The Link Between Sexual Health & UTI Prevention
Although bacteria are usually the cause of a UTI, having sex is often linked to infections, particularly in women.
While you are unlikely to get a UTI every time you have sex, if you are a woman the more often you have sex the more likely UTIs become. The good news is, while UTIs are common they are treatable and there are simple steps you can take to help reduce the chances of getting one after having sex.
It’s important to take care of both your urinary and sexual health so you can continue to enjoy a healthy, active sex life. If you suspect you have a UTI – whether or not you think it’s linked to sex – it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible to get an accurate diagnosis and ensure proper treatment.
Why do I get UTIs after sexual intercourse?
Sexual intercourse does not directly cause a UTI, but having sex can increase your chances of getting one. The main reason is thought to be linked to the fact that during sex, bacteria in your genital area are more likely to find their way into your urinary tract and cause problems.
The bacteria that cause UTIs normally live in your digestive system, and because in females there is only a short distance between the anus (the end of the digestive tract), the vagina and the opening of the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the outside), bacteria can easily spread from one to another. A woman’s urethra is also shorter and straighter compared to a man’s, making it easier for bacteria to move up the urethra and reach the bladder – and cause problems such as cystitis.
Contact with fingers, tongue, penis or sex toys may also help spread bacteria near the vagina into the urethra. Anal sex may increase the risk of UTIs (for both men and women) as it helps spread UTI-causing bacteria from the bowels.
One of the body’s natural defences against UTIs is having a healthy balance of bacteria in and around the vagina. Anything that upsets this natural balance can allow UTI-causing bacteria to take over and cause infections. This can happen, for example, when:
- Using spermicide-coated contraceptives such as coated condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps – spermicides can be toxic to healthy vaginal bacteria
- The vaginal pH becomes less acidic – this occurs naturally when a woman becomes sexually excited (to help sperm survive longer) and after menopause when oestrogen levels fall
- Regularly using vaginal douches or certain intimate hygiene products – ‘healthy’ bacteria may be washed away or the pH in and around the vagina upset.
What if I keep getting UTIs after sexual intercourse?
Having frequent sex, a new sexual partner or using a spermicide for a prolonged period may all lead to more frequent UTIs, but there are other reasons too.
If you are having problems with recurrent UTIs – whether or not you think they are linked to sex – it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They will be able to help you work out what is causing them and advise you on the best treatments.
What are the symptoms of UTIs?
Some of the common UTI symptoms to watch out for include:
- A burning sensation when urinating
- Wanting to urinate more often
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Pain in the lower tummy (abdomen), back or sides
If left untreated, UTIs can lead to serious complications such as kidney infections. It’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you have symptoms of a serious infection, including any of the following:
- Fever
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Back pain
- Blood in your urine.
How to prevent getting a UTI from intercourse?
Some simple ways to help you prevent UTIs that may be linked to sex include:
- Try to urinate after sex – this may help flush away any UTI-causing bacteria
- Practice good hygiene – washing genitals before sex and always wiping from front to back may help prevent the spread of bacteria
- Talk with your partner about limiting sex activities that can transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina and clitoral areas (the area just above the opening of the urethra)
- Using a lubricant gel when having sex – this can help ease friction and irritation of delicate tissues if the vaginal or vulval areas are dry.
If recurrent UTIs are a problem, talk to your doctor about:
- Switching to a more UTI-friendly birth control method
- Whether you may need to take an antibiotic after you have sex
- Using a vaginal oestrogen product (if you have gone through menopause).
Taking Uramet regularly may help suppress bacteria in urine and help prevent recurrent UTIs, while taking a daily cranberry supplement – such as Ural Daily Supplement High Strength Cranberry Capsules may help support your day-to-day urinary tract health.
Remember to always check with your doctor or pharmacist for any possible interactions with any medications you are taking before taking Ural or Uramet products.
Learn more about preventing UTIs
Can I have intercourse with a UTI?
A UTI is not infectious and can’t be passed on to your partner, but having sex while you have a UTI may be painful and may slow down the healing process.
If you are having problems with a UTI, talk to your doctor about the best time to start having sex again.
