#HealthBytes: Five sexual hygiene mistakes you should avoid
A healthy and hygienic sex life is crucial for a couple's overall physical and emotional well-being. Ideally, sex shouldn't be about just getting under the sheets and silently doing the deed. In fact, there's a lot that goes into having a good intimate session with your partner. One such factor is good hygiene. Here are five common sexual hygiene mistakes every couple should avoid.
Mistake: Not washing your hands before and after sex
Obviously, doing all that touching with dirty hands isn't really a great idea. For starters, your partner isn't going to find it very attractive. Also, it implies an undue invitation to a plethora of bacteria, that you may contact from touching genital areas. So, make sure to thoroughly wash your hands before and after sex, in order to avoid risk of catching bacterial infection.
Mistake: Not urinating right after sex
A general rule of thumb to ensure sexual hygiene after sex is to take a trip to the washroom and urinate. It is known to help wash away any bacteria that may have come close to the urethra during intercourse, and might further move in and infect your kidneys. Hence, always make sure to urinate after having sex.
Mistake: Not cleaning it down there
Both the partners must clean up their genitals before and after intercourse. According to health experts, men must clean the area around the penis as well as the glans and inner skin, using a mild soap and some warm water. Meanwhile, women should use a washcloth, some warm water and a mild soap for cleaning up the outer vaginal area to prevent bacterial spread.
Mistake: Not shaving (down there)
Having pubic hair is another big no-no for hygienic sex. While it totally depends from person to person, pubic hair may keep partners from indulging into acts that they otherwise wouldn't mind doing. So, ask your partner how they like it (trimmed or clean shaven), and keep it that way, so that both the parties remain satisfied.
Mistake: Going in smelly
If you had a long, tiring day at work, heading right into the sheets is not recommended. Bad body odor is one of the worst ways in which you can turn off your partner during sex. So, do greet your partner, but before getting too close, consider taking a shower to kick out unwanted odor. Also suggest your partner to do the same.
Separately, always use a condom
Although using a condom doesn't necessarily relate to sexual hygiene, it is tremendously important for practising safer sex. A condom not only provides protection from undesired pregnancy, but also significantly reduces risk of transferring Sexually transmitted infections (STIs). So, always keep some of them handy.
