4 Things They Didn’t Tell You In Sex Ed

Depending on where you grew up, “sex ed” class consisted of an awkward week of gym class or abstinence pamphlets encouraging you to save yourself until marriage. If you were lucky, the class may have covered some of the basics, but almost always skipped the really practical advice we need as adults, like helpful tips to help you start enjoying sex and avoid discomfort. From the types of lubes you want to use, to how to avoid the need for yeast infection treatments—yes, it is possible to get them from sex—it’s important you know a few things they didn’t tell you about in sex ed.

It’s Messy

The first thing you should know about sex is that it can get messy. Between lube and sweat alone, you might need a shower afterward. Keeping a towel handy is almost a necessity, and you might even need to change the sheets once you are done. An alternative is having a towel underneath you. In any case, you’ll want to have most of your sex in relatively clean environments (leaving room for spontaneity, of course) and clean up afterward. Be warned that using a douche vaginally isn’t recommended, as this could cause infections. Instead, you might want to find a doctor-approved balancing wash.

Condoms Are More Useful Than You Might Think

You probably already know that condoms are an excellent method of birth control and can stop many STIs. But some infections are not considered STIs that you can still catch from partners. And some you won’t even catch from a partner.

Bacterial vaginosis (BV), for example, isn’t actually an STI, but having sex can cause it. Doctors have not found a definitive link, but BV is common among sexually active folks. It’s thought that BV develops from an upset in your vagina’s pH balance or bacteria. A side effect of sex is introducing new bacteria from a partner, which can tip the balance of healthy vaginal bacteria to unhealthy. Thankfully, condoms help prevent BV and other similar issues, such as yeast infections. In the end, if you do have an infection, it’s best to abstain from sex until it clears up, even if you do have condoms. Thankfully, there are BV treatment over the counter solutions.

UTIs and Yeast Infections Are Easy to Get But Also Easy to Prevent

Both yeast infections and UTIs are common irritations for people with vaginas. You can even have both at the same time. Over-cleansing your vagina commonly leads to infection because harsh, scented cleansers can suppress the good bacteria that prevent yeast infections and UTIs. Disrupting this balance can make you susceptible to opportunistic infections, A.K.A. bacteria that is transmitted during sex! Thankfully, it’s easy enough to get treatment for yeast infection or a UTI—but how can you prevent them? Wearing condoms, using probiotics with lactobacilli, wiping front to back, and peeing after sex are all ways you can help prevent yeast infections and UTIs.

Not All Lube Is Right for Every Situation

Lube can help prevent injury and discomfort, such as micro-tearing and chafing. This, in turn, can help prevent STIs, as irritated and inflamed skin makes it easier to get past the body’s defenses. But not all lube is made the same. That means different lubes for different situations:

Silicone-based lube offers staying power and slickness, and is safe to use with condoms. Since it doesn’t absorb, certain formulations can be messier and harder to clean up afterward, but that’s a small price to pay to prevent irritation. Plus, it’s the only option that keeps its slip underwater! It will dissolve silicone sex toys, though, so use another lube for that activity.Oil-based lube, like coconut oil, can be better for sensitive skin and is easy to get. However, the oil can weaken the latex in condoms, making them more likely to break during sex. The main drawback of oil-based lubes is that they are known to stain sheets.Water-based lube works with sex toys and condoms, and doesn’t cause a mess. The downside is that they can get sticky over time, don’t last long in the shower, and aren’t as slippery as other lubes.

By understanding which lube is best for each situation, you can safely take control of your sexual health.

About Wisp

When you want quick, hassle-free treatments and care for common reproductive infections, STIs, and birth control, Wisp provides it. Let’s be real—sometimes, what’s going on down there can be confusing. But it doesn’t have to be! Reproductive infections and STIs are way more common than you’d think, and hormonal birth control has been around for over half a century. So you can still be your usual, sexually active self. And now, you can be safer with Wisp. The online, one-stop shop for sexual healthcare makes sexual health accessible to everyone, plus you can request treatment online and pick it up in three hours. From recognizing symptoms to chatting with a medical provider to getting prescriptions or over the counter remedies, Wisp helps you stay informed, safe, and healthy. Whether you suspect bacterial vaginosis, need treatment for yeast infection, or want a quick prescription for a herpes recurrence, you can get the discreet support you need from Wisp.

Learn more about sexual health by visiting https://hellowisp.com/

Original Source: https://bit.ly/3XaPtm8