Does peeing after sex actually stop UTIs?
Sex is cool. And hot. And sweaty. But what’s not-so-cool? The UTI that shows up a few days later, like an unwanted message in your dms. So, how can you avoid it? What do you need to know? And does peeing after sex actually do anything?
Picture this: you’ve just had beautiful, consensual sex. Maybe with a long-term partner. Maybe with a Tinder date. You’re lying together on the bed/couch/living room floor (watch that carpet burn). You hear a voice in the back of your head: “you should probably go pee now”. But you don’t want this moment to end. So you don’t go. Knock knock. Who’s there? A very painful UTI in 2-5 business days.
We’ve been there. Our friends have been there. Our friends of friends have been there. And likely, you have too. But does peeing after sex ACTUALLY prevent UTIs? What’s appropriate post-coital etiquette? In this episode of “how to keep your hoo-ha happy”, we’re diving deep into what to do and what not to do after sex to avoid post-sex infections.
First, the dos.
Do pee.
Please. Pretty please. Peeing is one of the most effective ways to prevent post-sex UTIs. How come? Well, during sex, there’s a lot of fluids being exchanged. Which makes the perfect form of travel for bacteria, particularly pesky E. coli (which comes from your behind). E. coli entering your urethra is one of the main causes of UTIs, and can lead to more serious infections, like kidney and bladder infections if left untreated. Like that burning sensation and a desperate urge to pee 24/7 wasn’t bad enough. Yikes. So yes, pee. It’ll flush out any bacteria that are up to no good.
Do wash.
Your hands and your bits. Especially if you’ve used products like lube. Cleaning yourself after sex is ESSENTIAL to protecting yourself from infections. Wash your hands to remove any bacteria buildup from all that playing. Then wash your vulva (not your vagina) with plain warm water. Or fragrance-free, PH balanced washes are good too (read more about femme washes here).
Do clean your toys.
Clean your toys before putting them away in your toy box (aka your bedside table). Why? Bacteria like to linger. Buzz buzz. Clean your wand, empress, rabbit, rings, crystals or whatever else you’re playing with. Bonus tip: if you’re playing with different people, be extra conscious of the clean-up to avoid sharing bacteria between partners.
Do drink.
This brings us back to the peeing. Drinking = peeing. Just in case your first pee post-sex doesn’t flush out all of the bacteria, chugging some water will hopefully do the trick. Also, since sex is exercise, you know you gotta hydrate after getting sweaty.
Now, for the don’ts.
Don’t douche.
A douche is a device used to clean your vagina. It’s also what we like to call that guy in your uni tutorials who kept interrupting you. Anthony, was it? But for the sake of this blog, let’s focus on the former. Douches upset the very natural, very delicate balance going on in your bits and can cause things like thrush. Remember, your vagina cleans itself. If you’re concerned about semen getting up in your business, stock up on condoms. We love these guys.
Don’t assume.
So, they’re in your bed. But before they get in your pants, get in their head. Don’t assume that someone is free from STIs and STDs; ask the question, especially if they’re a new partner, and be prepared for whatever the answer may be. Read: wear protection. It’s also good to get regularly tested if you’re playing with different and new people.
Don’t wear tight clothes.
Your body warms up after sex, which means you’ll likely be hot and sweaty long after the dead. And we know hot, sweaty places are like Disneyland for bacteria. Ditch the bike shorts and wear breathable, loose fitting clothes. Or no clothes at all, if you’re going straight to sleep. And if it’s a morning quickie you’ve just had? Pop on your favourite breathable, moisture-wicking, antibacterial bamboo undies to keep your hoo-ha fresh and happy all day long.
You're welcome,
x
