Tips on Sex Hygiene

Cleanliness and measures of hygiene are something we are all taught about but only a few are aware of sex hygiene. Certain hygienic steps should be taken by all to prevent any infections as well as to prevent any situation of embarrassment when you are about to indulge in a romp on the bed. Sex hygiene is as important as overall health and the following instructions can work for your benefit.


Tips on Sex Hygiene


Men need to clean their penis by starting at the head of the penis. If you are uncircumcised, you need to pull back your foreskin as far as it is possible without causing any discomfort. The pulled foreskin will expose both the glans which needs to be gently cleaned with lukewarm water. Ensure cleanliness of the glans and the inner side of the foreskin as a white substance called smegma gets formed here. Smegma consists of dead skin cells, oils, body fluids and bacteria. The presence of this substance can cause infections and foul smell. Circumcised men too need to maintain hygiene as the absence of foreskin can cause the penis head to come in direct contact with sweat and bacteria. Clean your genitals both before and after the sexual act to prevent infections.

A woman needs to clean her outer genital areas and anus if engaging in anal sex. Cleaning of genitals need to be done to prevent yeast infections as well as bad odour. Wash your genitals both before and after sex to prevent any infections. Do not go overboard with washing by vigorous flushing of vagina or douching with scented liquids as it affects the pH balance of the vagina and can make you prone to infections. Pat dry the privates and not by rubbing with a towel.

Both men and women should ensure removal of pubic hair which can be done by shaving or by a pair of scissors. Not only it is ghastly to have a bush down there but it is also an invitation to various problems. Since privates are not exposed to fresh air it becomes literally a boiling pot of all infections as heat and sweat makes a perfect breeding area for bacteria. Trimmed pubic hair not only gives a clean appearance but reduces itching and bad odour. Those getting a bikini wax done should be careful of the hygiene standards of the salon.

Choosing to remain in your sweaty clothes and underwear after a workout is definitely unhealthy. Even if your sweat drenched clothes have dried, they still pose risk for you as bacteria and yeast flourish in sweat and a urinary tract infection or yeast infection is not far. Sweat and dust can block your skin pores around your private area and cause folliculitus, which are inflamed and infected hair follicles.

For women, they should change their tampons and sanitary pads after every three to six hours depending on the menstrual flow. Keeping them for a long time may let bacteria thrive causing bad odor and infections.

Never hold on to the urge of going to the washroom to urinate, especially before practicing sex. Urinating makes your bladder get rid of bacteria and toxins that thrive in the urinary tract. Delaying urination speeds up breeding of bacteria which leads to infections. A bladder full of urine makes your urethra prone to infection from your vagina or your partner’s penis.

Do not indulge in oral sex if either of the partner has sores inside the mouth or near the genitals as it can lead to infections.

Do not wear tight underwear or tight fitting jeans for a long time as they trap sweat and attract breeding of bacteria. Prefer natural fabrics such as cotton instead of synthetics for your innerwear.