15 Helpful Tips on What to Do After Sex

Ever wonder what to do after sex? Like after letting off steam and exchanging pleasure with someone, may it be a partner, a special someone just for one night, or even yourself! You’re then left breathless and thinking of that next step.

Well, that next step is open to lots of possibilities. It’s basically the aftercare stage, wherein you (and your partner) focus on nurturing and caring for your overall well-being/s after all that intensity from sex.

If you need some beneficial ideas on what to do after sex, this enlightening guide is for you.

Happy reading!

1 Check in with yourself.

It’s always important to observe your mind and body after sex. 

Moreover, this tip on what to do after sex teaches you to be self-aware and connect with yourself, making sure you’re alright and safe. At the same time, you can pinpoint if anything is going on with your body. 

For example, you didn’t orgasm as much as you wanted. If you’re masturbating, you can perhaps take a breather and then try a different method of self-pleasure to reach an o’. 

Another example would be that you feel even happier post-sex as your partner answered all your needs and fantasies. Noting these emotions can give you a clearer idea on what works and what doesn’t in sex so your future sexcapades improve over time. Plus, you learn more about your unique sexual side.

2 Clean up!

From your body to your sex toys, cleaning up after sex is part of your overall hygiene as it keeps you safe from infection. 

Firstly, taking a shower right after the deed washes away any dirt, sweat, and grime, making you feel refreshed overall. It’s also a mental way to rejuvenate, letting go of any insecurities and fears and starting fresh. If taking a shower isn’t possible at the moment, using unscented wipes and facial tissue can wipe away any wetness and discharge present even for a bit.

Furthermore, you must carefully clean your private parts (specifically the external side only) with mild soap and water since bacteria may lurk there. The same applies to sex toys, wherein leaving them unattended post-usage makes the bacteria spread and makes you prone to infection later on. 

3 Change the sheets.

Pretty much in line with the previous point, but it deserves its own highlight.

As much as possible, it’s safe and hygienic to swap out your sheets when you’re officially done with your sexcapades. With all that discharge, sweat, and grime that you’ve left behind there, you wouldn’t want them to join you when you sleep later than night.

4 Double-check on your used condoms.

If you’re a penis owner or you slept with one, it’s crucial to inspect your used condoms for tears, rips, or any signs of breakage. A broken condom would mean that you’re and your partner more susceptible to contracting an STI or even getting pregnant, especially if you’re sleeping with a stranger. You can use the water test, wherein you run water through the condom and see if it fills up. If not, you’d see water leaking through the holes or tears, indicating that it is broken.

Additionally, it’s important to wear the right sizes of condoms and avoid using another condom on top of another as the friction between them makes them more prone to breaking. Using lube can also decrease its chances of breaking, alongside moving in at an easy pace rather than a rushed pace, because that can backfire. Even more so if you’re not present and mindful.

5 Empty out your bladder.

Post-sex, your urethra carries bacteria that need to be released to prevent any infections (e.g., urinary tract infections) from affecting you. Thus, don’t be lazy and go for a wee right after you exhausted your bodies from sex. Make sure to wipe from front to back so no extra bacteria can attack you down there.

6 Avoid douching.

If you’re a vulva owner, there is no need to clean the inside of your vagina when it’s a self-cleansing organ. Ever see those random trails of discharges you’d see on your underwear? That’s your vagina doing its job as it cleanses away any bad bacteria from your body with the good bacteria. With douching, it messes with your vagina’s natural balance, even more so if you put scented products inside. 

In turn, it’s more acceptable and safer to clean the external part of the genitalia than the internal part. Spare yourself the hassle here!

7 Change into loose-fitting clothes…

Give your skin a chance to breathe post-sex! Wearing loose-fitting clothes, like items that are oversized on you or made of gentle and hypoallergenic fabric and cotton, lessens skin-to-skin friction. You also feel more comfortable when you make minimal to more movement, may it be cuddling with your boo or cooking something up to replenish your energy levels.

8 …Or go commando!

This suggestion on what to do after sex is another great solution if wearing loose-fitting clothes doesn’t feel like a vibe at the moment! Going nude, may it be alone or with your partner, teaches you to be more comfortable in your own skin. Just as long as the windows are shut and the doors are closed, walking around bare is absolutely okay. It’s even better to sleep as is after washing up! 

9 Rehydrate!

Sex is a workout, and it can get exhausting no matter how slow or fast you go. That skin-to-skin contact will have you breathless! Thus, drinking water right after having sex can replenish your energy levels and further give you a clearer headspace instead of falling in deep to your impending fatigue from sex. And if you’re having sex during the day, it gives you that extra boost to continue on with your other tasks and puts you back in the zone.

10 Have a yummy meal!

Sister, sex is a workout! 

Once you’re done, not only are you riding on those feel-good chemicals but your tummies may get all rumbly! So right after washing up and getting dressed (in clothes or your birthday suits), either of you can cook up something quick and delicious after sex. Or perhaps ordering takeout through delivery apps if neither of you wanna drive is more suitable. 

This tip on what to do after sex just gets your body running and reloaded, especially if you’re having sex during the day and still have other tasks to accomplish.

11 Check-in with your partner.

Aside from checking in with yourself as mentioned earlier, it’s also important to see and ask how your partner is doing. Debrief with them too, talking about what went well during your sexcapade and what can be improved. This tip on what to do after sex shows respect and decency towards your partner. You want to ensure that they’re okay, safe, and happy.

12 Engage in non-sexual acts of intimacy.

The intimacy doesn’t have to end once the penetration or stimulation is done! This suggestion on what to do after sex helps keep that sensuality and chemistry brewing between you and your partner. Moreoever, it’ll keep you both still so connected and captivated by one another. It may be through soft and gentle kisses, cuddles, hugs, hand-holding, complimenting each other, and having deep conversations.

13 Give sex journaling a try.

Whether after having sex with your boo or indulging in self-pleasure, documenting your experience through a sex journal gives room for you to reflect and release any hidden emotions. With reflecting, you can share what you liked and discovered through your sexcapade. You can also follow certain prompts to open your mind and learn more about yourself. As for venting, it can be a blend of good and not-so-good emotions. It’s relieving to tell the tale and follow its flow, slowly but naturally inviting ease into your body and mind.

14 Take any emergency contraception if necessary.

Expect the unexpected.

The sex you had happened to be unprotected, the condom broke, or you chose to have sex with protection, it’s key to take emergency contraception ASAP. And by ASAP, it should be taken within 72 hours post-sex. Emergency pills like Plan B can decrease your chances of an unexpected pregnancy, which is a vital piece of information everyone needs to know.

15 Get tested.

This tip on what to do after sex is especially crucial if you’re sleeping with different partners each time. Even if you’re clean and talk about your various sexual histories, it’s still safe to get tested before and after. Moreover, getting tested is also advised even if you use barrier methods of protection and sleep with the same person each time. And by the latter, we mean a special friend with benefits.

Takeaway

There are a multitude of ways on what to do after sex. But what they all have in common is that they ensure the comfort and safety of the people involved in the deed. May it be solo or partnered. As a result, it’s important not to finish the deed as is, by dressing up and calling it a day or night. That’s because it puts either party at risk of post-coital dysphoria and/or sexually transmitted infections. Let this guide teach you to be a sexually responsible and respectful partner!

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