9 Risky Mistakes You Should Never Make After Having Sex – Health Digest

After you and your partner have finished a passionate lovemaking session, you may just want to bask a little bit in the afterglow. After all, sex has been shown to release a flood of good hormones and endorphins, particularly oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone” (via WebMD). Another hormone released during sex is prolactin, which can make you feel drowsy and, in most cases, help you and your partner drift off into a deeper, restful sleep. 

However, before you get too relaxed, there are a few things you may want to tend to following a roll in the hay (via Medical News Today). This can be as simple as washing your hands, cleaning your genitals, or changing the sheets. This doesn’t mean you have to spring right out of bed and get to work cleaning up, but neglecting a few after-sex routines or doing things that you shouldn’t do could have disastrous consequences for you and your partner. 

Skipping a visit to the bathroom after a sexual encounter might not seem like a big deal, but it could actually have more serious consequences than you realize. According to the Cleveland Clinic, peeing after sex helps flush out germs and bacteria from the urethra, which can help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). In general, this applies more to women than men, as men have a longer urethra than women, so bacteria is not as much of an issue. 

The reason women are more likely to develop UTIs is a question of anatomy (via Medical News Today). The urethra’s placement, close to the vagina and anus, means that bacteria from these areas can enter the urethra more easily. A quick after-sex pee can help clean out any bacteria and keep these areas safe. However, it should be noted that urinating after sex can’t prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases.

Although it may seem somewhat surprising, pain after sex is not that uncommon an experience for both men and women. According to the Mayo Clinic, the medical term for sex-related pain is “dyspareunia,” which can refer to pain that is experienced before, during, or after sex. Approximately three out of four women will experience some type of sex-related pain at some point in their lifetime (via Wildflower Center for Emotional Health). However, although it is less common, anywhere from two to 10% of men can also suffer from dyspareunia. 

Any kind of sex-related pain should not be ignored. In women, many of the causes could be non-threatening and easily treatable, but the pain could also be a sign of something more serious. Dyspareunia could be an indicator of such conditions as vaginal atrophy, uterine prolapse, ovarian cysts, and endometriosis. It could also be the result of a non-physical condition, such as stress or psychological trauma, things that should not go unaddressed.

Although one in five women ages 15 to 44 have reported douching, or using water and other fluids to clean out the vagina, doctors actually advise against it, according to the Office on Women’s Health. Some women believe that the practice of douching may help prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, because douching actually removes some of the good bacteria in the vagina, it can actually make you more susceptible to infections. 

Additionally, Sutter Health notes that douching after sex could also harm the vagina in other ways. The fluids typically used in douching can irritate the vagina and prove harsh to its sensitive tissues. It could also have the opposite of the intended effect. Rather than flushing out bacteria, douching can actually push bacteria up into both the cervix and the uterus, potentially leading to infection and other issues. Healthline goes on to point out that the vagina is self-cleaning and capable of eliminating bacteria and other substances, such as semen, on its own. Because of this, there is no need to introduce other chemicals or fluids. 

After you’ve just enjoyed a toy-assisted sex session, either with your partner or on your own, cleaning up your devices might not be foremost on your mind. In fact, a survey conducted in 2023 by the BedBible Research Center revealed that 14% of people have copped to never cleaning their vibrators. However, washing toys after sex is really important. Unwashed toys can contain bacteria from the vagina and the anus, and if they’re used again without being properly cleaned, that bacteria can go right back inside the body. The result can be a host of health problems, ranging from urinary tract infections to bacterial vaginosis. 

In addition to the bacterial issues, unwashed sex toys can create other unpleasant issues. For example, if you have a toy made from a jelly-like material, it can actually start to break down and rot if it’s not cleaned. What that means is that, over time, dangerous chemicals could leach into the body the next time you insert the toy.

After sex, resist the urge to get dressed too quickly, especially slipping on a tight pair of undies. Tight-fitting underwear can trap moisture and bacteria, which can cause irritation and discomfort, as well as possibly cause yeast infections and urinary tract infections. Instead, put on underwear made from breathable material such as cotton, and avoid synthetic materials that are too tight. 

According to a 2014 study published in African Health Sciences, wearing tight pants or underwear can create an environment where bacteria can thrive. In fact, even the underwear you choose to wear could have an impact on your vaginal health. Cotton underwear is the best way to go because it’s breathable and absorbent. Cotton underwear also tends to be more simple in terms of its creation, avoiding dyes and chemicals that could irritate the vagina. Synthetic materials like nylon could retain moisture and lead to problems down the line. 

Sex can be a workout, and hydrating after the fact can be a good way to replenish your body and keep your energy up. It can also be a good way to flush out any bacteria, since drinking water can help you have to urinate. For men, hydrating can be good for the penis, keeping it well supplied with both oxygen and blood. 

For women, drinking water after sex can help replenish the body’s natural lubrication, relieving some of the dryness and irritation that can happen after sex (via The Hive Fertility Clinic & Women’s Centre). Additionally, the physical exertion of sex could cause some cramping and muscle aches, which can be helped with a little hydration. However, if water isn’t your thing, you can opt for other means of hydrating, such as cranberry juice, which has been shown to be effective in preventing urinary tract infections. 

Discharge, or any fluids emanating from either the penis or vagina, can be spotted at any time, either before, during, or after sex. In most cases, these discharges aren’t anything to be concerned about. In men, they could be preejaculate or, following sex, excess semen leaking from the urethra. For women, a vaginal discharge could be caused by arousal or, in some cases, fluid expelled through the urethra during orgasm. 

When it comes to discharge, it’s important to note the color. Clear, white, or brownish discharges are not necessarily cause for concern, as they could be from arousal, orgasm, or traces of menstrual blood. However, a yellow or green discharge could be a sign of infection, bacterial vaginosis, or trichomoniasis. If you see a discharge that looks concerning, or experience pain, itching, or burning at any time before, during, or after sex, you should contact your doctor immediately. 

If you’ve had unprotected sex or sex with a new partner, it’s important to take steps to ensure that you’re properly protected against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Per the Well Project, there are more than 25 STIs out there that can be spread through any kind of sexual contact, including oral and anal sex. If they aren’t dealt with at the outset, STIs can lead to a wide range of health issues, including infertility, liver disease, and cancer. 

The troubling thing about STIs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is that many of them do not initially present any symptoms. Therefore, the only way to be certain is to be tested. You can be vaccinated against certain diseases, such as hepatitis B and human papillomavirus, but otherwise, regular testing and open communication between you and your sexual partners is recommended. Additionally, it’s wise to keep the number of sex partners low and to properly use condoms whenever you have sex. ]

Not all after-sex mistakes come with physical repercussions. Aftercare, the act of caring for your partner immediately following sex, is a critical part of intimacy, but it is often overlooked. After sex, some people can feel vulnerable or even embarrassed. Even if it is a consensual encounter with a trusted partner, there can be feelings of shame that stem from childhood stigmas around sex that may arise once an orgasm subsides. There can also be a sense of sadness, even to the point of crying. This is known as post-coital dysphoria, and can happen to both men and women. 

There can be a number of ways to indulge in aftercare and help both you and your partner come back down after the euphoria of sex. Cuddling, kissing, and using words of affirmation can release oxytocin and stir up feelings of love, care, and safety. If you and your partner enjoy consensual rough sex, caring for any aches or pains that may have resulted is a good way for you both to come back to your “everyday” selves and leave behind any lingering feelings of discomfort. In the end, emotional intimacy is as key as physical intimacy and should always be a regular part of your lovemaking routine.