In an ideal world, we'd be able to bask in the afterglow of sex for as long as we pleased without worrying about things like vaginal infections and yeast overgrowth. (I know, what a way to kill the mood.) Unfortunately, in the real world, if you don’t clean up after sex, you become more susceptible to vaginal or oral infections and UTIs—not to mention the fact that you’ll feel much cleaner after a good post-sex hygiene routine.
That's why, instead of lounging in your lover's arms like you’re the protagonist of a Starz period romance, you should make a beeline to the bathroom almost immediately after the act.
But is it really necessary to have a post-sex hygiene routine? And if so, what would that routine entail? We went to the experts to find out.
How to Clean Up After Sex: A Step-by-Step Guide
Luckily, you don't need the equivalent of a 10-step Korean skincare regimen after sex to stay healthy. "There's no need for any extensive post-sex hygiene," says Barb DePree, a gynecologist and women's health provider. “However, that doesn't mean you should sit back and do nothing. There are a few things you should and should not do to prevent infections and keep your vagina healthy.”
Wash your hands
Sex involves a lot of genital touching and contact with bodily fluids, which means a transfer of bacteria. To prevent any possible bacterial infections, wash your hands immediately before and after sex with soap and water. Yes, it may be a bummer to pause your post-sex cuddling, but this is an important step, especially if you have sex during your period.
Go to the bathroom
This is one of the most common pieces of post-sex advice out there, and for good reason. During sex, bacteria can be introduced into your bladder through the urethra. Peeing will flush the bacteria out, and reduce your chances of infection, says Moore. So drink a glass of water and head to the bathroom after the act.
Rinse your vagina with mild soap
And by vagina, we actually mean the vulva. "The skin of the vulva can be very sensitive, so this is an area where the 'less is best' rule applies," says DePree. Use a mild soap or a vaginal cleansing wash and clean water to gently rinse off.
Don't scrub yourself, and don't use any specialized or scented cleansers. "These are often harsh and irritating, or may contain alcohol or preservatives that are very drying to the skin," explains DePree. And whatever you do, steer clear of scented feminine wipes and freshening sprays, as these can throw off your pH. Instead, opt for unscented wipes made with all-natural ingredients.
Also, there's no need to get all up in your vagina to clean it out, because vaginas are self-cleaning. (See below re: no douching.) Simply rinse around your outer and inner labia.
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Rinse your mouth
If you engaged in oral sex, you should rinse your mouth to prevent the transfer of bacteria from your partner’s genitals, says Aliyah Moore, a certified sex therapist with a Ph.D. in Gender and Sexuality Studies. Washing your face and brushing your teeth after the act doesn’t hurt either to freshen you up.
Use a warm washcloth
If you can't or don't want to take a shower post-sex, you can also use a warm washcloth or hypoallergenic cleansing wipes to clean up. This is especially important if you use certain lubricants
"Some lubricants contain alcohol, which can be drying to the vaginal mucosa, or glycerin, which can be a food source for bacteria or yeast," says Michael Ingber, MD, a board-certified urogynecologist and Fellow of the International Society for Specialized Women's Health. Just make sure to wipe gently from front to back and not the other way around to stop the spread of bacteria from the anus to the vagina.
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Clean your sex toys
Unwashed sex toys become a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This means that the next time you use your unwashed toys, you (and your partner) have a higher chance of contracting an infection or an STD. This is why frequent and thorough cleaning of your sex toys is essential to reduce the likelihood of bacteria, Chelsea Newton, a sex therapist and sexuality educator with a Master’s in Human Sexuality Education from Widener University’s Center for Human Sexuality Studies.
Each sex toy will have specific cleaning instructions, so be sure to check the packaging and follow them. Generally speaking, Newton says washing your sex toys with a mild soap and warm water and allowing them to air dry is sufficient. “This removes any lubes, oils, or bodily fluids that you don’t want on your sex toys the next time you go to use them.”
Now that you know what a solid post-sex hygiene routine looks like, you can focus on having more intimate moments with your partner without worrying about the risks to your nether regions after getting down.
Best Practices for Vaginal Care After Sex
Here are some dos and don’ts for vaginal care after sex to keep your private bits healthy.
According to Dr. Moore, urinating after sex is the single most important post-sex hygiene activity for people with a vagina to prevent UTIs, followed by washing your vulva with a mild, unscented cleanser.
She also warns against using talcum powder in the genital area after clean-up. “Although talcum powder is known for its ability to absorb moisture, it has been connected to a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Opting for other moisture-managing solutions, such as breathable cotton underwear or moisture-wicking materials, provides a safe and healthy way to maintain post-sex hygiene,” she says.
Piggybacking on Dr. Moore’s comment from above, wear loose-fitting clothing after sex. Hot and sweaty places are the perfect breeding spots for bacteria and yeast, so if you wear tight pants or underwear, you might develop a yeast infection. Wear a fresh set of loose and breathable clothing that lets air circulate your nether regions. (Or, hey, you can just go commando.)
Should You Shower After Sex?
No—you don’t need to shower after sex for vaginal health. If you want to freshen up, gently rinse the external vulva with warm water, but avoid douching or washing inside the vagina, which can disrupt its natural balance. Urinating after sex may help some people reduce the risk of urinary tract infections, though it doesn’t guarantee prevention. If you’re prone to UTIs or have recurring symptoms, ask a healthcare professional for personalized advice.