use sex toys, you need to make sure to clean them thoroughly after use. This not only helps eliminate bacteria and ensures they’re ready for your next session, but it also keeps them in the best condition.
But how exactly do you clean them?
Each sex toy will have specific cleaning instructions depending on the material it’s made from and whether it has a motor or battery.
“Platinum-cured silicone products (without motors) can be boiled or put in the dishwasher to clean. Products labeled 100% waterproof can be washed with antibacterial soap and warm water. Splash-proof products can be cleaned in a similar way, but make sure they don't get submerged in water.”
And what if your sex toy doesn’t have cleaning instructions?
Hodder says, “For any product you’re unsure about or doesn’t have cleaning instructions on the label, wash the part of the product that comes into contact with bodily fluids or skin with antibacterial soap and a cloth soaked in hot water.”
6. Back to bed (and ready for round two)
The moments after sex are a great time to connect with your partner and enjoy the pleasant endorphin rush around your body—so don’t worry too much about cleaning up right away (and allow yourself to stay in the moment during this time).
You can totally sleep in your natural state after sex (bodily fluids and all!). And who knows? It might just make you more energized for the next round of morning sex!
Ask Your Partner About Their Preferences! Sex has long been a taboo topic, so it’s no surprise if someone feels uncomfortable talking about their cleaning habits or has been taught one way and never another.
Keep These Essentials in Your Bedroom for Easy, Hassle-Free Sex:
- Towels: Place them on the bed (or any surface you’re having sex on) to ensure sweat or other bodily fluids don’t leave stains.
- Unscented Baby Wipes: Great for wiping down your body after sex and removing any bodily fluids.
- Mattress Protector: If you’re worried about sweat or other bodily fluids soaking through the sheets and into your mattress, a mattress protector can provide a barrier.
- Deodorant or Body Spray: If you’re concerned about sweat, keep deodorant or body spray nearby to help freshen up after sex. However, avoid applying it directly to your genitals.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
