These Things Done After Intimacy Might Spoil Your Relationship

You can have the best sex of your life in your 40s and beyond. After all, you have plenty of experience, you know what you like, and you're probably not as shy about expressing your desires. But even practiced lovers can make some pre- and postsex mistakes that may foul an otherwise beautiful coupling.

Don't let these 5 silly things get in the way of a rockin' romp.

# Don't rush out of bed to use the bathroom

You may have heard you should pee immediately after sex to avoid a urinary tract infection. But a little urine isn't going to make a difference, says Jennifer Bump, MD, a professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. So stay put and snuggle after sex.

# Don't finish the bottle of wine

While a glass of vino may help put you in the mood, drinking too much can make sex unsatisfying. In one study at the University of Missouri–St. Louis, 11% of alcohol users reported problems achieving orgasm.

# Avoid this position

Elevating your pelvis following sex may boost your chances of conceiving. This pose could help sperm travel into your cervix, Bump explains. So depending on whether or not you're trying to conceive, you may want to watch out for how you lie after sex.

# Don't let him skip his presex shower

Have an uncircumcised partner? Ask him to rinse behind his foreskin; UTI-causing bacteria may build up there and be passed to you during sex. If you're too embarrassed to request that he clean up, have enthusiastic oral sex beforehand.

# Don't have a big dinner

Lots of healthy foods, veggies, legumes, whole grains can make you gassy during sex. To prevent embarrassing situations, avoid these and other high-fiber foods in the hour or two before sex. Instead, have a small piece of chocolate. It boosts serotonin levels, which helps get you in the mood.