Showering after sex can feel good psychologically, but it doesn’t reduce your chances of an STD. This is because the bacteria that cause STDs can be spread through vaginal, oral or anal sex as well as through skin-to-skin contact.
INSIDER talked to three OB/GYNs who explained why you should skip the post-sex shower.
It’s Not Effective
Showering is not a foolproof way to prevent pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). It’s not a replacement for using condoms consistently and correctly or getting regular testing.
However, it is a good practice for general hygiene and to wash away sweat and bodily fluids that can cause odor. The warm water and soap also destroy pathogens, reducing the chance that they’ll be spread to other areas of the body.
It’s important to shower soon after sex and to use mild, pH-balanced cleansers. Your genital area will be more sensitive after sex, and excessive washing or the use of harsh cleansers can disrupt your natural balance of bacteria and lead to irritation or yeast infections.
You should also make it a habit to go to the bathroom right after sex. Keeping your bladder empty will help prevent urinary tract infections from forming because sexual activity can push bacteria up through the urethra. It’ll also help reduce the chance of getting a vaginal infection, such as an infection caused by bacterial overgrowth or anal irritation.
If you are trying to conceive, showering after sex isn’t likely to have much of an impact on conception rates because the sperm is more likely to be shed from the penis than from the anus or vulva. But if you aren’t trying to conceive, showering after having sex is still a good idea because it can help remove semen that may have been released during intercourse or from other sources of infection, like a razor blade or oral sex toys.
It’s Not a Reliable Prevention Method
Showering after sex does not prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The only reliable way to prevent STIs is to abstain from oral, anal, and vaginal sex and use barrier methods of contraception. Practicing safe sex and regularly testing for pregnancy are also important. Untreated STIs can cause serious long-term health problems.
STDs are spread by coming into contact with infected body fluids and skin, including through anal sex, vaginal sex, sharing sex toys, and touching the mouth, eyes, or genitals of another person. They can also be spread by sharing contaminated drugs, needles for drug use or ear piercing, and using shared tools for tattooing and piercing.
Many people believe that showering after sex will help to remove any bacteria and body fluids that may be present and prevent the spread of STDs. However, this is not the case. The best way to prevent sexually transmitted diseases is to practice abstinence and use condoms, internal condoms, or dental dams every time you have oral, anal, or vaginal sex, or engage in other activities that can spread infectious fluids.
It’s also recommended that women and men pee after sex, which helps to decrease the chances of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI). Also, washing the area around the vulva with mild soap can help to reduce the risk of yeast infections.
It’s Not a Comprehensive Prevention Method
The moment after sex is not always prime time to think about hygiene and cleanliness, but it’s important to prioritize personal health for the sake of preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Showering is a crucial step to achieving optimal health and reducing your risk of infection. However, the practice alone cannot eliminate your risk of contracting an STD, and should be used in conjunction with other prevention methods like condom use, regular testing, and open communication with sexual partners.
The key to showering safely is timing and water temperature. You’ll want to shower shortly after sex, but not so soon that pathogens can grow and multiply. In addition, you should use mild cleansers and avoid excessive washing or rubbing as this can irritate the delicate skin of the genital area. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing that can trap bacteria in the sweaty areas of your body. Instead, opt for loose cotton underwear for both men and women to allow the body’s natural bacteria to breathe.
Another good practice is to pee immediately after sex, as this helps flush bacteria out of the urethra and lower your chances of a UTI. Finally, you should always remember to use an unscented moisturizer after your shower and pat the genital area dry gently with a soft towel. For more tips on how to shower after sex safely, consult your healthcare professional.
It’s Not a Safe Practice
A shower is a great way to wash away sweat, bodily fluids, and bacteria after an intimate encounter. It can also be a relaxing and refreshing experience.
It’s important to note, though, that showering alone does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Instead, it’s a good idea to practice safe sex and use barrier methods of contraception.
Some doctors recommend showering after sex to help lower the risk of infection and promote good hygiene. This is especially true for people who are prone to vaginal irritation or urinary tract infections. It can help to wash the genital area gently and to use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t disrupt the natural pH balance. It’s also recommended that women and men urinate immediately after sex to help flush out any sperm that may have entered the urethra during intercourse.
Showering after sex can also help reduce the chances of yeast infections in women by washing away any semen that might have gotten outside the vulva during an encounter. However, excessive cleaning or the use of harsh cleansers can throw off the genital’s pH balance and lead to an increase in bacterial growth, which can cause a yeast infection.
It’s important to remember that getting an STD isn’t a sign of uncleanliness or poor hygiene. It’s a sign that you and your partner didn’t use effective, reliable prevention methods, like condoms or internal condoms or dental dams, during oral, anal, or vaginal sex or any other activity that can transmit sexual fluids. In order to protect yourself from STDs, always use a comprehensive approach to prevention, which includes condom usage, frequent testing, and open communication with your sexual partners.