While your vagina is a self-cleansing organ, its neighbours—the vulva, groin, and rear—aren’t as independent. They count on you for a regular clean-up. Now, a daily deterge with water can suffice on most days but your privates need thorough cleansing on some special occasions. We’re talking about the days when you plan to go all frisky in bed with sex toys and shiz.
Here’s the deal— while sex toys can spice up your sex life, they can also increase the risk of contracting infections. No, we aren’t discouraging you from taking the plunge. We are suggesting that you do it with appropriate caution. To shed some light on the topic, we reached out to Dr Uma Vaidyanathan, Senior Consultant Gynecologist at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh. We got into a conversation on the best clean-up practices while using sex toys and here are the excerpts:
Why Is It Crucial To Clean-Up After Using Sex Toys?
“An intimate area clean-up is necessary after any kind of sexual activity. However, it is even more important after using sex toys to pleasure yourself,” says Dr Uma. Here’s how it can save you a lot of trouble:
It Can Protect You From The Wrath Of Dirty Sex Toys
The right sex toy can give you an Earth-shattering orgasm. But if unclean, it can also give you a health-shattering infection. “Over time, dust and a host of bacteria and fungus can deposit on the toy’s surface. Exposing your sensitive vagina to this massive microbial buildup can cause an intractable mixed infection. These infections usually don’t respond to medicines and are difficult to treat,” explains Dr Uma.
Enter, intimate-area clean-up to the rescue. Cleaning your privates after the act can be your saving grace. “It can wash off the microbes that your genitals might have contracted from the contaminated toy. This can prevent the germs from entering the vagina and infecting it,” adds the doctor.
It Can Make Anal Play Safer
When it comes to enjoying vaginal and anal play in the same sesh, sharing is not caring. “The anus contains faecal bacteria. Inserting your anal sex toy into your vaginal canal can pass on this bacteria to your vagina. This can disturb the natural vaginal flora and lead to bacterial vaginosis (vaginal inflammation caused by bacterial overgrowth),” explains Dr Uma.
This is why it is advisable to keep a disinfecting wipe handy when you wanna switch between the anus and vagina. It will help you ensure that the anal bacteria does not end up messing up with your vagina.
How To Cleanup After Using A Sex Toy?
Now, that we know about the importance of cleaning up after using sex toys, we might as well get acquainted with the right way of doing it. Dr Uma shares 3 simple steps:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Always start by washing your hands thoroughly to prevent any germ transfer from them.
Step 2: Cleanse, Cleanse, Cleanse
Dampen your intimate area with clean water. Then, apply a mild soap on your genitals and clean the folds of the vagina, the groin, and the rear. You can also use a gentle, intimate wash here. Just make sure the product is not scented and is paraben-free. We recommend Sirona’s Refreshing Intimate Wash as the perfect pick.
Step 3: Wipe Up
Wipe your intimate area dry with a clean towel. “Be sure to clean from front to back and never from back to front. Doing so can prevent transmission of anal bacteria to the vagina,” adds the doctor.
Alternatively, you can also use the Intimate Wet Wipes by Sirona to do the task more efficiently. They are enriched with natural ingredients like aloe vera to gently cleanse your sensitive intimate area without disturbing its pH.
Well, that’s it. Follow these simple steps and go as wild in your bed as you please!
Featured Image: Pexels
