Things You Shouldn’t Do Before And After Sex
By Dr. Arpit Verma +2 more
Medically reviewed by Dr. Arpit Verma
Last updated: Dec 18, 2024 Published on: Jun 10, 2022
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By Dr. Arpit Verma +2 more
Table of Contents
A healthy sexual relationship feels great and brings you closer to your partner. Regular intimacy is also beneficial to your mental and physical health. Making love can improve your heart function, reduce stress and anxiety, alleviate aches and so much more. Unfortunately, some seemingly innocent habits before and after sex can lead to issues, ruining your healthy fun. Here are a few considerations you may want to make before and after sex.
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.
If you intend to have sex, reduce the amount of hot sauce you use. Spicy foods, such as curry and peppers, can cause acid reflux symptoms 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.
Alcohol is a known risk factor for erectile dysfunction (ED), a condition that makes it difficult to obtain or maintain a strong enough erection to perform the deed. 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 and it should be avoided in the best interest of your health.
Is shaving your preferred method of grooming your lady parts? No problem, but you should plan ahead of time. 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. Maintain good hygiene.
It is important to maintain your personal hygiene. Shower everyday and brush your teeth properly. Wear fresh and clean clothes. This reduces the risk of body odor and bad breath which may ruin your mood while making love.
Depending on your mutual understanding, use a suitable mode of precaution to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies.
Did you know?
You’re probably revelling in the postcoital flood of hormones that make you sleepy and relaxed in the moments immediately following 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:
It is a good idea to empty your bladder post-sex because the activity is known to aid in the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the vaginal/urethra. Using the restroom cleans the area and reduces the risk of infection.
An after sex shower is good; however, jumping into a warm bath tub 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)
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.
Cleaning and possibly having a shower before sex, especially if the partner is uncircumcised is important to get rid of urinary tract infection causing bacteria.
Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology
Although douching 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.
Because there is usually an excess of bodily fluids and friction spreads bacteria, it is a good idea to allow for free drainage and air, because of which tight-fitting nightwear or lingerie should be avoided.
Expert Tip- It is important to ask for consent before getting intimate with your partner every time.
Being present with your partner at the moment increases your intimate connection and is a great way to bond with one another. Scrolling through social media or watching TV limits your chances of enjoying post-coital bliss so that’s not a very wise option. 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.
It’s advisable to avoid heavy meals before sex as digestion may divert blood flow from intimate areas, affecting performance and comfort.
Excessive alcohol can impair judgment and physical function. It’s best to limit alcohol intake to ensure a more enjoyable and safe experience.
Smoking can reduce blood flow and impact arousal. Quitting or avoiding smoking before sex can lead to a better intimate experience.
Foreplay is important for arousal and comfort. Skipping it may make the experience less satisfying for both partners.
Not all lubricants are suitable for intimate activities. Choose water-based or silicone-based lubes for a smoother experience. Avoid oil-based options as they can damage condoms.
Intense exercise may lead to fatigue or reduced energy for sexual activity. Opt for light exercise to maintain energy levels.
After sex, a woman’s body experiences various physiological responses, including the release of oxytocin and endorphins, which can promote feelings of closeness and relaxation. Additionally, the vagina may undergo changes such as increased lubrication and potential contractions of the uterus.
Stomach pain after sex can result from various factors, including vigorous activity causing strain on abdominal muscles or underlying conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease or endometriosis. It’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment if the pain persists or worsens.
Showering after sex is a personal preference, but it can help maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of bacterial or fungal infections, especially if there’s sweat or bodily fluids involved. However, immediate showering isn’t always necessary unless you prefer it, as long as proper hygiene practices are followed.
Post-sex burning sensations can stem from various causes like friction, inadequate lubrication, or allergic reactions to condoms or lubricants. Additionally, urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted infections may lead to discomfort, emphasizing the importance of consulting a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Yes, sex can sometimes cause bleeding, especially if there’s friction or if the vaginal tissue is irritated or injured. It could also be due to conditions like vaginal dryness, infection, or cervical issues. If bleeding occurs frequently or is severe, it’s important to seek medical advice for proper evaluation and treatment.
Sexual activity typically doesn’t delay periods, but stress, hormonal changes, or underlying health conditions can affect menstrual cycles. While some anecdotal evidence suggests sex-related hormonal changes might influence periods, scientific consensus on this is limited. If concerned about irregular periods, consulting a healthcare professional is advisable.
Yes, sex can sometimes lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) due to bacteria entering the urinary tract during intercourse. Factors like improper hygiene, not urinating before or after sex, and friction can increase the risk. Maintaining good hygiene practices and emptying the bladder before and after sex can help reduce this risk.
Engaging in regular sexual activity itself doesn’t directly lead to weight gain. However, the calories burned during sex are relatively minimal and unlikely to significantly impact weight. Weight changes are more influenced by overall diet, exercise habits, and individual metabolism.
Sexual intercourse typically doesn’t cause miscarriage in early pregnancy unless there are underlying complications such as cervical insufficiency or a history of recurrent miscarriages. In uncomplicated pregnancies, sex is generally considered safe during the first trimester. However, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider for personalized guidance and reassurance.
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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Very good knowledge for all over India by this app
Thank you for sharing such unique and useful information, and great article.