Self-care after sex
Working with your hormones will enhance your libido, because a healthy body is able to prioritize reproduction. The more you work with your hormones, the more you will begin to feel your sex drive coming back online.
Regular orgasms are crucial for a woman to be her healthiest, but at its core sex is a very dehydrating activity. We all know how it feels to go from “on cloud 9” to sitting on the toilet wondering why we can’t pee when we feel like we need to so badly. That’s why I created this simple, doable guide for self-care after sex (or self-pleasure).
Clean cotton towel
Right after, use a warm towel to soak up extra fluids and use like a heating pad on the affected area. Follow with a dry, clean, cotton towel. Moisture can lead to infection, so make sure to do this step first. (It just makes sense).
Skin to skin
Recent studies have shown that skin-to-skin contact after sex may produce more oxytocin than the act of sex itself. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for deepening emotional attachment, building interpersonal trust, and increasing feelings of security. Skin to skin after sex also lowers cortisol, the stress hormone that can be rampant in our busy, stressful days. The calming hormonal cocktail created by cuddling after sex can support the immune system, the stress response system, and your sleep quality. If it’s not that kind of partner, don’t worry! If you feel comfortable enough, it’s effective to hug and hold yourself. All the delicious benefits that you get from cuddling in relationship can also be applied to your relationship with yourself.
Ditch the Cute Undies
Switching out of whatever enticing number you had on and replacing with 100% organic cotton underwear will help to prevent infection, will absorb extra moisture, and reduce skin irritation. Whatever you do, do not put on the panties you got wet in.
A clean, dry, cotton environment will prevent yeast and urinary tract infections, which we are more at risk to after creating a damp environment down there. Cotton allows air to move freely, which means we’re circulating air and absorbing moisture instead of sitting in a swamp. Nobody likes that!
Urinary Tract Flush
(Because peeing after sex is soooo 2016). Listen, the anatomical placement of your urinary tract means that it is very exposed while you’re having sex. Sexual movement can easily push skin or gut bacteria from nearby areas into the short female urethral tube, which is only 1.5in long. SO, the girl needs some support after we put her at risk. Here’s what I do: 1tbsp D Mannose powder mixed with pure cranberry juice. Uqora makes an incredible on the go packet loaded with both (unaffiliated, just a huge fan of her work).
Have a Probiotic Snack
During sex, the vaginal microbiome can be exposed to friction, personal lubricants, and alkaline semen which can alter its natural acidity. The vaginal microbiome is much like the gut microbiome, intelligent, sensitive, and responds almost instantly to probiotics. Having a meal or snack with probiotics immediately after sex can give the vaginal microbiome the support it needs to restore its PH naturally and efficiently, saving you from any future discomfort.
Most importantly, remember to listen to your body. Ride the wave of pleasure, and remind yourself that you are someone worthy of care.