Proper hygiene before and after sex is of no small importance in the prevention of urinary tract infections (UTIs) - especially in women. Read the article and find out what the basic rules for keeping intimate areas clean should be.
Table of contents:
Sex can lead to urogenital infections in women. Proper intimate hygiene habits will help to avoid this unpleasant condition.
Before intercourse, remember to..
- Take a shower. Bacteria accumulate in the intimate area during the day, which is normal. Showering before intercourse (using gentle intimate hygiene products) will help to clean the sensitive area.
Important! Hygiene before intercourse does not only concern the intimate areas. Other parts of the body (hands and nails) should not be forgotten either - during the caresses that precede the sexual act itself, as well as during the insertion of the condom - bacteria can be transmitted.
- Thoroughly clean erotic gadgets. Erotic accessories (e.g. vibrator, anal balls) harbour bacteria. Before using them, as well as after, they should be washed thoroughly. There are special products for washing such erotic toys.
- The fact that a condom does not protect against infection. When using scented condoms, the intimate area collects compounds that can lead to allergies and irritation.
After intercourse, remember to ..
- Empty your bladder. It is important to do this within the first 15 minutes after sexual intercourse. Every sexually active woman should remember that the anus, the urethral outlet and the vagina are located in close proximity. This anatomical position means that bacteria on the penis (including on erotic toys) have easy access to the urinary tract (they can colonise it and cause infections to develop).
Important! Urinating after intercourse is the best way to rid the intimate area of harmful microorganisms. Urine has antiseptic properties and is one of the natural methods of cleansing the urethra, which is exposed to harmful bacteria (to the same extent as the inside of the vagina).
- Washing the intimate zones. Washing with lukewarm water and using a gentle cleanser with a suitable pH for sensitive areas is sufficient.
Important! Vaginal irrigation (flushing the inside of the vagina using water or specially designed substances) is not recommended. This procedure is harmful (it can change the vaginal biocenosis, destroy lactic acid bacteria and contribute to the development of intimate infections). Vaginal irrigation should only be used in specific cases and with appropriate means (including preparations used for the treatment of fungal conditions).
When cleansing the intimate zones, intimate hygiene wipes can also be used. However, these are not recommended for women prone to intimate irritation. If you wish to use these types of wipes, it is important to check that they are soaked in cleansing preparations with a beneficial composition (e.g. without parabens, dyes or artificial fragrances).
Important! Intimate hygiene wipes should contain lactic acid and gentle cleansing ingredients, which have a reaction tailored to the needs of sensitive intimate zones.
Summary
Penetrative sex violates the delicate, as well as the natural balance of vaginal bacteria. This is why proper hygiene of the areas associated with the vaginal area is so important. By maintaining proper grooming habits, you will protect yourself from intimate infections, including UTIs, so that you can fully enjoy sex.
