How to avoid being affected by UTI after sex?

As per reports, around 50-60% of women are prone to UTI, although the reports may vary. UTI is the urinary tract infection caused by bacteria affecting kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. UTI can affect any part of the body, but it mostly affects the bladder, thereby leading to a condition called cystitis.[1]

Urine doesn’t contain bacteria, but your genital area may be infested with bacteria. The bacteria of your genitals will eventually enter the urinary tract, thereby leading to inflammation.

Although there are different causes of UTI, sex is one of them. Compared to women, men have a lesser risk of UTI caused due to sex. However, one cannot deny the fact that it is prevalent.[2]

Can UTI lead to sex?

Yes, mostly if you are a woman. Penetrative sex includes thrusting, which will lead to bacteria entering the urethra that makes its way into the bladder, thereby increasing the risk of UTI.[3]

The female anatomy is one of the main reasons women are so prone to UTI due to sex. The shorter urethra of females allows the bacteria to get in the bacteria easily. Moreover, the urethra of women are close to the anus, so different bacteria such as E.coli can easily infest your urethra.

Many people are under the notion that only penetrative sex leads to UTI. However, it does not because oral sex can also increase the risk of getting infected due to UTI.[4]

Women with a history of UTI or any such condition eventually become prone to such infections.

Can people get UTI every time they have sex?

The claim of this is yet unknown. But you cannot have UTI every time you have sex. However, the chances may increase if you are prone to the virus.

UTI triggered due to sex is referred to as honeymoon cystitis. However, it is necessary to know that frequent unprotected sex can eventually increase the risk of UTI.[5]

But that’s not all. There may be other reasons as well because you may get UTI, such as genetic history, getting a new partner, pelvic organ prolapse, and problems in emptying the bladder.

Menopause is also said to increase the risk of UTI. The decreasing levels of estrogen eventually increase the dryness around your vaginal region. This may eventually harm your estrogen levels, thereby proving to be harmful in the long run.

Men, too, are prone to UTI due to frequent sex.

Who is more at the risk of getting UTI?

Anyone can get infected by UTI, but studies have shown that women are eight times more prone than men to be infected with UTI.

Other factors that can increase the risk of UTI include the following.

  • Obesity
  • Weak immune system
  • Genital and urine abnormalities
  • Frequent penetrative or oral sex

If you have any female member in your house who is frequently infected with UTI, then your chances can increase as well.[6]

How to lower the risk of UTI after sex?

Preventing UTI after sex may sound easy, but it is not. For instance, finding a proper plan to get over UTI ks close to impossible. However, there are several ways you can adopt to minimize the risk of getting infected.[7]

Over the years, health experts have come up with certain ideas that can help to prevent the risk of getting infected from UTI. Some of the tips include the following.[8]

  • Urinate before or after sex as it helps to get rid of bacteria.
  • Wash your genital area with warm water after having sex to prevent the urethra from getting into urethra.
  • Contraceptive measures such as diaphragms and spermicides can increase the risk of infection. Therefore, if you think that these are increasing the infection risk, you can avoid using these.

Women who are highly prone to UTI and have recurrent outbreaks, they should prefer having doctor prescribed antibiotics. Usually, one dosage is only recommended after sexual intercourse.

Symptoms of UTI

Discomfort is one of the main symptoms of UTI. However, the symptoms can vary from being mild to severe. Severe UTI symptoms can harm your daily life, as well.[9]

But, some of the common symptoms of UTI include the following.

  • Frequent urge to urinate.
  • Bloody urine.
  • Rectal pain.
  • Burning sensation while peeing

Many people often feel the symptoms around their abdominal region and back. However, if UTI isn’t taken care of initially, it may spread to the kidney harming it. This occurs in case of severe UTI in which you may experience

  • Vomiting
  • Chills
  • Nausea
  • Fever

When should I see a doctor?

There are certain serious conditions under which you may need to see a doctor. In some cases, UTI keeps growing if not checked properly. This paves the way for grave problems. As a result, it is essential to schedule an appointment with your doctor.[10]

The doctor may first conduct a verbal examination to check your condition and what you have been experiencing. Based on your answers, the doctor may recommend your digital examination for confirmation.[11]

It is necessary to consult a doctor because they will be able to prescribe you the right treatment based on the infection rather than trying out medicines on your own.

Can I have sex if I have UTI?

This is surely one of the biggest confusion.

Well, we have to break the bubble, for the answer is clearly NO.

If you have an active urinary tract infection, it is suggested to avoid penetrative as well as non-penetrative intercourse to keep the disease at bay and to avoid transmitting it to your partner.[12]

If you have been seeing a doctor, they may be the best ones to advise you when and how you can resume sexual activity. However, small moments of intimacy, such as kissing, cuddling is indeed not prevented.[13]

Antibiotics can help your UTI go away. So, if your UTI has cleared away, you should consult a doctor before resuming any kind of sexual activity. It is always suggested to be careful, limit yourself before having sex if you have just recovered from UTI. If you received a green signal from your doctor, make sure to use condoms while having sex.[14]

This way, you are not only saving yourself but your partner as well.

Preventive Measures

Apart from following your doctor’s advice, you may as well prefer following certain preventive measures to prevent the infection from coming back. These include

  • Drinking around six to eight glasses of fluid
  • Maintaining hygiene across your genital area and washing it with warm water daily.
  • Avoiding the use of spermicides
  • Do not wear tight underwear.
  • Wiping after urinating is a good practice

Many doctors have also recommended having vaginal probiotics (for women). Sex can undoubtedly increase the risk of UTI, but keeping your genital area clean can be helpful. Be in touch with your doctor as soon as you notice abdominal pain to prevent the infection.[15]


[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4457377/

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[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4660700/

[15] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18266044/