Importance of personal hygiene before and after sex

1 Jan

Can you really get a UTI from not peeing after sex?

Peeing after sex isn’t a myth your mom made up; it’s solid prevention. During sex, bacteria from the vulva, anus, hands, or mouth can get pushed toward your urethra. If they just sit there, they can climb up and cause a urinary tract infection. When you pee within about 15–30 minutes after sex, the urine flow helps flush those bacteria out before they settle in.

You can still get UTIs even if you pee after sex, especially if you’re prone to them, have a new partner, or are on certain types of birth control. But skipping the post-sex pee absolutely makes them more likely. If you’re constantly battling UTIs, talk with a provider about deeper prevention options—and bring the full messy story to Gush so you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Is it okay to have sex on my period without showering first?

Yes. Having sex on your period without a full shower is not dirty or unsafe by default. Blood has a stronger smell and a higher (more alkaline) pH than normal vaginal discharge, which can slightly increase the chance of irritation or imbalance, especially if your microbiome is already fragile. But you’re not required to scrub yourself raw for period sex to be “acceptable.”

What helps: change your pad/tampon/cup first, do a quick vulva rinse with warm water if you want, throw down a dark towel, and make sure your partner is on board with blood. If you’re dealing with super heavy flow, clots, or pain, that’s worth talking about with a provider—and you can sort through what feels normal vs concerning with Gush.

Do I need a special feminine wash for before or after sex?

No brand on earth has invented a soap that’s better at caring for your vagina than your own microbiome. “Feminine hygiene” washes are mostly marketing wrapped in shame. Most of them are scented and harsh, which can:

Kill off protective lactobacilli.
Raise vaginal pH.
Trigger BV, yeast, and irritation.

What you actually need:

Warm water on the vulva.
At most, a gentle, fragrance-free cleanser on the outer skin only.
Zero products inside the vagina. No douching, no “freshening” rinses.

If something feels off—itching, burning, odor changes—that’s a reason to explore infection or pH imbalance, not a reason to scrub more. If you’re lost in a sea of bottles and ingredients, you can gut-check your routine with Gush and simplify it down to what your body actually likes.

How soon should I worry if I feel burning after sex?

Mild sensitivity right after a long or rough session can happen, especially if there wasn’t enough lube or you’re in a drier phase of your cycle (like luteal or on certain birth control). That should calm down within a few hours after peeing, rinsing, and resting.

Worry sooner if:

Burning is intense or makes it hard to pee.
It shows up every time you have sex.
You see sores, blisters, or rashes.
There’s new discharge, odor, or pelvic pain.

That can signal a UTI, yeast, BV, micro-tears, or an STI. No amount of extra washing will fix that; you need actual medical care. While you’re deciding if it’s time to call a clinic, you can walk through your exact symptoms and timeline with Gush and get some clarity.

Is it normal for sex to change my discharge or smell for a day or two?

Yes, short-term changes after sex are common. Semen is alkaline, so if someone ejaculates inside you, your vaginal pH can temporarily rise. That can make discharge look a bit thicker or creamier and smell different for a day or so. Lube and friction also stir things up, literally.

What’s usually normal:

A mild change in texture or smell for 24–48 hours.
More fluid from mixed lube, semen, and your own discharge.

What’s not ideal:

Strong fishy odor, gray discharge (think BV).
Cottage cheese-like clumps and intense itch (yeast).
Burning, swelling, or pain.

If post-sex shifts are always dramatic or miserable, that’s not just “your lot in life.” You deserve answers and a plan—start untangling patterns with Gush so you’re not crowdsourcing your health from random comments sections.

If you’re sitting with more questions, weird patterns, or just that low-level panic of “is this normal?”, you don’t have to guess. Bring your screenshots, cycle chaos, and unfiltered questions to Gush and let someone actually help you decode your body without judgment.