Behaviors

Do not douche because it can disrupt the vaginal microbiome and pH and increase risk for UTIs or bacterial vaginosis.

For vaginal health, wash the hair-bearing areas that create sweat, and otherwise let soapy water run down; do not aggressively clean inside because the vagina is self-cleaning.

If having difficulty communicating about sex with a partner, get help from a sex therapist; can also be done virtually.

Drink about 2–3 liters of fluid per day, ideally water, to help flush bacteria and reduce UTI risk.

To help prevent recurrent UTIs, make sure the bladder is fully emptied rather than leaving urine sitting in the bladder. Strategies include sitting and relaxing on the toilet, leaning forward, double voiding by standing up and sitting back down to urinate again, and for some men trying to sit to urinate if standing does not fully empty the bladder.

Spermicides, including spermicide-coated condoms, are a known risk factor for UTIs.

Drink 2–3 liters of fluid per day to help prevent kidney stones.

If a kidney stone is accompanied by infection signs such as fevers or chills, get treated right away because people can become very sick quickly.

If oral contraceptives seem to be contributing to sexual dysfunction or pelvic pain, stop them and consider a long-acting contraceptive method instead.

If SSRIs are causing sexual dysfunction and the person is otherwise doing well, consider reducing the dose.

Consider switching to another antidepressant such as Wellbutrin if SSRIs are causing sexual dysfunction.

If coffee or other caffeine sources make you urinate frequently, reduce intake because caffeine is a bladder irritant.

Alcohol is a bladder irritant; reduce intake if it worsens urinary symptoms.

Carbonated beverages can irritate the bladder lining; limit if they worsen symptoms.

Spicy foods can irritate the bladder lining; limit if they worsen symptoms.

Acidic foods can irritate the bladder lining; limit if they worsen symptoms.

Use good posture while cycling to reduce pressure on the perineum and support pelvic floor health.

Leaning far forward in an aero position increases pressure on the bike seat beak and is associated with more issues; avoid if symptomatic.

Use a condom during anal sex because sexually transmitted infections are more likely due to thin, friable anal tissue and easier bleeding/trauma.

Always use lubricant for anal sex because the anus does not produce endogenous lubrication. Choose lubricants that are isoosmolar to the anus; specifically look up anal-pH-compatible lubricants. Oil-based lubricants last longer but should not be used with condoms.

For anal sex, proceed slowly, never force, and prioritize consent and caution to avoid trauma. If engaging in anal penetration, start with something smaller and work up gradually rather than beginning with a large-girth object.

Prevent or manage diabetes as part of preventing sexual dysfunction.

When experimenting with libido/sexual-function supplements, try one at a time so you can tell what is working.

Quit vaping because it harms erections and sexual function.

If true biologic/organic impotence develops, get cardiovascular health assessed because erectile dysfunction can be an early sign of cardiovascular disease.

Start at a young age to drastically improve the chance of developing perfect pitch.

Mentioned as a category of mind-body practice involving touch.

Place yourself near bodies of water, especially moving water such as waterfalls or running streams, because there appears to be some evidence of positive health benefits, possibly related to negative ionization.

Get outdoors into nature for 10 to 30 minutes per session, 3 to 7 days per week, or as often as you safely can. Natural settings can include parks, streams, oceans, forests, and similar environments. Associated with reductions in blood pressure and resting heart rate and improvements in sleep, mood, and overall mental and physical health. Weekly walks in nature are emphasized, and if you miss a week due to weather or travel, increase nature time the following week or whenever possible.

Recommended alongside good sleep hygiene and lots of exercise to buffer glucose while maintaining reasonable energy balance, without needing caloric restriction.