17 Things To Do After Sex

What happens after sex is usually anticlimactic – in more ways than one.

It’s often said that men just want to fall asleep while women want to talk and/or cuddle, but there are actually a lot of interesting options you can choose from – together.

So, let’s get started.

Bath / Shower

Depending on what exactly you’ve been up to, getting clean after sex is going to be a necessity at some level.

So, why not continue the intimacy by taking a shower together, where you can help wash each other’s body?

Or, if you want a more relaxing option, go for a soak in the bath together.

Who knows, this may even lead to another session?

At the very least, you should thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.

One word of warning, for women, though – you may be tempted to clean inside your vagina, using water or prepared fluids, but the problem is that these can upset your internal bacterial balance. The vagina actually cleans itself in most cases, and remember that a mild smell is normal and not indicative of any problem.

Bathroom

This is usually more important for women, because urinating after sex can reduce the chances of getting a urinary tract infection.

However, for men, then if you are using the pull-out method (which is reckoned to be 96% effective), then urinating in between sex sessions can greatly reduce the chance of an unwanted pregnancy, caused by latent sperm finding their way to an egg.

Clean Any Sex Toys

In the same way that it’s advisable to wash and clean yourself after sex, the same applies to any sex toys you might have used because, again, they may harbour bacteria that could cause problems next time.

Compliments

Complimenting your partner before sex is, of course common – it may even be what leads to sex – but there’s no reason to stop there.

After you’re finished, and maybe while you’re cuddling (see below), why not tell your partner how they turn you on, how great the sex was (or that “thing” they do that you love), or anything that is both true and complimentary.

Condom Check

This may not be top of your list for post-sex activities, but if you are relying on a condom to prevent pregnancy, it makes sense to check it as soon afterward as possible to ensure it didn’t break, both for health and possible pregnancy reasons.

Cooking

I know there’s the old joke about the woman going to make the man a sandwich afterward, but that is a bit sexist in this day and age.

Instead, why don’t you both go and make something to eat – it doesn’t have to be anything fancy, because it’s the act of making the food together that matters.

Cuddling

Regardless of where you’ve had sex (e.g. bed, settee, floor, car, out in nature), I think a post-coital cuddle is a great way to continue the intimacy.

Whether you talk or not, or simply bask in each other’s arms, it doesn’t matter – what’s important is that you can relax together, feeling the warmth and security of being with somebody you care about.

Exercise

This is obviously only for those who actually have any energy left, but here’s the thing – after sex, your testosterone levels are usually still quite high, which can lead to a more productive work-out.

Just make sure you’re sufficiently recovered after sex to withstand a different type of work-out!

Fall Asleep

Yes, this is usually going to happen anyway, but the key thing here is to fall asleep, initially at least, in each other’s arms – maybe after a cuddle – rather than on your individual side of the bed.

Loose-Fitting Clothes

For those who prefer to have sex and/or sleep with at least some clothes on, then make sure they are loose-fitting and comfortable, because the last thing you need is to create a warm and moist environment that will provide a cozy home for bacteria.

Personally, I have always preferred to be naked in bed – I find it more comfortable when sleeping, and more intimate when having sex.

And there are good reasons to sleep naked anyway.

Movie Time

Another great way to continue the feelings of closeness after sex is to watch a movie (or TV show) together.

You can do this in bed if you want (although it’s usually recommended that you do not have a television in the bedroom), or on the sofa.

It doesn’t really matter what you watch, although something light, funny, and not too serious is best – this is meant to be relaxing.

And, of course, this is another way you can get in that all-important post-sex cuddle, because what’s important here is being together, not in your separate armchairs.

Music

Although you are free to listen to whatever you want, what typically works best here is something relaxing – classical music is good, but another option is listening to nature sounds (e.g. ocean waves, rain, thunder, streams, bird song). You can find these as CDs or downloadable tracks, as YouTube videos, or you can buy devices that play such sounds (including white noise with some machines).

You could even slow dance to it.

Nap

If you’ve not had sex as a precursor to bedtime, it can still be fun to take a short nap together, wherever you may be (e.g. on the sofa).

However, if you’re anything like me, you might want to set an alarm first so you don’t sleep for too long. 🙂

Round Two

Again, assuming you have the energy and it’s appropriate, since you’re clearly already in the mood, then why not start all over again (once you’ve had time to recover, of course)?

Silence

While you can talk afterward, staying silent is also a good option if you just want to enjoy the moment – but it’s better if you’re still in physical contact, of course.

And this is definitely preferable to thinking you need to say something and then coming out with something inappropriate or cheesy, or something that might lead to an argument (which should go without saying).

Stay Off Your Phone

Immediately turning to your phone after sex, to send messages or check social media, is something you should usually avoid because it makes the sex look too transactional rather than an emotional experience.

Water

As well as going to the bathroom, it’s advisable to drink a glass of water afterward to help you stay hydrated – especially if you’ve been particularly active.

Drinking more will, of course, mean you need to urinate more, and that assists in removing potentially harmful bacteria before they have a chance to flare up.

Conclusion

Just as good sex starts before the actual intercourse itself, i.e. the lead-up and the foreplay), it doesn’t end at the end, as it were.

You’re already close together, so it’s the perfect time to continue the intimacy, which may be purely physical (e.g. a cuddle), or it might involve a different kind of sharing (e.g. making and eating food, watching a movie).

Either way, it makes no sense to ruin a perfectly good sex session by throwing aside the benefits that post-coital activities can offer.

Finally, it’s worth noting that, with regard to the hygiene-related tips (e.g. washing / cleaning), this is even more important for pregnant women who need to avoid infections of any type at all costs.

Additional Resources

These are suggestions for those who wish to delve deeper into any of the above:

1. Nature Sounds
2. White Noise Machine