Getting a urinary tract infection (UTI) after sex can be a real buzzkill. Besides dealing with the pain and burning sensations while you pee while you have one, getting them consistently after sex can make the whole prospect of sexual intimacy less appealing. But there&39;s hope: While there&39;s no one surefire way to prevent a UTI after sex, there are many ways to at least lower your risk of getting one.
Causes of UTIs.
A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection affecting the bladder, urethra, and, in more serious cases, the kidneys. "UTIs happen either because bacteria on the outside of the body—specifically from the rectum and vagina—find their way into the urethra or because the bladder itself becomes overpopulated with &39;bad&39; bacteria," boardcertified physicianEva Selhub, M.D.,
Anyone can contract a UTI, though people with vaginas are more susceptible than people with penises because their urethras are only between 2 to 3 centimeters long (compared to 15 to 29 centimeters in people with penises). The shorter urethra length makes it easier for unwanted bacteria to travel up to the bladder—especially during sex.
At least 60% of women and 12% of menwill contract aurinary tract infection1at least once in their life, and some people experience recurrent UTIs. While some people are simply more prone to these bacterial infections, othersincrease their risk2through external factors like having sex.
How can sex cause a UTI?
The urethra is directly next to the vaginal opening, urologistVannita SimmaChiang, M.D., tells mbg. So based on proximity alone, the odds of sexual fluids coming in contact with, and possibly infecting, the urethra are high.
"Penetrative sex can increase the risk of getting a UTI because the penis can cause bacteria to be pushed into the urethra," OBGYNHeather Irobunda, M.D., explains. "When this bacteria gets pushed into the urethra, it can stay there and cause an infection in the urethra, or the bacteria can travel and cause an infection in the bladder."
Some positions might be more likely to aggravate the area, OBGYNWendie Trubow, M.D., MBA, adds: “Some positions bring the urethra into greater contact with the penis (in the case of penetrative sex); specifically, legs over your partner&39;s shoulders should be avoided if you&39;re having recurrent UTIs.”
While penetrative sex presents a much higher risk, oral sex can also cause UTIs by pushing bacteria in or around the vagina into the urethra.
Common UTI symptoms.
These are a few common symptoms of UTIs, according to Selhub:
• A burning pain while urinating
• Aching in the lower abdomen
• A frequent/constant urgency to urinate
• Waking up to urinate several times overnight
• Lowerback aches
• Feelings of nausea, dizziness, headaches, or fatigue
Does peeing after sex really help?
The research surrounding postcoital voiding (akapeeing after sex) as a way to prevent UTIs after sex is mixed. One study in theJournal of Clinical Epidemiologyfound college students who always pee before and after sex wereless likely to get UTIs3, while another study foundno link between postcoital peeing and UTI risk.
Despite the conflicting research, many doctors recommend peeing after sex as a generally healthy habit to adopt. "This flushes the bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex out and decreases the chance of getting a UTI," Irobunda explains.
Ways to prevent a UTI after sex:
Before sex:
• Pee before sex.
• Clean the genital area, wiping from front to back.
• Make sure you and your partner wash your hands to minimize spreading bacteria to the genital area.
After sex:
• Pee after sex.
• Clean the genital area.
• Drink lots of water.
General habits to prevent UTIs:
• Visit a doctor, urologist, or OBGYN who can test the bacteria causing your UTI and prescribe an antibiotic.
• Always wipe from front to back aftergoing to the bathroom. This can prevent bacteria from the anus traveling to the vulva or urethra.
• Change clothes after working out since sweat can promote bacterial growth.
• Avoid douching or washing with any scented soaps. The vagina is selfcleaning; only the vulva needs gentle washing.
• Drink plenty of waterto keep your urinary system healthy.
• Avoid usingdiaphragms4orspermicide5for birth control, as these may increase the risk of getting a UTI.
• Be judicious when introducing new lubricants, condoms, or other substances to sexual play.
• For penetrative sex, avoid sex positions that involve putting a lot of pressure on the urethra, such as missionary with your legs over your partner’s shoulders.
