Five correct ways to clean up vagina after sex

When you think of the times that you feel the most relaxed and happy, the blissed -out buzz you get after an orgasm ranks right up there with a deep tissue massage . But what you choose to do while buzzed impacts your vagina . “ When the vaginal tissues have been lubricated , swollen , and rubbed against during intercourse , it changes how that tissue reacts to the environment .Primarily , you run a much greater risk of infection ,” says Kansas -based gynaecologist , Dr . Leslie Page

Here , we break down the stuff you should never , ever do after sex if you want to keep your vagina happy.

Don ’ t forget to pee

During sex, bacteria can get pushed into your bladder. “ This can result in post - intercourse bladder infections, ” says an obstetrics gynaecologist , Dr . Robert Wool, M . D . “ You can have some snuggle time , just empty your bladder within one hour of having sex .” Then , wipe from front to back to avoid spreading fecal matter from your anus to the vagina “ Due to swelling and micro - abrasions that can occur during sexual intercourse , your vulva and vaginal skin are particularly tender and prone to infection ,” says Page .

Don ’ t use soap to wash your vagina

Some women might feel the urge to wash the vagina with soap after sex, but that’ s really unnecessary . Not only might you have an allergic reaction if your post -sex skin reacts differently to the harsh chemicals in cleansers , but “ using soap can lead to vaginal irritation and dryness,” Wool says.

“ The vagina is a self -cleaning organ , and needs to be treated very , very gently — if you wouldn’t put it in your mouth , you shouldn ’ t put it in or around your vagina , ” Page says . If you want to take a post -sex shower , use plain water to rinse off .

Don ’ t sleep in your nylon underwear

Cotton lingerie is okay because it ’s breathable , but nylon , rayon , or polyester undies are a no -no .

“ After sex , your skin tends to be warm and damp, thanks to perspiration , vaginal secretions, and semen, ” Page says. “ As such , synthetic underwear traps the moisture and you run the risk of a yeast infection ,” Wool says. “ The vagina likes to breathe.” So, go nude or stick to cotton pants after sex. Don't ’ t swim in a hot bath tub Getting your bubbles on sounds like the perfect after -sex activity, but it ’s bad news . “ When your vulva swells in response to sexual stimulation , it reveals the opening of the vagina , which means you have a greater chance of infection , ” Page says.

If you ’re in a hot tub with your partner, that means you ’re exposed to the bacteria on his skin and anus . Also , extensive water exposure reduces the efficiency of your skin’ s antimicrobial barrier , she says.

Don ’ t use flushable wet wipes If you ’ re sensitive to chemicals like alcohol , glycerin , scents , and certain oils , using a flushable wet wipe after sex can cause irritation, since you ’re more susceptible to skin issues after sex, says Page .

The signs include redness , swelling , itching , and tenderness. If you ’re set on cleaning up with something other than toilet paper , try doing your own wipe with warm water and vinegar , says Page . Mix one teaspoon of vinegar with a quart of water , pour some on to a wash cloth and wipe your vulva over the toilet, and then pat dry, she says. “ The vinegar is mildly cleansing and helps maintain the skin’ s natural acidity, ” says Page .The bottom line : You have only one vagina , treat it gently.