Is there any evidence to suggest that washing the genital region after sex with some sort of anti-bacterial solution reduces the risk of STDs?
Hi smllms
I have not been able to find any research or evidence that shows that washing reduces your chances of getting an STI.
It has been shown that virus’s such as HIV and herpes are generally inactivated (killed) when washing with soap and water so it would not be harmful if someone did wash with soap and water. With that said, I would like to stress that there is no evidence that washing after sex will reduce your chance of getting an STI.
There are situation where washing might increase your risk of STI. I have seen people that have come to the clinic with broken skin from excessive washing, using strong chemicals or chemicals that are not supposed to be used on the skin. This breakdown in the first protective layer of skin could increase your risk if you came in contact with infected fluids.
Douching (washing out the vagina) has also been shown to increase risk for certain STI’s. Some solutions can disrupt the natural environment in the vagina which may increase the risk for STI’s. I have found a research study that shows an increased risk of HIV for woman who douche.
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HN