Adopting skillful post-sex activity hygiene habits may limit the risk of infections and allow a person to feel fresher.

It is particularly important to clean sex toys to reduce the risk of pathogens on these items. Some other post-sex considerations include cleaning upwards after anal sex or when trying to conceive.

This article will explore some of the best means to make clean upward after sex.

two men changing sheets on their bed as that is how to clean up after sex Share on Pinterest
It is advisable to wash bedsheets if there are whatever obvious signs of soiling following sex.

In that location is typically no need to clean upwardly immediately after sex. People may make up one's mind to clean up minutes or hours later sexual activity, or they may wait until the morning. Yet, it is important to clean upwards at some point afterward.

How long a person waits to clean upwards may depend on:

  • their hygiene preferences
  • their take chances of infection
  • what happens during the sex

Maintaining skillful body hygiene can reduce the risk of unpleasant odors, skin irritation, and infections. Brainstorm past washing the easily with soap and water to stop the transfer of bacteria to other parts of the trunk.

It is then a good thought to clean the genitals. The following sections provide some information on best practices.

Vagina care

The vagina is self-cleaning, but in that location are some things that people tin can do for a healthy vagina and vulva. The American Sexual Health Clan advise that people:

  • Wash the vulva and outside of the vagina with a balmy, unscented lather before rinsing well and patting dry.
  • Avoid douching, every bit this upsets the natural bacterial balance of the vagina.
  • Wipe the vagina and anus from front to dorsum to avoid the transfer of microbes from the anus to the vagina, as this could cause infection.
  • Habiliment cotton underwear (or do not wear any while sleeping) to reduce moisture around the genitals, equally this increases infection gamble.

Learn more than about cleaning the vulva safely hither.

Having sex activity during menstruation tin sometimes be messy. To make this feel more comfortable, attempt:

  • laying downward a towel to cover the bed or another surface
  • having sex in the shower
  • finding a comfy position, such every bit lying on one side
  • using a condom
  • removing any tampons before sex
  • keeping wet wipes or a damp washcloth nearby to clean upward afterward
  • talking with sex activity partners to ensure that anybody is happy and consenting

Learn more about sex during menstruation hither.

Penis intendance

To maintain a healthy penis, people should:

  • Gently wash the penis with water and a mild, unscented soap. Those with a foreskin should gently pull it back and clean underneath to remove semen buildup and smegma.
  • Rinse the area well, pat dry, and replace the foreskin.
  • Wear clean underwear that is fully dry (or do non habiliment any while sleeping).

The skin inside the anus is thin and frail. Having anal sex tin crusade small-scale skin tears and bleeding, which increment the risk of infection and microbe transfer.

For these reasons, it is important to take a shower after anal sex. Rinse the expanse with balmy lather and warm water to flush out bacteria.

People may also wish to lay down towels or accept anal sex in the shower to minimize mess.

As with other forms of sexual activity, people should launder their genitals with mild, unscented lather later on receiving oral sex.

Those who performed the oral sexual practice may also choose to wash their face, mouth, and teeth afterward.

Unwashed sex toys can harbor bacteria, viruses, and fungi, all of which can increment infection risk. To forestall infection, make clean sex toys after each utilize, according to the manufacturer'southward instructions.

If it did not come with instructions for cleaning, advisedly wash information technology with soap and wipe off with a warm, clammy washcloth. Do not submerge sex toys unless they are fully waterproof.

Also, avoid sharing sex toys with others. If people exercise wish to share them, they should cover the toy with a new condom before each use. Even with a condom, notwithstanding, it volition yet be necessary to clean the toys between uses.

Information technology is advisable to wash bed sheets roughly once per week. Washing them will remove whatever sweat, semen, and other actual fluids, equally well equally oil and dirt. It too reduces allergy and infection risk.

Yet, if there is obvious soiling following sex activity, it is probably best to wash them more than frequently. Ever wash bed sheets between sexual partners.

Research indicates that information technology may be most effective for infection command to wash textiles at threescore°C (140°F) and tumble dry them later on.

To reduce the risk of staining and soiling, lay towels on the bed before having sex. Also, a mattress protector can foreclose bodily fluids from leaking through the sheets and damaging the mattress.

People who are trying to conceive should be actress conscientious about fugitive douches, because they can:

  • make it harder to conceive
  • increment the risk of ectopic pregnancy
  • increase the chance of premature birth

It may besides be helpful to lie down for a few minutes after sex activity, to allow the sperm to travel toward the egg. A 2009 study of 391 couples found that if a female lies downwardly after male ejaculation into the uterus, it increases the chance of conception.

In fact, the researchers found that 27% of the females who laid down for 15 minutes after sex activity became pregnant, compared with 18% of those who got up immediately afterward.

Delaying post-sex cleanup may increase the risk of infection for some people.

To avoid urinary tract infections, which affect 10 in 25 women and three in 25 men during their lifetime, the Centers for Illness Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend:

  • drinking enough of water (throughout the day and later on sex)
  • urinating regularly, including before and later sex
  • taking showers instead of baths
  • not douching
  • using the correct technique to wipe (front to dorsum)

Practicing good genital care and wearing loose, cotton wool underwear tin can aid prevent yeast infections. Sexual partners can laissez passer yeast infections to each other, and so it is important to seek testing and handling and avert sex until the infection clears up.

To reduce the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs), individuals should:

  • Remain vigilant for STI symptoms.
  • Seek regular testing for STIs.
  • Use a barrier form of contraception.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol or using recreational drugs, equally these practices tin increase the run a risk of risky sexual behaviors.
  • Apply a water-based personal lubricant with condoms to make sexual practice (specially anal sex) safer.

For convenience, information technology can exist helpful to proceed a mail-sex cleanup kit. Useful items include:

  • clean towels
  • mattress protectors
  • unscented infant wipes
  • mild, unscented soap
  • clean, cotton fiber underwear
  • make clean washcloths, to wipe downwards sexual activity toys
  • deodorant or trunk spray
  • a glass of h2o

Other of import items include bulwark methods, other forms of nascency command, and h2o-based personal lubricants.

Cleaning up after sex does non have to be a chore. Taking simple steps — such equally gently cleansing the genital area, drinking water, and urinating later — can get a long way toward reducing the chance of infection and helping people feel fresh.

To stay healthy, people should wash the genitals afterward anal sex and clean sexual activity toys thoroughly.

Anyone who thinks that they may have an infection should see their doctor for diagnosis and treatment.