Blog #4: Hygiene

Cleaning yourself is protecting yourself! Inadequate hygiene related to sex can 1) result in increased visits to the doctor and 2) be prevented. So here are some important steps in maintaining proper sexual hygiene:

Gently clean yourself off after sexual activities to protect against bacterial infections (i.e. UTIs). It doesn’t have to be immediately after sex; just don’t put off cleaning up as your chance of getting an infection increases with time! Wash the area around, not inside, your genitals and anus with just warm water, and wash your hands with soap and water. If you have an uncircumcised penis, the foreskin should be gently pulled back and washed underneath. If you have a clitoris, gently pull back the vaginal folds and lift the clitoral hood towards your belly button to clean.
DO NOT douche or wash out the inside of a vagina, as this can disrupt the pH and protective bacteria inside, promoting infection. Vaginas clean themselves naturally, so leave them be!
- Doctors also don’t recommend douching the anus, see Blog #8 to learn more.
Microorganisms can stick to sex toys, so be sure to clean sex toys off after each use. Check the toys’ packaging for cleaning instructions. Avoid sharing sex toys with others, as doing so can transfer pathogens between individuals. If you do want to share sex toys, clean them and/or cover them with a new condom between each use. See Blog #9 for more information on how to clean sex toys!
During sex, bacteria can enter your urethra and increase your risk of infection. Pee after having sex to flush this foreign bacteria out! If you wipe after peeing, wipe from front to back to avoid introducing bacteria into the urethra. And stay hydrated: drinking more water means being able to better flush out the bacteria!
Wear loose-fitting underwear and bottoms, as microorganisms thrive in warm, damp places. Avoid wearing clothes such as pantyhose, girdles, or tight underwear for extended periods of time. Cotton underwear is recommended as it lets air in and absorbs moisture!