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At one point or another, we’ve all questioned the way we engage in aftercare after sex: Should we be cuddling? How quickly do I need to get dressed? Should I go to the bathroom immediately? Do I need to say anything profound to my partner? There’s no right or wrong way to practice aftercare — you can enjoy your after-sex, wind-down ritual any way that feels right to you, including turning your aftercare into a total self-care moment.
From stretching to enjoying Uqora’s Flush Advanced+ ($30) — the delish drink mix that helps support your urinary tract health and reduce the risk of recurrent UTIs in healthy women ‡ — there are so many ways aftercare can (and should!) be self-care.
Check out some of our fave aftercare ideas and determine which ones resonate with you to incorporate into your next post-sex ritual.
- Hydrate with Uqora
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That first sip of water after sex hits different. But, aside from craving it after a steamy sex sesh, gynecologist and Uqora medical advisor Dr. Alyssa Dweck explains that for those prone to UTIs, it’s important to have water for several reasons beyond replenishing and rehydrating.
“One form of aftercare women should prioritize immediately after sex includes hydrating adequately with water to dilute the urine and flush the kidneys,” Dr. Dweck says, noting that doing so will help lower the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI), which is “an infection in the urinary tract that’s caused by overgrowth of certain bacteria in the bladder,” and is commonly caused by intercourse. “To be even more proactive, consider Uqora’s Flush Advanced+ as a post-sex supplement to optimize urinary health,” Dr. Dweck says.
In addition to helping tackle urinary health with science-backed ingredients like D-Mannose, a carbohydrate that helps flush microorganisms from the urinary tract, Flush Advanced+ also provides overall immune system support, making it a great solution not just for self-care after sex, but also while traveling or exercising.
UQORA FLUSH Advanced+ ($30)
- Take a shower
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Sometimes after getting hot and bothered, you literally *need* to shower. Other times, it’s a great way to reconnect with yourself and reset your nervous system after sharing an intimate, adrenaline-filled moment with your partner. Dim the lights, play soft music, and take your time for a truly refreshing self-care aftercare moment.
- Use the bathroom
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Anytime a character doesn’t immediately use the bathroom after a sex scene in a movie, I want
to yell at her to warn her about some of the common (and uncomfortable) UTI symptoms.
“Some definitive signs and symptoms to look out for if you suspect you have a UTI include a frequency of urination, burning or pain during urination, and an intense urgency to urinate.”
Even though UTIs have a wide range of causes, Dr. Dweck confirms that sexual activity increases the risk of developing a UTI, since “the UTI-causing bacteria can travel and can be transmitted mechanically from the anorectal area and vagina towards the urethra and bladder during intercourse.”
Because of this, for those prone to UTIs from intercourse, she suggests hitting the bathroom ASAP after sex to “flush the bacteria from the urethra” and help keep those UTIs away. Double up on reducing your chance of a recurring UTI by mixing in Flush Advanced+, too!
- Take a moment for yourself
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Whether you use the moment to stretch, breathe, or just lie still, it’ll feel great to enjoy a bit of calm. You can also cuddle yourself, check in with your body, eat your fave snack, and provide positive self-talk and gentle reassurance.
No matter what your post-sex, self-care routine looks like, always remember to do what feels right both emotionally and physically.
†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
‡Consuming 500 mg in one stick pack each day of this whole cranberry fruit powder dietary supplement in Flush Advanced+ may help reduce the risk of recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) in healthy women. The FDA has concluded that there is limited scientific evidence supporting this claim.