Does sexy time help in keeping the intimate area healthy? OB-GYN answers

Engaging in sexual intercourse is associated with several physical and mental health benefits. Among them are deepening relationships, reducing stress, and boosting confidence. But what role does it play in keeping our genitals healthy?

In an exclusive interview with GMA News Online, Dr. Anafe Obrigoso-Gloria, a board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist, said that sexual intercourse is indeed beneficial in "maintaining normal vaginal health.”

“Sexual intercourse is beneficial mainly because of the secretions coming from the male,” Dr. Gloria said, noting that sexual activity produces “natural lubrication” for the genitals.

The vagina is naturally moist, providing "an alkaline environment that sperm can survive in and travel in for sexual reproduction," Healthline said.

According to Science Direct, this lubrication is reliant upon healthy blood flow because the vagina actually contains no glands.

While occasional vaginal dryness is common, Medical News Today said vaginal dryness becomes more regular as a person ages. "During and after menopause, the body produces less estrogen, which leads to fewer moisturizing secretions and can make the vagina feel dry," it said.  

But it's not only decrease in estrogen production that causes vaginal dryness. Says Healthline, breastfeeding, cigarette smoking, excessive stress, rigorous exercise, and medication, to name a few, can also cause vaginal dryness.

“So having intercourse by itself makes the vagina healthier, but, you know, don’t do it very often,” the OB-GYN added.

In terms of using sex toys, Dr. Gloria advises users to always clean them properly before using them to avoid risky infections in the vagina.

“As long as you properly sterilize or clean the sex toys, they won’t affect the normal vaginal microbiome,” she said.

Microbiome is a community of tiny living things on the skin made up of bacteria and fungi which protects our skin and keeps it healthy.

“Also, if you use the toy in the anal area, you might want to clean it again before inserting it into the vaginal area,” she added.

Dr. Gloria also noted the importance of using a lubricant when dealing with sex toys.

“Your genitals should be well moisturized, so friction shouldn't be too rough or harsh when you use a sex toy,” she said.

“The lubricant should be water-based, because there’s so much friction when using a sex toy,” she added. “It’s not the same as, you know, the real thing.”

In both cases of sexual intercourse and self-pleasure using sex toys, vaginal lubrication plays an important role for the intimate area.

Aside from enhancing comfort and pleasure during sexy time, a well-moisturized vulva reduces friction in the vagina, which minimizes the feeling of soreness or irritation after doing the deed.

Dr. Gloria was among the guest doctors at an event hosted by The Beauty Edit for Two Lips, a luxury intimate care brand from Singapore offering cleansing and pampering products for the vulva, face, and body.

At the event, experts also tackled important topics like vaginal hygiene.

— Hermes Joy Tunac/LA, GMA Integrated News