What do you do after s*x? Do you cuddle up to each other for a bit? Do you turn around and fall asleep immediately? Or do you perhaps go to the bathroom? We focus a lot on what we do during the deed, but not on things to do after s*x.
But what you do after sex is crucial, and we’re not just talking about cuddling. Your post-coitus behavior may have a significant impact on your health.
So, how should you spend your first few minutes after sex? We’ve got the answers.
5 things to do after sex
In order to make sure that your reproductive health is 10/10, you can follow these crucial steps.
1. Urinate once you’re done
Urinating after sex can help women avoid urinary tract infections (UTI). When women urinate after sex, they dislodge any bacteria that may have entered their vaginas, according to New York City urologist David Kaufman, MD.
“Bacteria have tiny pills that act as Velcro hooks, allowing them to attach to the urethral lining,” Kaufmann explained to Yahoo Health. He goes on to say that the vagina is a mucosal surface. As a result, it “secretes its own lubricant and has its own ‘healthy’ bacteria,” which should not be changed.
However, peeing after sex can significantly reduce the likelihood of UTI in women. Kaufman also suggests that you drink a lot of water after sex.
2. Check for signs of bleeding or pain
You are the most familiar with your body, but that does not mean you can take it for granted. Keep an eye out for any post-coitus trauma to your vagina and keep track of any pain or bleeding.
“Don’t ignore abnormal bleeding or discharge after sex — it could be a sign of infection or a lesion of your reproductive tract,” says Dr. Sheeva Talebian of New York.
Similarly, any type of pain or bleeding following sex could indicate an infection or friction caused by the condom. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should contact your gynecologist right away.
3. Have a look at the condom
You are wise to use a condom, but are you also wise enough to check it afterwards? Because doing both is essential for your reproductive health.
It can be difficult to tell if the condom has broken when you are in the heat of the moment. However, once completed, you must examine it. If it breaks, the chances of contracting a sexually transmitted disease (STD) increase, as does the likelihood of pregnancy.
The condom can become stuck inside the vagina and cause bacterial infections. Check for all three.
4. Cleanse yourself gently
It also helps if you clean up after yourself in a gentle manner. Avoid using fragrant soaps and strong vaginal washes when wiping your vagina (especially after sex). Instead, gently cleanse your vulva with warm water and a mild fragrance-free soap.
When you use fragranced soaps, you risk irritating your sensitive privates.
You should also avoid vaginal douching. This is the practice of spraying a vinegar-water solution into the vagina with a bottle, bag, or douching syringe. It can, unfortunately, cause vaginal itching, swelling, and painful sex, among other things.
When you’re finished cleaning, gently pat your lady parts dry before going back to bed.
Check your vagina after sex because any pain or bleeding could indicate an infection or friction caused by the condom.
5. Drink some cranberry juice
Yes, that’s right. Drinking cranberry juice after sex can help reduce the likelihood of UTI. As we mentioned in our article, studies have shown that cranberry juice can help fight bacteria.
It is not broken down by your digestive system, so it can reach your urinary tract and prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
A recent global study also found that drinking a 240ml glass of cranberry juice every day reduces symptomatic UTIs by nearly 40% in women with recurrent UTIs.
Finally, if you had unprotected sex with your partner, you should consider getting pregnant tested. This is not to say that you will definitely become pregnant, but if you do not intend to have more children, it is a prudent thing to do.
So, mums, remember and implement these things to do after sex. Cuddling can wait another five minutes!
