Sex should be pure pleasure but it’s far from it if you get an infection as a result of making love. Sadly, some women find that they are prone to some form of irritation, cystitis or thrush within a day or so after having sex.

What causes it?

The main cause is when bacteria that live quite harmlessly in the bowel get into the urethra. Another cause of infection is using unclean fingers or sextoys that carry bacteria or just having energetic sex which causes irritation.

How femfresh can help

femfresh intimate hygiene products are pH−balanced for the intimate environment. They are hypoallergenic*, and dermatologically and gynaecologically tested so perfect for sensitive or irritated skin.

Janice’s top tips

• Urinate before and after sex to flush out any bacteria.
• Clean up! Irritation can be caused by a change in your pH level. The pH−balance of the intimate skin is different to the pH of body skin and is naturally more acidic to prevent and discourage infections. This low, acidic nature is caused by good bacteria ‘Lactobacilli’ that naturally inhabit the vagina, helping to keep it clean and healthy. The pH of semen is alkaline so you need to wipe away semen as quickly as possible or you could upset your ‘good’ bacteria.
• If you are highly prone to attacks its best to shower straight away and use pH−balanced femfresh body or intimate washes. If you can’t shower at the very least cleanse using femfresh wipes which will remove sweat, bacteria and leave a good pH environment. Remember to always wipe front to back too.
• If you are dry, use a lubricant during sex.
• The use of spermicides with diaphragms alters vaginal flora, increases pH and decreases lactobacilli concentration which promotes irritation. If you are prone to irritation talk to your nurse about other contraceptives.

¹Nicolle et al 1982
* femfresh washes, wipes and deodorant spray