Maintaining intimate hygiene is key to comfort, confidence, and sexual health. Whether you’re getting ready for a steamy night or wrapping up a sensual session, knowing how to clean the vagina before and after sex the right way matters. This TLC-approved step-by-step guide is designed for women who want to feel fresh, safe, and empowered—without compromising their natural balance.

Let’s break it down into simple, gentle practices you can follow before and after intimacy.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean the Vagina Before Sex

1. Wash Your Hands
   • Always start by washing your hands with warm water and a mild cleanser like TLC’s intimate cleanser to avoid introducing bacteria.
2. Use Warm Water
   • Gently rinse the external genital area (vulva) with warm water.
   • If needed, use a pH-balanced, unscented cleanser like TLC’s gentle formula—specially designed for sensitive areas.
   • Do not insert water or soap into the vagina; it’s self-cleaning and doesn’t need internal washing.
3. Avoid Harsh Soaps
   • Stick to unscented, gentle, and pH-balanced cleansers only—like TLC’s non-irritating formula. Avoid body washes or scented soaps.
   • Focus cleaning only on external areas such as the labia and around the clitoris.
4. Rinse Thoroughly
   • Ensure that no soap or cleanser residue remains—residue can lead to itching or irritation.
5. Dry Gently
   • Pat the area dry with a clean, soft towel. Don’t rub.
6. Use Unscented Wipes (Optional)
   • Alcohol-free, unscented wipes like TLC’s intimate wipes are great for quick touch-ups. Do not insert wipes into the vagina.
7. Skip the Douching
   • Douching before sex can disturb the natural pH and increase the risk of infections.

Additional Daily Vaginal Hygiene Tips

1. Stay Hydrated
   • Drinking water helps support healthy vaginal tissues and natural cleansing.
2. Wear Clean, Breathable Underwear
   • Opt for cotton underwear to improve airflow and reduce moisture.
3. Urinating Before Sex
   • Helps reduce pressure on the bladder and lowers UTI risk.
4. Manage Period Hygiene
   • If you’re on your period, change tampons, pads, or cups before sex.
5. Avoid Scented Products
   • Stay away from scented sprays, powders, or perfumes near the vaginal area—they can disrupt your natural flora.

How to Clean the Vagina After Sex

1. Urinate After Sex
   • This helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex, reducing UTI risk.
2. Rinse with Warm Water
   • Gently wash the external area with warm water and a mild, fragrance-free cleanser like TLC’s.
   • Focus only on the vulva; there’s no need to wash inside the vagina.
3. Dry the Area Properly
   • Use a clean towel and pat (don’t rub) to dry thoroughly and prevent moisture buildup.

What About Douching After Sex?

Douching after sex is not recommended. While it may seem like a way to stay fresh, it actually disrupts the vagina’s natural balance and may cause:

• Increased risk of infection
• Altered pH levels
• Elimination of healthy bacteria

Your vagina is designed to clean itself—let it do its job, and focus on gentle, external cleansing instead.

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Every vagina is unique. If you notice unusual discharge, odor, itching, or discomfort—especially after sex—consult a trusted healthcare professional.

For daily care, stick with dermatologist-approved and OB/GYN-recommended products that protect, not disrupt. You’ll find them in our TLC intimate care line.

Proper hygiene before and after sex isn’t just about being clean—it’s about feeling confident, respecting your partner, and reducing the risk of irritation or infection. This TLC University guide outlines essential sex hygiene tips for men, including genital care, anal preparation, and oral hygiene. Whether you’re flying solo, with a partner, or preparing for anal or oral play, here’s how to stay fresh, clean, and TLC-approved.

Need a deeper dive into feminine hygiene? Check out our women’s hygiene guide.

General Hygiene Steps Before Sex

1. Wash Your Hands
   • Thoroughly wash with soap and water before touching yourself or a partner. Clean hands help prevent introducing bacteria to intimate areas.
2. Shower or Bathe
   • Use warm water and a mild, unscented soap to clean your entire body. Pay special attention to your intimate areas.
3. Focus on the Genitals
   • Penis:
     • Circumcised men: Gently wash the shaft and head with water and a pH-friendly cleanser like TLC’s intimate cleanser.
     • Uncircumcised men: Carefully pull back the foreskin and clean underneath to remove smegma or buildup.
   • Scrotum:
     • Wash thoroughly to reduce sweat, bacteria, and odor in this sensitive area.
4. Trim Hair (Optional)
   • Trimming pubic hair can reduce odor and help keep the area cooler and cleaner. Use clean tools and trim with care.

How to Prep for Anal Sex (For Men)

1. Empty the Bowels
   • Using the bathroom beforehand helps increase comfort and prevents accidents.
2. Clean the Anal Area
   • Use warm water and a mild cleanser. Avoid harsh scrubbing to prevent irritation.
   • Unscented, alcohol-free wipes—like TLC’s intimate wipes—can provide a gentle alternative.
3. Optional: Use a Gentle Enema
   • If you anticipate deeper penetration, some men use a small, lukewarm water enema to feel cleaner. Use this method sparingly and avoid overuse.
   • Always consult a medical professional before making enemas a regular practice.

Oral Sex Preparation for Men

1. Oral Hygiene
   • Brush your teeth, rinse with mouthwash, and floss—at least 30 minutes before oral sex—to ensure freshness and minimize bacterial risk.
   • Avoid flossing immediately before oral sex to prevent tiny cuts in the mouth.
2. Rinse Intimate Areas
   • A quick rinse or wipe-down of the genitals removes sweat and reduces odor. TLC’s wipes are perfect for on-the-go freshness.

Post-Sex Hygiene for Men

1. Avoid Strong Fragrances
   • Stick to unscented, pH-balanced cleansers that are kind to your skin and your partner’s.
2. Change into Clean Clothing
   • Fresh underwear helps avoid bacterial buildup and keeps the area cool and dry.
3. Stay Hydrated
   • Hydration supports skin health and helps your body function at its best—including during and after intimacy.

When to See a Doctor

If you experience any pain, odor, itching, or irritation that doesn’t resolve after proper hygiene, consult a healthcare provider. Hygiene is essential—but so is listening to your body.

Want to learn more about smart prep and aftercare? Read Lube 101: Choosing the Right Formula for You.