The Importance of the HPV Vaccine: Protecting Yourself and Others Against the Virus
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread virus, with approximately 14 million new infections in the
Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) affect tens of millions of Americans every year, and people have many different ideas about how to prevent infections. The lack of adequate sex education leads to misinformation that can have life-altering consequences, such as the myth that “pulling out” is enough to stop pregnancy.
A common question about STD prevention is, “Does showering after sex reduce chances of STD infection?” In this article, we answer this question and provide helpful hygiene tips to keep yourself healthy while sexually active.
Does Washing Help Prevent STDs?
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) spread through bodily fluids during sexual contact, so it would possibly make sense to think that taking a quick shower after sex could help prevent catching an STD. Bacteria, viruses, and other microbes can get into your body through mucous membranes, such as:
- Mouth
- Lips
- Nostrils
- Eyelids
- Ears
- Anus
- Genital areas
However, no scientific evidence supports the theory that washing with soap and water after sex can significantly reduce STD infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
One of the most relevant studies comes from Uganda, where a team observed almost 3,000 uncircumcised men to determine whether washing after sex affected HIV transmission as much as circumcision.
Their findings were the opposite of what they expected. Participants who washed their genitals almost every time after sex had a higher risk of HIV infection than those that didn’t wash their genitals after sex.
The presenter of the study, Dr. Frederick Makumbi, speculated that the wetness after washing could cause cell inflammation, making them more vulnerable to HIV infection. Dr. Makumbi also guessed that washing with soap and water removes vaginal fluids containing enzymes that might help negate HIV.
Without more evidence, it’s safest to assume that showering after sexual contact is not enough to prevent infection of STDs.
Does Soap Kill STDs?
STIs mostly come from disease-causing viruses or bacteria, also known as pathogens. Soap contains molecules with a hydrophobic “tail” that seeks out fats, and bacteria and (some) viruses have a fatty membrane. The soap molecules destroy pathogens by isolating them and breaking through the fat membrane.
Common bacterial infections include chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis. Common viral STDs include human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B, and genital herpes, which are all viruses that soap can annihilate. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is resistant to soap and typical disinfectants, and the best way to prevent it is by getting the vaccine.
Good Hygiene Practices After Sex
Showering isn’t the best protection against STDs, but maintaining good overall hygiene might help you avoid infections. The following are tips for cleaning up after sexual intercourse, including things to avoid:
- Just use water. You can simply rinse your genital area with water to clean up after sex. If you use soap, it should be mild and unscented, and you should avoid using it on areas like the inner parts of the vagina and the head of the penis.
- Wash your hands. Washing your hands with antibacterial soap and water after sex can prevent you from spreading pathogens to other areas of your body.
- Don’t douche. Douching can throw off the natural balance inside the vagina, increasing the risk of STIs and vaginal infections.
- Clean your sex toys. You should sanitize your sex toys after every use to eliminate harmful bacteria and viruses and avoid yeast infections.
- Urinate shortly after sex. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common among women, so peeing after sex can help flush the bacteria out of your system.
Starting your new hygienic routine with a clean slate by getting a 10-Panel STD test at a Rapid STD Testing location near you.
Can Poor Hygiene Cause STDs?
One study found that adolescents with sufficient knowledge of personal hygiene were significantly less likely to catch an STD than those with insufficient knowledge. Since many STDs spread through bacteria and viruses, practicing good hygiene is essential to keeping pathogens away.
Sometimes, poor hygiene can mask STD symptoms. Find out what could be the problem if your penis smells fishy.
Best Ways To Prevent STDs and STIs
The only way to totally prevent STDs is to abstain from sexual activity, including vaginal, oral, or anal sex. However, the following are what experts recommend to prevent STDs if you're sexually active:
- Use a polyurethane or latex condom correctly every time you have sex.
- Refrain from having multiple sex partners with unknown sexual history.
- Get the HPV vaccine
- Get STD tests regularly and urge your partner to also get a rapid STD test
How To Prevent STDs After Exposure
Some of the most common STDs, including chlamydia, gonorrhea, HIV, and hepatitis B, often show no symptoms. Untreated STDs can lead to severe health complications, and many are highly contagious through sexual or skin contact. Getting periodic STD tests is the best way to help prevent serious health issues and keep you from infecting your partner.
How To Tell Your Partner You Have an STD
Many people struggle with revealing their STD status to their partners, especially if they are in a long-term relationship. The misconceptions surrounding STDs lead to shame and judgment. Before telling your partner, conduct plenty of research on the STD you have, and go into the conversation armed with accurate information.
Despite the difficulty of doing so, informing your sexual partners that you have an STD is crucial for preventing the further spread of the disease.
How To Avoid STIs Before You Have Sex
Since the answer to “Does showering after sex reduce chances of STD infection?” is “No,” it's best to find a more reliable prevention method. Before you decide to have sex, test yourself for STDs and find out your partner's STD status.
At Rapid STD Testing, we offer same-day STD testing that’s fast and private so you can protect yourself and your partners. Order rapid STD tests online today.
