Marc Bordons / Stocksy
Sexual aftercare is the practice of caring for your partner(s) after sex.
In the past, society has primarily been focused on the before and during of sex: Thinkforeplayand enthusiasticconsent.
Edward Ratush, a sex therapist and Board Certified Psychiatrist.
Marc Bordons / Stocksy
Anyone who has sex can benefit from practicing sexual aftercare.
What is Sexual Aftercare?
Sexual aftercare promotes relationship satisfaction,and it can be given and received by anyone.
There are no roles needed and it should be present in relationships ranging from casual to serious.
During sex, endorphins and feel-good hormones including oxyticn can be released, activating pleasure centers in the brain.
Aftercare can help regulate how you feel and how your body responds as those chemicals dissipate.
Intimacy, connection, and closeness do not have to end after an orgasm.
What Does Sexual Aftercare Include?
Sexual aftercare includes any activity that helps a person feel grounded and relaxed after having sex.
Communication and consent about desired activities after sex is important, just as consent for sex itself is.
Why is Aftercare Important?
“Sexual aftercare is important whether youre in a committed relationship or not,” Ratush tells us.
Preventing negative emotions
Aftercare can prevent negative feelings from occurring.
For anyone who getsdepressedafter sex, aftercare is even more important.
By practicing aftercare, you’re free to get ahead of this issue before it takes hold.
How to get the most out of aftercare?
Communication about what each party wants to engage in is always key, as is consent around those activities.
There’s no right or wrong way to practice aftercare.
If you and your partner(s) feel cared for, you’re doing it correctly.
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