7 Sexual Hygiene Practices For You To Stay Fresh And Frisky

When you know that you will be participating in sex, the preparation itself feels different. You get your clothes ready, choose a special perfume, perhaps you will remove body hair from where you don’t want there to be any and you head on to your adventure, knowing that a great moment awaits. 

However, bathing before going out to meet your partner is not enough to say that we have good hygiene and that we’re ready for sex. There are other details that need to be taken care of and that many times, because of rushing circumstances, are overlooked. 

Oral hygiene

Some of these details may sound obvious, such as oral hygiene. Bad breath of course, can ruin an intimate moment, but it is important to know that it is not advised to brush your teeth immediately before sexual activity. This is because friction could harm the gums and make them bleed, or even leave little abrasions in them that cannot be detected in plain sight. STIs like HIV are transmitted through blood and can enter the body through open wounds. It’s enough if you brush your teeth one or two hours before initiating sex, this way, your mouth will be clean, but you will also give any bleeding or wound, however minimal, time to heal, thus eliminating this as a risk for you or your partner. 

Wash your hands

Perhaps you went out dancing, for dinner or you were in public transportation, that’s why it’s important to wash your hands with soap and water, before touching your partner’s genitals, this way you will avoid depositing any harmful micro-organism. It’s a simple, basic tip, but one that we might sometimes forget. In this sense, the vagina could be more susceptible to infections, since, unlike the penis, it has a larger surface of mucous tissue, in which foreign bacteria may proliferate.  

Cleaning your genitals

Lastly but the most important, it is advised to clean your genitals with a little water before sexual activity. Unlike our hands, it is not so advised to use harsh soap, since it’s abrasive, it may irritate both male and female’s delicate genital skin. A clean towel, warm water and an intimate wash for men  will suffice, and this will gently eliminate any remains from secretions or sweat that might have accumulated. 

With these three simple steps, you may not only feel more comfortable with your personal hygiene, but also start to protect yourself (and your partner) from infections. The next step of course, is to use a condom, thus keeping your sexual health safe. 

Ever wondered what you should be ideally doing after sex to ensure intimate hygiene? Well; Here are 4 post- sex hygiene habits that are absolutely essential to maintain proper intimate hygiene.

Wash Up

You don’t have to hop out of bed and into the shower right away. But gently cleaning yourself with an intimate wash after sex can protect men and women from infections, like of the urinary tract (UTIs). Wash the area around (not inside) your genitals. You can try an intimate wash for men. Men with foreskin should gently pull it back and wash underneath.

Don’t Douche

Some women think they need to clean inside their vagina after sex with water or prepackaged fluids. But douching can lead to more infections. That’s because it upsets the natural balance of bacteria that protect your vagina. The best way to take care of your vagina after sex is to leave it alone -- it cleans itself naturally. Also, keep in mind that a mild smell is normal and may not be a sign of a problem.

Yeast Infections

Partners can pass these back and forth during sex. (Yes, guys get yeast infections, too.) So if you notice the symptoms -- itching, burning, or a thick, white discharge from the vagina or penis -- treat it before the next time you get busy. Talk to your doctor if you think you have one.

Fresh Set of Clothes

Body fluids that stain your undergarments and clothes are a breeding ground for infection, so always make it a point to wear a fresh set of clothes. Change the sheets as well. You should feel normal soon after intercourse.

If you notice any lesions around your private parts, any burning or itching sensation while passing urine, fever, any fresh lumps that get worse with time, report to your doctor immediately.