Education about sex hygiene is as important as our personal health and cleaniness. Here are few tips, which will prevent infections in the private parts.
Cleanliness and measures of hygiene are something we are all taught about but only a few are aware of sex hygiene. There are certain hygiene rules you should abide by to prevent any infections or situation of embarrassment when you are about to engage in physical intimacy.
Genital Hygiene
Men need to clean their genital areas. If you are uncircumcised, you need to pull back your foreskin as far as it is possible, without causing any discomfort. The pulled foreskin will expose both the glans, which need to be gently cleaned with lukewarm water. Ensure cleanliness of the glans and the inner side of the foreskin as a white substance called smegma may be present here. Smegma consists of dead skin cells, oils, body fluids and bacteria. The presence of this substance can cause infections and foul smell. Circumcised men too need to maintain hygiene, as the absence of foreskin can cause the tip of the genital area to come in direct contact with sweat and bacteria. Clean your genitals both before and after the sexual act to prevent infections.
A woman needs to clean her outer genital areas and anus, if engaging in anal sex. Cleaning of genitals need to be done to prevent yeast infections as well as bad odour. Wash your genitals both before and after sex to prevent any infections. Do not go overboard with washing by vigorous flushing or douching with scented liquids as it affects the pH balance of the genital area and can make you prone to infections. Pat dry the privates and not by rubbing with a towel.
Keep Your Pubic Hair in Check
Both men and women should ensure removal of pubic hair which can be done by shaving or by a pair of scissors. Not only, it is ghastly to have a bush down there, but it is also an invitation to various problems. Since privates are not exposed to fresh air, it becomes literally a boiling pot of all infections as heat and sweat makes the area a perfect breeding area for bacteria. Trimmed pubic hair not only gives a clean appearance, but also reduces itching and bad odour. Those getting a bikini wax done should be careful of the hygiene standards of the salon.
Clean Underpants/Tampons
Choosing to remain in your sweaty clothes and underwear after a workout is unhygienic. Even if your sweat drenched clothes have dried, they still pose risk for you as bacteria and yeast flourish in sweat and yeast infection is not far. Sweat and dust can block the skin pores around your private area and cause folliculitis, which are inflamed and infected hair follicles. Do not wear tight underwear or tight fitting jeans for a long time as they trap sweat and attract breeding of bacteria. Prefer natural fabrics, such as cotton instead of synthetics for your innerwear.
For women, they should change their tampons and sanitary pads every three to six hours depending on the menstrual flow. Keeping them for a long time may let bacteria thrive causing bad odour and infections.
Don't Hold Pee In
Never hold on the urge of going to the washroom to urinate, especially before practicing sex. Urinating makes your bladder get rid of bacteria and toxins that thrive in the urinary tract. Delaying urination speeds up breeding of bacteria, which may lead to infections.
Oral Care
Do not indulge in oral sex if either of the partner has sores inside the mouth or near the genitals as it can lead to infections.
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