Should you urinate after intercourse?

Immediately after intercourse, you should avoid urinating due to the risk of retrograde infection, testicular inflammation, and other health harms.

After sexual intercourse, the body's temperature rises, leading to sweating and expanded pores, accompanied by feelings of fatigue and drowsiness. While many people routinely urinate or shower immediately after sex to cleanse themselves, this practice can increase the risk of retrograde infection and lead to catching a cold, according to Master, Doctor Pham Quang Khai, from the Department of Urology and Andrology Surgery at E Hospital.

For men, the ejaculatory duct remains open after ejaculation. Urinating immediately can cause the pressure of the urine to force bacteria backward into the vas deferens, potentially leading to retrograde infection, inflammation of the vas deferens, or testicular inflammation. The ideal time to urinate is approximately 10-15 minutes after intercourse.

Similarly, showering immediately after sex is not recommended because the body is fatigued and pores are open, increasing the risk of catching a cold or even experiencing a stroke. To prevent thermal shock to the body, avoid drinking iced water, consuming cold foods, or setting the air conditioner to a very low temperature right after intimacy.

To protect one's health, it is advisable to practice good hygiene before intercourse. After intercourse, a gentle cleanse with warm water is sufficient; strong chemical detergents or deep douching should be strictly avoided. For women, it is important to wipe from front to back to prevent bacteria from the anus migrating to the vagina.

Drinking one cup of warm water after intercourse helps the body recover energy quickly. This hydration also promotes excretion, aiding in flushing out bacteria from the urinary tract and minimizing the risk of infection.

Additionally, enhance your diet with nutrient-rich foods, particularly those high in vitamin E, and fruits. Discontinue habits like smoking and consuming stimulants such as beer and alcohol. Engage in daily physical exercise to improve health, alleviate stress, and manage a balanced work-rest schedule.

It is important to note that individuals undergoing medical treatment or those with weakened bodies should avoid sexual intercourse. Intercourse during menstruation is also not advisable, as it can cause congestion, potentially leading to menstrual disorders, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and other gynecological conditions.

If the genital area shows unusual signs such as itching, burning, or thick white discharge (in both men and women), or if urinary symptoms like painful urination, bladder pain, urinary retention, frequent urination, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, or blood in the urine occur, seek timely examination and treatment from a specialist doctor at a reputable medical facility. Self-medicating with sexual enhancement drugs or other treatments is strongly discouraged.