Whether you’re living your best single life or paired up, having sex is both healthy and normal. But when it comes to sex and vaginal health, is there ever too much of a good thing?
We asked two OB-GYNs to see if having too much sex could spell bad news for your vagina. Plus: tips and tricks you’ll want to adopt to maintain a healthy vaginal environment, keep UTIs at bay, and more.
Risks of Frequent Sex for Vaginal Health
If you and your partner(s) have an active sex life, it’s possible—though not guaranteed—that different types of discomfort can arise.
“Frequent sex can sometimes lead to issues like vaginal tears or discomfort, especially if there’s not enough lubrication,” says Michael Reed, MD, NCMP, a board-certified OB-GYN practicing in Davis and Beverly Hills, California. “It can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) because bacteria can get pushed into the urethra during intercourse.”
Christine Greves, MD, an OB-GYN at Orlando Health Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, notes that proper hygiene (both in and out of the bedroom) is crucial to minimize your risk of developing bacterial infections from sexual activity, whether with or without penetration. “For example, if the anal area is touched before going to the vaginal area and in turn the urethra, it can increase the risk of infection,” she warns.
Both OB-GYNs add that frequent sex may lead to or exacerbate back pain, which may vary based on factors like previous injuries and physical fitness levels. Pelvic floor dysfunction can also contribute to discomfort during and after sex, which underscores the importance of strengthening your pelvic floor.
Of course, it’s crucial to practice safe sex, especially if you and/or your partner aren’t monogamous. “If there’s a new partner and no protection is used, it can increase risks of STDs,” Greves cautions.
What Counts as “Too Much” Sex?
Now, for the million-dollar question: How much sex is too much?
The answer ultimately varies from one person to the next, as well as how it fits within the context of your own sexual history. Perhaps you’re having sex daily (or multiple times a day) for the first time ever, or maybe your bedroom activity is starting to pick back up after bouncing back from a dry spell.
According to Dr. Reed, you’ll know the answer by listening to your body. “If you’re feeling sore, noticing recurring infections, or just not enjoying it because of discomfort, that might be a sign to take a step back,” he shares. “There’s no magic number. It’s about what feels good and sustainable for you without any negative physical or emotional side effects.”
Per Dr. Greves, you’ll also want to keep an eye out for increased vaginal discharge and any other changes in your body. “Ask yourself why,” she advises, “and if it’s rawness from sex, consider seeing if lubrication can help.” If something feels or smells off, give Dr. Google a break and be sure to consult your OB-GYN.
Again, there’s nothing inherently wrong or dangerous with having a lot of sex (by your standards), so long as you stay safe and don’t experience discomfort. It’s also possible to experience undesired side effects even with infrequent sexual activity, so it’s more important to go with the flow of your own body and honor your boundaries than to fixate on how much sex you’re having.
7 Sex and Self-Care Tips for Vaginal Health
No matter how often you have sex, be sure to heed the following tips to keep your vaginal environment and urinary tract healthy (all the while keeping pleasure plentiful).
1. Use Lubrication As Needed
When necessary, don’t shy away from using lube. “If dryness is an issue, a good lube can prevent tears and discomfort,” says Dr. Reed. Keep it stocked under your bed or in your bedside table for easy access.
2. Put Hygiene First
Safe sex is clean sex—at least in the context of keeping things hygienic. Dr. Greves advises ensuring that you and your partner are clean before initiating sex (i.e., relatively fresh and not *ripe* after a long day or sweaty workout) and cleaning your sex toys after each use.
3. Pee After Having Sex
Urinating after sex helps flush out bacteria and lowers the risk of UTIs, says Dr. Reed.
4. Shower After Having Sex
According to Dr. Greves, a post-sex pee-and-shower combo can promote vaginal and urinary tract health. She advises opting for mild soap (ideally unscented) and gently washing the external genital area only.
5. Stay Hydrated
Minding your daily intake of H2O and fluids is important for countless aspects of health and well-being—including supporting your vaginal and urinary health.
Published in JAMA Internal Medicine in 2018, a randomized controlled trial of premenopausal women suffering from recurrent UTIs found that increasing water intake to 2.8 liters a day resulted in a 48 percent reduction in UTI events. (Even better, the hydration boost led to a reduction in antibiotic use to fight off UTIs, thus keeping your good bacteria intact.)
6. Consider Taking a Probiotic for Vaginal Health
No matter if you’re prone to UTIs or vaginal discomfort, or simply want to avoid either from happening, you may want to consider taking a 2-in-1 probiotic to support vaginal and urinary tract health. HUM’s Private Party packs three probiotic strains to help balance the vaginal microbiome plus cranberry PACs to support urinary tract function.
7. Pay Attention to Symptoms
Knowing your body and understanding what is and isn’t normal for you is key, especially when it comes to sexual health. “If you notice burning, itching, unusual discharge, or persistent discomfort, it’s time to call your doctor,” says Dr. Reed. “Taking care of yourself and knowing what feels normal for your body is key to enjoying a healthy, active sex life.”
FAQs About Sex and Vaginal Health
Is frequent sexual activity bad for the vagina?
Having a lot of sex isn’t inherently bad for your vaginal health. However, more sex has the potential to be disadvantageous for some people (such as those with vaginal dryness, frequent UTIs, and certain health conditions) and in some circumstances (namely when hygiene and safe sex practices aren’t prioritized).
Can over-washing or douching harm vaginal health?
According to Dr. Reed, these practices can do more harm than good. “The vagina is self-cleaning. Think of it as a little ecosystem that thrives on balance,” he explains. “When you overdo it with washing or introduce harsh products like douches, you risk disrupting the natural pH and killing off healthy bacteria. This can lead to irritation, infections, or even recurring issues like yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.”
Better alternatives to stay fresh and healthy including using a gentle, unscented soap externally or simply doing a quick rinse with water.
Can excessive use of vaginal hygiene and/or scented products lead to infections or irritation?
Again, Dr. Reed emphasizes that a minimalist approach is ideal when it comes to feminine hygiene—and using too many products can backfire, big time. He notes that the majority of these products aren’t just unnecessary but may even do more harm than good.
“Things like scented washes, wipes, or sprays might seem like they’re helping, but they often strip away the good bacteria your vagina needs to stay healthy,” he explains. “This can lead to dryness, irritation, and a higher risk of infections.”
His final word to the wise on this front: “Save the fancy products for your skincare routine and let your vagina do its thing.”
How much is too much when it comes to using lubricants or vaginal moisturizers?
“A little goes a long way, but don’t be shy about reapplying during sex if needed. There’s no such thing as too much lube,” says Dr. Reed. “If it makes you more comfortable and reduces friction, go for it.”
With that in mind, he says the best kinds of lube are water- or silicone-based, free from parabens and added fragrances. “And if you’re noticing irritation or discomfort, it’s worth switching brands to find one that works better for you,” he concludes.
The Takeaway
Now that you have some concrete information on vaginal care when it comes to sex, you can go forward better prepared as you have some intimate fun–whether alone or with a partner. Questions? Send us a DM on Instagram or TikTok!
