When you think about the times you feel the most relaxed and happy, an orgasm and a deep tissue massage are two of the top choices. But what you do when you’re high affects your vag.
Leslie E. F. Page, M.D., a gynecologist in Kansas, says that when the vaginal tissues are lubricated, swollen, and rubbed against during sexual activity, it changes how those tissues react to their surroundings. “First of all, you are much more likely to get sick.”
Here are the things you should never, ever do after having s3x if you want your lady parts to be happy.
Bacteria can get into your bladder when P meets V. “This can lead to bladder infections after s3x,” says ob-gyn Robert Wool, M.D. “You can cuddle if you empty your bladder within an hour after s3x.”
Once you’ve squatted, wipe from the front to the back so that you don’t spread poop from your anus to your V-zone. Page says, “Because of swelling and small cuts that can happen during intimacy, your vulvar and vaginal skin is especially sensitive and prone to infection.”
Some women might want to shower downtown after a s3x session, but that’s not necessary. If your skin reacts differently to harsh chemicals in cleansers after having s3x, you could have an allergic reaction. Also, “using soap can lead to vaginal irritation and dryness,” says Wool. (This organic lube from the Women’s Health Boutique will protect your lady parts during s3x.)Page says, “The vagina is a self-cleaning organ that needs to be treated with a lot of care. If you wouldn’t put it in your mouth, you shouldn’t put it in or near your vagina.” If you want to take a shower after having s3x, just use plain water.
Cotton lingerie is fine because it lets air in, but skivvies made of nylon, rayon, or polyester are not. Page says, “After s3x, your skin is usually warm and damp from sweat, vaginal secretions, and semen.”
Do you see where this is going? Wool says, “If you wear synthetic underwear, the moisture stays in, and you could get a yeast infection.” “The genitalia like to get some air.” So go naked or wear cotton down south after having s3x.
Getting your bubbles on might sound like the best thing to do after s3x, but it’s not. “When your vulva swells because of s3xual stimulation, it shows where the vagina opens, which makes you more likely to get an infection,” says Page. If you and your partner are in a hot tub together, you could get sick from the bacteria on his skin and anus. She also says that spending a lot of time in water makes the antimicrobial barrier on your skin less effective.
Page says that using a flushable wet wipe after sex can irritate your skin if you are sensitive to chemicals like alcohol, glycerin, scents, and some oils. This is because your skin is more likely to have problems after s3x. Some of the symptoms are redness, swelling, itching, and pain.
Page says that if you want to clean up with something other than toilet paper, you can try making your own wipe with warm water and vinegar. She says to mix one teaspoon of vinegar with a quart of water, pour some on a washcloth, wipe your vulva over the toilet, and then pat it dry. Page says, “The vinegar cleans the skin gently and helps keep its natural acidity.”