If your post-sex routine normally involves some pillow talk and cuddling, it might be time to add something a little less cutesy to this list— you should be taking a quick trip to the bathroom after sex. I know it's not the most romantic thing in the world, when you're in post-sex glow to have to stop immediately and go pee. Not romantic or glamorous — but it's important.
Because as gross as it may sound, you need a bit of a clear out down there to make sure things don't get infected— specifically a urinary tract infection. Women are 10 times more likely to get a UTI then men according to Everyday Health, and one in five of us will have one at some point in our lives. Not only is sex a major culprit when it comes to UTIs, more sex (and sex with more partners) increases the risk. So if you're in the honeymoon phase of the relationship and having sex like 10 times a day, you should be being careful. Everyday Health says that 80 percent of young women who develop an STI have had sex in the past 24 hours, which makes a quick run to the bathroom seem less like a chore and more like a necessity.
Here's what you should know about why you need to be peeing after sex:
1. It's A Bacteria Issue
When you're having sex, a lot of things rub together (that's the technical term) and bacteria spreads. Everyday Health explains: "During sex, the urethra comes into contact with the bacteria from the genital area and anus, allowing them to enter the urethra, the bladder, and possibly eventually the kidneys, and result in an infection." Peeing helps clear out this bacteria and prevent infection.
2. It Can Hurt Badly
Symptoms of a UTI include "pain or burning during urination," plus having to pee all the time . Burning is never a word I want to think of in relation to my vagina, so this is important stuff.
3. Women Have Shorter Urethras
Part of the problem, according to Men's Journal is "women have short urethras compared to men, so it's easy for this bacteria (once inside) to make its way to the bladder, where it can multiple, damage tissue, and cause inflammation." So our shorter pipes put us more at risk.
4. Be Careful With Anal
Anal sex can be great, as you may know— but cleanliness is so important. Not only are you at risk of STIs during anal, if you switch from anal to vaginal sex without changing condoms you're basically planting the unwanted bacteria that can cause a UTI. Make sure you're being hygienic.
5. Yes, You Do Have To Go
Going to the bathroom right after sex may seem awkward, but it also can seem impossible if you don't feel the urge to pee. But, as long as you're healthy, you should almost always be able to pee, at least a little bit. Dr. Lissa Rankin explains that if "you spent more than five minutes in the sack, a well-hydrated person would have likely collected at least a wee bit of urine in the bladder. If you never have to pee after sex, you may not be hydrating enough." So as long as you're drinking enough water, you should be able to help keep yourself safe from UTIs.
Want more of Bustle's Sex and Relationships coverage? Check out our video on sex positions for small penises:
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