How to keep your vagina happy after sexual activity

<- Back to Learning Center

<- Back to Learning Center

Jana Barrett is a freelance writer specializing in health, wellness and lifestyle content.

Nothing ruins a good love-fest quite like a temperamental vagina. Here are some simple ways to avoid post-coital issues, so you can focus on maximizing pleasure.

It’s tempting to sweeten up your self-care routine by introducing all kinds of aromas. While bath bombs and scented lotions are fun, they’re usually chock-full of chemical irritants that can cause loads of trouble down under. If you want to smell like a bouquet for bae, by all means, go crazy with perfume and body oils. But try to keep the products away from your vulva. Otherwise, you might end up irritating your urethra and ending up with a UTI.

Planning to douse yourself in dark chocolate for some extra fun? We fully support it. Risking a stained duvet cover is the ultimate act of love. But before you let your partner lick their way to the finale, keep in mind that chocolate—like most food products—does not belong in your nether-regions. So, go crazy, but think twice about where you have dessert.

Alternative methods for preventing and managing chronic UTIs are emerging.

In general, if you’re prone to UTIs, wearing cotton, breathable underwear is the best move. Other fabrics can irritate the vulva and lead to an infection. What better time to bust out the lingerie? So, our advice: Wear the fun undies, but take them off quickly. ;)

Synthetic lubricants often contain loads of chemicals that can disrupt vaginal flora and lead to UTIs. If you’re in the market for a high-quality lube that won’t cause problems, look no further than your kitchen cabinet. Coconut oil is an awesome alternative. It’s neither acidic nor basic, so it won’t throw off your natural vaginal pH. Plus, it smells great.

It’s easy to get swept up in the holiday buzz and forget to stick to the essential prevention methods, especially if you’ve got a big date night in store. But remember: Your future self will thank you for peeing after the deed. When you wake up tomorrow UTI-free, you can spend the day reflecting on the sexiness of your night instead of running to the bathroom every 20 minutes. So, don’t forget to empty your bladder, stay hydrated, and rinse off after sex to prevent an infection from creeping up on you.