Obstetrician-gynecologist, author of a blog about evidence-based medicine Olga Belokon spoke about the hygiene rules that must be observed before, during and after sex.
According to the expert, both partners should wash their hands thoroughly before any sexual contact. Within 15-30 minutes after intercourse, you need to urinate - otherwise there is a high risk of getting a urinary tract infection.
For example, women have a very short urethra, due to the anatomical proximity, the contents of the vagina can easily get into it. Injection of bacteria can disrupt the balance of flora and reduce the number of lactobacilli, which maintain an acidic environment in the vagina and inhibit the growth of "bad" bacteria.
“By trying to wash your vagina, you actually put yourself at a higher risk of vaginitis and help pathogens to 'invade'”,
- warns Olga Belokon.
Douching, infusion of miramistin, chlorhexidine, hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and other substances into the vagina will not help protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). According to the doctor, the vagina is able to cleanse itself after sex, even if semen remains inside.
Before and after intercourse, the external genitalia should be rinsed with running warm water. Before sex, it will not be superfluous to drink a glass of water - it will be easier there to empty the bladder after the act.
The expert reminds: Sex toys should be carefully handled after each use. They should not be shared with anyone, as they can carry STDs.
Oral sex must be protected. With it, there is a risk of transmission of HIV, herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, hepatitis A, B and helminthic invasions. The risk is reduced if a man does not ejaculate into his partner's mouth, if a person who has HIV uses antiretroviral therapy, if a condom or oral sex wipes are used.
Before changing the type of sex, you should wash your sex toys, change the condom, and wash your penis. According to the expert, it is impossible to change anal sex to vaginal without observing these rules, since the flora of the rectum is not intended for the vagina.
“Always ask your partner to get tested for STDs before having sex,” the doctor writes. - Use a condom. This is the only thing that can protect you from STDs."
