What to do after and before sex

Immediately after sex, remove the condom and check it for any tears or punctures that may have occurred during intercourse. If you notice none, tie a knot at the end, wrap it in toilet paper and throw it in the dustbin in the bathroom. Do not flush the condom down the toilet as they’re usually made of latex and can clog the pipes. Wash your hands after. If you notice a tear in the condom, it’s best to speak to your doctor about taking an emergency contraceptive pill within 72 hours of the intercourse.

(Read more: Common mistakes during sex)

Sex is messy and body fluids are nothing to be ashamed of. A towel or (unscented) tissues on your bedside table can come in handy to clean up after intercourse. Then make sure to clean your genitals with a wet cloth or water rinse. Contrary to popular belief, douching for women does not help prevent pregnancy. Instead, it alters your vagina’s pH balance, which can result in a variety of problems from mild discomfort to a yeast infection. Cleansing your privates well with plain water (or mild soap if necessary) after sex is sufficient to maintain good hygiene. Avoid a warm bath, as that could provide a suitable environment for bacteria to grow. While you’re cleaning yourself, also ensure that you properly clean any sex toys you may have used.

(Read more: How to wash your vagina)

Many sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and herpes can be transmitted during oral sex. It’s important to use protection like condoms and dental dams during oral sex. Another precaution you can take is to use mouthwash to cleanse your mouth after performing oral sex. It’s best not to brush or floss immediately after as they can leave small tears in your mouth and make it easier for any microorganisms to enter your body.

(Read more: Oral hygiene tips)

Urinating after sexual intercourse is said to help expel microbes that may have been introduced into the urethra and, in turn, avoid any infections. The scientific evidence isn’t clear on how much this helps, but it doesn’t cause much harm to do it as a precaution anyway. It’s more important for women to urinate after sex than men, as their urethra is shorter and they’re more prone to urinary tract infections. It doesn’t have to be a race to the bathroom but going within 30 minutes is considered ideal.

(Read more: Home remedies for UTI)

You don’t really need an excuse to drink water. Most of us could do with drinking a glass or two more per day and after sex is as good as a time to have some. Sex can be draining and water can not only replenish fluids you lost through sweating but also re-energise you. Drinking water can also help you urinate after sex if required. If you wish to continue having sex though, don’t drink too much water in between as it could lead to cramping.

(Read more: How much water to drink in a day)

It’s best not to put on the same undergarments you were wearing before having sex as they might be damp and could aid bacterial growth. If you’re putting on clothing after intercourse, pick something loose and made of cotton to ensure that they’re breathable and do not cause rashes. Synthetic fibres (usually what fancy lingerie is made of) can lead to discomfort. If you want to skip clothing altogether, that’s beneficial too; studies show that it may help regulate body temperature better, resulting in improved sleep.

(Read more: How to fall asleep)

In some cases, sex can lead to minor injuries. If you feel any pain, check for any abrasions, tears or redness in the area and treat it accordingly. In the following days, keep an eye out for other symptoms that may indicate an infection, like sores or itchiness in the genital area, abnormal discharge, etc.

(Read more: Vaginal burning)

While doing the things mentioned above, do check on your partner as well. Hand them a glass of water, ask them if they’re doing fine and feeling good. If they’re experiencing any pain or other symptoms, help them reach out to their doctor. Communication is key when it comes to maintaining a healthy sexual relationship.

(Read more: How to talk to your partner about sex)

If you’ve had unsafe sex or sex with a partner whose sexual history you’re not aware of, you may want to get tested before you have sex with a new partner. This is not just necessary if you’re experiencing any symptoms of an STI; many such infections could be asymptomatic in you but become symptomatic in the person you transmit them to next. 

(Read more: How to have safe sex)

If you’re sleeping with a new partner or someone you’re not in an exclusive relationship with, you should talk to them about sexual health. Offer up information about when the last time you got tested for STIs so they feel comfortable to share their own details with you as well. If either of you has a chronic STI, like HIV or Hepatitis B, it’s best to put that out in the open as well. This will help your partner make an informed decision and take the necessary precautions.

(Read more: Pain in penis)

Condoms, birth control pills, diaphragms, spermicides, IUDs - there are many methods of birth control available today. Not all of them provide protection against STDs though, only barrier methods can do that. It’s best to discuss which type of protection your partner and you are both comfortable with and then be prepared with those. You can also use a combination of two methods for added protection from unwanted pregnancy but only when they’re safe to use together - like contraceptive pills and condoms. Using male and female condoms together could lead to them tearing because of the friction, giving you no protection at all instead of more.

(Read more: Lubricants)

There are many different acts when it comes to sexual activity as well as many different positions, kinks, etc. An honest conversation before you begin can help avoid a lot of awkwardness and also ensure that you both feel safe during the entire experience. Talk about your likes and dislikes, and if there’s something new you would like to try, offer to discuss it first and only proceed if your partner is enthusiastic to try it too.

(Read more: What women want in bed)