Although people are tentatively opening up about sexuality, the topic of sexual hygiene remains largely ignored in the media . Discussions about best practices for optimal sexual health, whether physical or mental, are rarely held.
This article encourages open discussion and knowledge sharing, addressing topics such as STI prevention, consent, and healthy communication with partners. It revisits the basics and delves deeper, empowering everyone to move towards a joyful and fulfilling sexuality.
What is intimate and sexual hygiene?
Intimate and sexual hygiene refers to all practices aimed at maintaining the health of the genitals and intimate area, as well as well-being in the sexual sphere. Good intimate and sexual hygiene contributes to comfort, infection prevention, and respect for oneself and one's partners.
According to a Mylan study , although 84% of women see intimate hygiene routines as essential, there is a lot of misinformation about what sexual hygiene is on the internet.
This is due to a lack of education on this subject, because despite its importance, intimate hygiene remains a taboo subject for 53% of women surveyed , especially among younger women.
Examples include the excessive use of harsh products that are dangerous for the vaginal flora, a lack of knowledge about the transmission patterns of STIs, and a lack of tools to communicate one's limits to one's partner.
Regarding the products used, the Mylan survey reveals that most women opt for intimate hygiene with products not specific to the pH of the area.
It is therefore urgent that healthcare professionals and institutions take ownership of this area and share best practices without taboos.
Reminder about STIs
Transmission of STIs among women
Sexually transmitted infections ( STIs), formerly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or venereal diseases, are infections caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites during unprotected (or poorly protected) sexual intercourse.
These STIs have repercussions on health, sexual life, fertility , and sometimes even on the unborn child when they occur during pregnancy. They also affect mental health, particularly due to the social stigma surrounding them. This stigma often leads to feelings of guilt and fear of judgment.
First and foremost, it's important to remember that each STI is different and not all are transmitted in the same way. However, they all involve the sharing of bodily fluids, not just penetrative sex. STIs can be transmitted through:
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kisses,
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oral sex,
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unprotected sexual intercourse,
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rimming or anilingus
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the sharing of vibrators (we don't lend out Coco without prior screening).
For women, here are the most common infections:
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Bacterial infections such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and mycoplasma infections affected approximately 374 million people worldwide in 2020 (according to the WHO). When diagnosed, they can be cured with antibiotics.
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Parasitic infections: such as trichomoniasis, which affected approximately 156 million people in 2020 and required treatment with antiparasitic drugs.
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Viral infections , such as hepatitis B , genital herpes , HIV and human papillomavirus (HPV), require specific drug management depending on the type of virus.
Focus on the human papillomavirus (HPV)
THE Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most widespread viral STIs and poses several medical challenges due to its high virality and carcinogenic potential .
Highly contagious, HPV is easily transmitted through skin contact during sexual relations, even without penetration, which makes its spread rapid and difficult to limit .
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In men, HPV is particularly difficult to detect because the infection is often asymptomatic and screening tests are less widespread than in women. This lack of visibility increases the risk of transmission.
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In women, certain strains of HPV can cause cancers of the cervix, vulva, vagina, anus, and even throat. Screening and vaccination against certain HPV strains are therefore essential to reduce the risks.
Protect yourself properly
To prevent sexually transmitted infections, remember to always use male condoms, female condoms or dental dams for all sexual practices (vaginal, anal, oral) with untested partners.
Never be afraid to ask a partner for testing. It's a sign of respect for both of you. Communicate openly with your partner, discussing testing and consent , to foster a relationship of trust.
Get tested regularly, especially if you have multiple partners, and encourage your partners to do the same.
Vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B is strongly recommended for additional protection.
Finally, practice good hygiene , especially by urinating after intercourse, and thoroughly clean your vibrators before and after each use. For this, we highly recommend our cleaning foam .
Family planning and contraception
In March 1956, the French Movement for Family Planning (MFPF) was founded by Marie-Andrée Lagroua Weill-Hallé and Évelyne Sullerot with the aim of promoting a more egalitarian and inclusive society.
From its inception, the MFPF has fought for contraception as an alternative to abortion, demanding that it be controlled by specialist doctors. However, internal disagreements, particularly regarding contraception education and the legalization of abortion, led to Weill-Hallé's departure in 1966.
Family planning, which she promotes, aims to allow families to choose when to have children, thus helping to regulate births. Contraception has been available in France since 1967, offering people the possibility of reducing the risk of unwanted pregnancy.
Family Planning offers a safe and confidential space to discuss topics related to sexuality, including contraception.
In these information and care centers, you can receive advice from professionals. This safe space allows individuals to ask questions and get answers without judgment or pressure.
This can be particularly beneficial for those living in environments where conversations about sexuality are limited or discouraged.
Hygiene and healthy relationships?
Sexual hygiene goes beyond simply preventing disease and using contraception. We've discussed the physical aspect of sexual hygiene; now let's turn to mental hygiene . It's essential to take care of your mental health when engaging in intimate relationships with another person.
Whether it's for one night or for a lifetime, it's important to feel comfortable and respected , to express your boundaries and to make sure your partner does the same.
A fulfilling relationship requires being able to speak openly about one's desires, but also about one's emotional needs and concerns .
As a reminder, consent is not limited to an initial agreement : it must be present throughout the experience, allowing everyone to express themselves freely, without any pressure.
A healthy relationship also includes recognizing one's own worth and signs of a positive relationship, such as mutual respect, kindness, and emotional support.
Don't be afraid to ask your partner questions . Open communication about your past sexual practices and medical history is essential.
Speak openly about your sexual history and concerns regarding sexual health, as well as your limits and desires. To facilitate the conversation, why not take a relaxing moment to broach the subject and share your sexual experiences ?
Care checklist before, during and after sex
Preparing the ground: Hygiene before sex
Before diving into the deep end, it is best for everyone to take a few precautions.
It's important to note that only a third of women and a quarter of men consider intimate hygiene before sexual intercourse essential . So yes, intimate hygiene before sex isn't crucial or mandatory, but it can help you feel more comfortable with your partner.
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If you wish to integrate intimate care and hygiene into your sex life, we advise you to wash with a specific cleanser that respects the pH of your intimate areas or intimate wipes.
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If you use vibrators , clean them thoroughly before each use.
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Prepare your condoms or suitable protection as well as a compatible lubricant to maximize comfort.
During the act: maintaining hygiene during sex
In the heat of passion, hygiene sometimes takes a back seat. Yet, this is the most crucial moment for your physical and mental health.
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When it comes to lubrication, a helping hand is always welcome. Use a water-based lubricant. If necessary, use a lubricant to avoid irritation and promote comfort. Avoid oil-based lubricants if you are using latex condoms, as they can damage them.
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Consent should be renewed during the act . Communicate with your partner and guide them towards what will bring you pleasure. Set your boundaries if certain practices don't appeal to you at the moment.
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If you choose to explore anal pleasure and switch from anal stimulation to vaginal penetration, immediately change condoms to avoid transferring bacteria and prevent infections. If you are not using a condom, you can switch from vaginal to anal penetration, but never the other way around.
Post-sex: intimate hygiene after the act
Finally, self-care does not end with the end of sexual play.
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Remember to take a trip to the toilet to help eliminate bacteria from the urethra and reduce the risk of urinary tract infections.
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Wash your intimate areas with lukewarm water , without harsh soap, so as not to disrupt the natural balance of the intimate flora.
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If you have used sex toys, clean them immediately after each use with a suitable product or warm water and mild soap.
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Hydrate well after sexual intercourse, especially if you used a lubricant. If you experience irritation, use a suitable soothing cream .
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Put on clean cotton underwear to allow your skin to breathe and avoid moisture that could promote the growth of bacteria.
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Finally, communication with your partner is essential. Take the time to come back down to earth and talk things through together. We'll tell you all about aftercare practices in this article.
You now have all the information you need to take care of yourself during intimate moments. Now that you've reviewed the basics, it's time to savor the pleasure and connection that moments with your partner bring. To guide you toward greater enjoyment for both of you, we recommend continuing with our article on using a vibrator as a couple .
