After an intimate moment, have you ever felt thirsty or completely drained? If so, you’re not alone. Sex is a physically demanding activity that can cause dehydration, loss of electrolytes, and reduced energy levels. But should we drink water just after sex?
While there’s no strict rule, staying hydrated post-sex can have several benefits, from preventing UTIs to replenishing lost fluids. Let’s explore why drinking water after sex is important, what other drinks can help, and what else you should do to take care of your body.
Should We Drink Water Just After Sex? Is it Good?
Yes, drinking water after sex is highly beneficial. Here’s how it helps your body recover:
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Replenishes Lost Fluids & Energy
One research reports that water boosts the body’s metabolic rate which consequently increases energy levels. Hence, drinking water after sex (which drains your energy) can help replenish lost fluid and energy.
Some people experience muscle cramps or spasms after engaging in intense sexual activity. Electrolyte water or regular hydration can prevent dehydration-related cramps and spasms.
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Flushes Out Bacteria & Reduces UTI Risks
One evidence shows that drinking water can eliminate the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) by diluting the urine and flushing out harmful bacteria.
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Improves Vaginal Lubrication & Comfort
Dehydration can lead to vaginal dryness and irritation. Drinking enough water ensures optimal lubrication, reducing discomfort after sex.
Best Drinks to Replenish Your Body After Sex
While water is essential, other drinks can help restore lost nutrients and energy:
As during sexual activity the body loses many electrolytes through sweat, drinking electrolyte water can restore those lost electrolytes. This drink can give an extra boost to your body that plain water can’t.
Being rich in electrolytes such as magnesium, sodium, and potassium, coconut water not only quenches your thirst but also helps balance lost electrolytes. So, it is a good option to have after sex to boost your nutrient levels.
Some believe that cranberries’ acidity level makes it much more challenging for UTI-causing bacteria to survive. In addition, it’s also believed that the juice can make the urinary tract more slippery, preventing the bacteria from sticking on. This reduces UTI risks after sex.
Being highly rich in vital nutrients such as Vitamins B6 & B12, magnesium, calcium, riboflavin, and potassium, buttermilk can replenish lost energy levels after sexual activity. Additionally, it helps maintain the proper body’s balance.
Intense sex can cause muscle cramps. So, banana shakes being rich in calcium, potassium, and magnesium can support proper muscle function and prevent cramps. Moreover, bromelain, an enzyme in bananas can boost sex drive in men, and riboflavin in the, can improve testosterone production.
These options can keep you well-hydrated, replenish all lost nutrients, and promote recovery after sex.
Important Considerations:
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Alcohol Intake in Moderation: Avoid drinking too much alcohol after sex as it can affect your sexual health.
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Seek Medical Advice: See a doctor in case you have concerns regarding what you should drink after sexual intercourse, particularly if you keep experiencing UTIs.
How Much and When Should You Drink Water After Sex?
It is not essential to drink a whole bottle of water immediately after sexual intercourse. You should drink water within 30 minutes to 1 hour after it. Make sure to not wait for a long time. Have at least 2 to 3 glasses of water that is sufficient to rehydrate the body and make it come back to its relaxed state. However, if you have lost excess fluid due to intense and longer sex, you might need to drink more water. Just listen to the thirst signal given by your body to determine how much water you should drink.
What Else Should You Do After Sex?
Hydration is just one part of post-sex care. To keep your body healthy, also consider::
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Urinate: Urinate after sex, especially women as it helps get rid of harmful bacteria that can cause UTIs.
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Clean Up Gently: Use mild, fragrance-free soap and warm water to clean your intimate areas and remove sweat or bodily fluids. Avoid douching, as it disrupts natural pH balance.
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Take a Warm Bath: A warm shower relaxes muscles, soothes any irritation, and keeps your skin hydrated.
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Change your Undergarments: Wear clean, comfortable underwear to avoid infections due to leftovers in your undergarments. Avoid synthetic or too-tight underwear as it can irritate the vaginal area.
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Gently Stretch or Move: Gentle walking or stretching can improve circulation and lower the risk of muscle tension.
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Eat Probiotic-rich Foods: Have probiotic-rich foods like yogurt, buttermilk, or kanji to maintain the balance of good bacteria in your reproductive system.
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Look for Warning Signs: Watch for pain, swelling, itching, or discomfort after sexual intercourse. If it persists and worsens, see a gynecologist as it can be a sign of pelvic inflammatory diseases, sexually transmitted infections, or endometriosis.
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Get Tested Regularly: Sexually active individuals should consider regular STI screenings to ensure sexual health.
Does Drinking Water Just After Sex Affect Pregnancy?
No, it doesn’t. Drinking water has no impact on sperm reaching the egg. In fact, staying hydrated may improve fertility by maintaining optimal cervical mucus production in women and sperm quality in men.
Final Thoughts
Should we drink water just after sex? Drinking water is an effective way to improve your health. It rehydrates the body, maintains energy levels, prevents UTIs, increases urine production, and lowers muscle cramps. So, it is better to drink water depending on your thirst level within 30 minutes of sex. You can also find other options like electrolyte water, coconut water, buttermilk, banana shake, or cranberry juice. Along with hydration, make sure to urinate, clean your genitals, take a shower, gently stretch, change your undergarments, and get tested to ensure no exposure to infections after sexual intercourse. See a doctor for any concerns regarding sexual health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get pregnant if I pee right after?
Yes, you can! Urinating doesn’t prevent the chances of conception as urine comes out from the urethra and ejaculation happens in the vaginal canal.
How much coconut water should I drink?
Have one glass of coconut water after sex unless you are thirsty.
What if you don’t feel thirsty after sex?
Even if you don’t feel thirsty after engaging in sexual intercourse, still you should drink a glass of water to prevent dehydration, infection, vaginal dryness, muscle cramps, and low energy.
Can drinking water prevent post-sex fatigue?
Yes, it can prevent fatigue after sex by properly rehydrating the body and increasing energy levels.
What should you not do immediately after sex?
Avoid wearing too tight underwear, douching, using fragrant products, not urinating, sleeping immediately, and not relaxing.
