Sexual Health Month: What Is Aftercare And Why Is It Necessary For A Fulfilling Sex Life?

What happens after the moments of heated passion, need, greed and pleasure are done for? Do you pause, stay in bed and wonder what to do next? Get up and reach for your clothes and leave or just hope you could get some rest and sleep? or, do you cuddle with your partner? Honestly, to me, all of these sound appropriate because after all, it depends on your relationship with the person next to you. But I do think you might be missing a step, it is important you take care of your partner and of course, yourself with an aftercare ritual. 

People assume that aftercare is essentially a cleaning practice of the genitals, sex toys, the bed or the place where you had sex and of course, your body as a whole but it’s so much more than that. Are you wondering what else could be essential just after you have sex? Let’s take a minute and learn about it. 

So, What Exactly Is Aftercare?

Aftercare is, in its simplest form, a post-sex wind-down ritual. it includes being there with each other, checking in with each other’s feelings, communicating about the sex, getting a glass of water, cleaning up and maybe eating some snacks. It can also include massages, checking your partner’s body for scratches or just simply maintaining a prolonged period of eye contact. 

I know, a lot of these might actually make it sounds like a task or chore at times but, this little ritual can actually leave you feeling more emotionally and physically satisfied than ever. Plus, it can help you build a fabulous and intimate bond with your partner irrespective of your relationship. 

What Can Be Included In An Aftercare Ritual?

It’s essential to realise that while aftercare rituals are different for everyone, what is key in an aftercare ritual is that the whole ritual that you choose for yourself and your partner aims to address the physical and mental well-being of both of you. But, there indeed, are some standard things that almost everyone chooses to include in their aftercare rituals that work like a charm.

1. Reminding Each Other To Wash Hands

We’re already living in the era of a pandemic and this basic habit will help you a lot in terms of being safe from any infections. Since hands can easily transfer germs to other parts of your body. It’s essential to never forget to wash your hands with soap. This can also turn into a fun and wholesome giggle in the washroom. 

2. Remember To Pee Within 30 mins After Sex

Peeing is considered an effective method to get rid of any germs that might have travelled up your urethra during sex. This is a trusted method by many to avoid getting any urinary tract infections. This is one thing which you shouldn’t delay and make sure that you both pee within 30 minutes to be safe.

3. Get Some Refreshments

Drink a glass of water before or after sex to keep your body hydrated because we all know any sexual activity can be exhausting, so keeping yourself hydrated is a necessity. Furthermore, sex can also make you very hungry so, preparing a light snack for you and your partner or just ordering in after sex is a brilliant idea. 

4. Maybe Take A Shower Together 

During sex the most engaged parts of your body are your genitals therefore they need to be washed thoroughly after sex. But remember to not try to wash your vagina but only the vulva including your clitoris, vagina has a self-cleaning mechanism which shouldn’t be interfered with even water. For the penis, if you have a foreskin it’s important to pull it down to clean the top thoroughly to rid of any bacteria or frozen sperm from there. Make this fun and intimate by taking a shower and washing each other. 

5. Communication Matters 

A lot of people forget the fact that sex isn’t just a physical process, it involves more than just the exchange of bodily fluids, it includes your emotions and feelings as well. So, it’s essential to talk about them. Maybe ask your partner how they’re feeling and express your own emotions. Some people even tend to feel low and sad post-sex but talking helps bring your mood back to normal along with helping you build an amazing bond.

Also Read: The Relationship Between Sex And Psychology, Do Thoughts Ruin The Sensual Experience?

6. Change Your Bedsheet Before You Sleep

If you got downright naughty on your bed, it is essential to wash your bedsheet afterwards because a cloth can not only absorb your bodily fluids but can also become a harbour for bacteria to live. So when the after-shower sleepiness hits you, it’s very essential to change your bedsheet before you both cuddle and sleep. 

Also Read: What Are Daddy Issues, And Do They Really Affect Women’s Sex Lives?

You see, the amazing effects of aftercare go way beyond just physical but then again, the actual ritual is always going to be up to the individuals involved. Some folks might find comfort in solitude, a long bath, checking notifications or zoning out into a video game.

The goal isn’t to judge each other for these needs and instead, to support and fulfil them. This World Sexual Health Month, let’s realise that when we take care of our needs like with sexual aftercare we create better, more fulfilling sex lives and we all deserve those, don’t we?

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