Why you should be peeing after sex

Posted on 14 November 2023 by Natalia
Why you should be peeing after sex

Sexual health is an important part of our overall well-being, but it's human to overlook seemingly unimportant things in our regular routines. One of these is making a beeline for the bathroom after getting frisky. Peeing after sex plays an important role in preventing infections and staying healthy down there.

Why is it important to pee after sex?

Everyone loves to have sex, but it can sometimes also expose our bodies to potentially harmful bacteria. That's where the importance of a post-coital loo visit comes in.

During sexual activity, especially for women, bacteria can be pushed towards the urethra. Peeing afterwards helps to flush out these microorganisms before they get the chance to settle in the bladder and cause an infection.

By peeing after sex, you'll significantly reduce the risk of catching a nasty urinary tract infection (UTI), which can lead to complications if left untreated (fancy a lovely kidney infection?) Symptoms of a UTI include a frequent and urgent need to pee, a burning sensation while urinating, the feeling that you haven't fully emptied your bladder and sometimes, blood in the urine. Beware, women are particularly prone to post-sex UTIs.

Besides warding off UTIs, a post-sex pee can also contribute to your overall sexual health. Flushing your urethra ensures that any foreign particles or potential pathogens are eliminated, for example.

What about your sex toys?

Hygiene is key when it comes to using sex toys! Not only will your sex toys last longer if you take care of them, you'll be protecting your sexual health.

Sex toys are fun to use, but they can become riddled with bacteria if not properly cleaned. After all, they come into contact with some of the body’s most sensitive areas, which are particularly vulnerable to nasty germs.


To protect yourself, you should clean your sex toys before and after each use. Use warm water and mild soap, or a cleaner specifically designed for sex toys, and make sure to rinse thoroughly to remove any soap residue.

For waterproof toys, you can fully plunge them into warm soapy water to do a deep clean. For non-waterproof toys, clean them with a damp cloth or a suitable wipe (never immerge them fully in water!). You can then dry your toys thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth before storing them in an appropriate area.

You should also check the instructions in the user's manual, as different materials may require specific cleaning methods. For instance, sex toys made of silicone, glass, or metal can be sterilised in boiling water without detergent for total disinfection. However, porous materials like latex, TPE, or ABS need to be handled with extra care to prevent bacteria from settling in.

Some practical tips

Post-romp, your body might need a bit of extra care to maintain the balance and health of your urinary system.

  • Drink up: Drinking plenty of water is crucial. Staying hydrated helps to dilute your urine and flush out your urinary tract. Aim to have a glass of water before and after the deed to encourage effective post-coital peeing.

  • Pee promptly: Make it a point to urinate within 15 to 30 minutes after sex.

  • Care for your bits: Gently clean your genital area after sex. Use warm water and, if necessary, a mild, unscented cleanser to avoid irritation.

  • Wipe yourself properly: Use soft toilet paper and wipe from front to back to prevent spreading bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

  • Let your bits breathe: Opt for cotton underwear and breathable clothing post-sex to air out of your private parts. This can help prevent bacterial growth in warm, moist environments. Remember to wash your lingerie thoroughly after each session.