Soap, Lysol, and hand sanitizes is essentially the needle in the hay stack this month. There’s no need to hop right out of bed and run to the shower, but we understand the need to stay sanitary. So, we have some tips on you what should and shouldn’t be doing after sex to keep things as clean and safe as possible.

Do Wash up

There is no need to run to the bathroom the minute your breathing is under control. However, no matter your gender you should wash up after sex. gently cleaning yourself after sex can protect men and women from infections, like of the urinary tract (UTIs). Wash the area around (not inside) your genitals with plain warm water. Men with foreskin should gently pull it back and wash underneath.

Don’t Douche

Don’t worry about soap being wiped out in stores. Along with douches, drug stores offer lots of wipes, creams, and sprays that claim to help you “freshen up” your personal areas. Some of them are made with harsh soaps, detergents, shampoos, perfumes, or lotions that can make your skin break out or throw off your Ph balance. Just stick to a gentle rinse with warm water after sex. Speaking of balance, some women think they need to clean inside their vagina after sex with water or prepackaged fluids. But douching can lead to more infections. That’s because it upsets the natural balance of bacteria that protect your vagina. The best way to take care of your vagina after sex is to leave it alone, let it do what it does and clean itself naturally.

Pee

While you’re in the bathroom take a second to empty your bladder. During sex, bacteria can get into your urethra, the tube that carries urine out of your body. That can raise your chances of an infection. When you pee, you flush those germs out. So, enjoy some cuddle time with your partner, then head to the bathroom.

If you are lucky enough to have soap don’t forget to wash your hands when you’re done. It’s the best way to get rid of bacteria you might pick up from touching your or your partner’s genitals. That’s key to stop infections from spreading. Wash with soap and water and make it part of your post-sex clean-up routine.