Things You Shouldn’t Do Before And After Sex

Introduction

Sexual health and intimacy are important aspects of life, but they come with responsibilities and care. While most people focus on enhancing the experience, they often overlook the importance of what happens before and after. 

From avoiding certain habits to understanding essential hygiene practices, knowing what not to do is just as important as knowing what to do. This blog covers some critical ‘don’ts’ before and after sex to help you stay healthy, comfortable, and confident.

Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.

Things You Should Avoid Before Sex

1. Avoid Spicy Food

If you intend to have sex, reduce the amount of spice you consume. Spicy foods, such as curry and peppers, can cause acid reflux symptoms^[10] such as heartburn and a burning sensation in the throat, making it difficult to relax. Rich, heavy foods high in fat, like fried chicken, carbonated drinks and caffeinated beverages, can all cause heartburn because they are more difficult for your body to digest. So, take it easy on your stomach. Bananas, oatmeal, apples and graham crackers are less likely to cause heartburn.

2. Avoid Drinking Too Much

Alcohol is a known risk factor for Erectile Dysfunction (ED)^[2], a condition that makes it difficult to obtain or maintain a strong enough erection. Though a few alcohol-related incidents do not necessarily indicate that you have ED, frequent heavy boozing can lead to long-term problems. Remember there is no safe level of drinking alcohol^[1], and it should be avoided in the best interest of your health.

3. Don’t Shave Right Before

Shaving makes the skin around your genitals more fragile, sensitive and prone to irritation from sex friction. Reduce your risk by shaving the day before you’re going to be intimate. Hair removal is a personal choice. It’s absolutely alright if you do not prefer to shave or wax your intimate areas^[5].

4. Do Not Skip a Shower

It is important to maintain your hygiene. Shower every day and brush your teeth properly. Wear fresh and clean clothes. This reduces the risk of body odour and bad breath, which may ruin your mood. 

5. Do Not Forget Precautions

Depending on your mutual understanding, use a suitable mode of precaution to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.

Things You Should Avoid After Having Sex

You are likely to feel relaxed and sleepy due to the hormones released after sex. Even if you’re tired, there are a few things you should not do right after sex to keep your body as healthy as possible. 

So let’s take a look at what not to do after sex:

1. Avoid Skipping a Visit To The Bathroom

Using the bathroom before and after sex can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs)^[11]. Emptying your bladder flushes out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intimacy. While it’s not mandatory to go immediately, making it a habit can support better hygiene and urinary health. So, listen to your body and prioritise a quick bathroom break when needed.

An after-sex shower is good; however, jumping into a warm bathtub right after sex is not good. As a response to sexual stimulation, the vagina opens a little more. But when you take a warm bath or shower just after that, you become more vulnerable to infections.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

2. Avoid Using Perfumed or Scented Products on/in Your Genital Area

While scented soaps, gels, washes, lotions and other genital health products are good, they can irritate internal and external skin and should be avoided after sex. Soaps and products with a lot of added fragrances can alter the good and normal bacteria. Washing the genitals with simply normal to lukewarm water is recommended. To avoid irritating the genital area with harsh scents or chemicals, keep your post-sex cleansing routine as simple and gentle as possible.

3. You Should Never Douche After Sex

Although douching^[1] after sex is frequently marketed as a safe and healthy way to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections, experts advise against it because it alters your normal vaginal flora and increases your risk of UTIs, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, a condition caused by vaginal inflammation caused by bacterial overgrowth^[3].

4. Avoid Wearing Tight-Fitting Clothing Post Sex

Because excess bodily fluids and friction can spread bacteria, it’s best to allow for proper airflow and drainage. That’s why tight-fitting nightwear should be avoided.

Being present with your partner at the moment increases your intimate connection and is a great way to bond with one another. Regular STI testing is also an important part of sexual health, but you shouldn’t wait until after you’ve had sex to communicate openly and honestly with your partner about any concerns you may have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Safer sex guidelines. Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/safer-sex-guidelines 
2. Li S, Song JM, Zhang K, Zhang CL. Erectile dysfunction and alcohol: A meta-analysis. Urol Int. 2021;105(11-12):969-985. [cited 2025 Feb 25].https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34521090/
3. Martino JL, Vermund SH. Vaginal douching: risks or benefits? Epidemiol Rev. 2002;24(2):109-24. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2567125/
4. Li X, Li Y, Xiang B, et al. Smoking, spicy habits, and erectile dysfunction risk. Transl Androl Urol. 2024 Jul 31;13(7):1206-1218. cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11291414/
5. Enzlin P, Bollen K, Prekatsounaki S, et al. Pubic hair removal and relational, sexual satisfaction. J Sex Med. 2019 Jul;16(7):954-962. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31103484/ 
6. Kirecci SL, Albayrak AT, Yavuzsan AH, Yesildal C, Ilgi M, Kutsal C. Sexual intercourse before exercise has a detrimental effect on lower extremity muscle strength in men. Postgrad Med J. 2022 Jul;98(1161):e11. PMID: 33795477. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33795477/
7. Miller SA, Byers ES. Actual and desired duration of foreplay and intercourse: discordance and misperceptions within heterosexual couples. J Sex Res. 2004 Aug;41(3):301-9. PMID: 15497058. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15497058/
8. Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Li J, Gonsalves L, Narasimhan M. Lubricants for the promotion of sexual health and well-being: a systematic review. Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2021;29(3):2044198. PMID: 35315312. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8942543/
9. Gilbert DG, Hagen RL, D’Agostino JA. The effects of cigarette smoking on human sexual potency. Addict Behav. 1986;11(4):431-4. PMID: 3812052. [cited 2025 Feb 25]. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3812052/
10. Foods Inducing Typical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptoms in Korea. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5503285/ 
11. What doctors wish patients knew about UTI prevention. Aavilable from: https://www.ama-assn.org/delivering-care/public-health/what-doctors-wish-patients-knew-about-uti-prevention#

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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