Are you experiencing burning pain, frequent urination, and constant discomfort down there? These are all common symptoms of urinary tract infection (UTI). While sex might be the last thing on your mind, one common question that many women wonder is, “Can you have sex with a UTI?” The answer is not a simple yes or no. While sex is not forbidden, it is generally recommended to avoid it. Having sex with a urinary tract infection might aggravate the symptoms of a UTI. Know the link between sex and UTI, and how you can prevent it.

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection that can affect any part of the urinary system, which includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, primarily the bladder (cystitis) and the urethra (urethritis), as found in a study published in the Singapore Medical Journal. UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria, but they can also be caused by fungi or viruses.

Having sex during sex can lead to complications. Image courtesy: Adobe stock

Symptoms of UTI

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) can vary depending on which part of the urinary tract is affected. Also, UTIs are more common in women than men, but they can affect anyone. According to Postgraduate Medical Journal, common symptoms of UTI include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate
• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• A burning sensation when urinating
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
• Cloudy urine
• Urine that appears red, pink, or cola-coloured, indicating the presence of blood in the urine
• Strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pain, in women, especially in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone
• Rectal pain in men

Sex and UTI: What's the link?

Sex does not directly cause UTIs, but it can increase your risk. The bacteria can enter through your urethra. Normally, your body flushes out bacteria that might enter your urinary system and cause an infection. During sex, friction can push bacteria around the urethral opening, making it easier for them to enter your bladder. This is especially true for women because their urethra is shorter than men's.

A study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that having sex makes it more likely for healthy women, even those past menopause, to get a UTI. Though sex does not cause the infection itself, it can increase the chances of bacteria getting into the bladder and causing UTI problems.

Can you have sex with a UTI?

It is generally not recommended to have sexual intercourse with a UTI. “Engaging in sexual activity while having a UTI can be uncomfortable and may exacerbate symptoms. It is advisable to wait until the infection has cleared up to avoid potential complications and discomfort,” says gynaecologist and obstetrician Dr Meenakshi Sauhta. Additionally, having sex with a UTI can increase the risk of spreading the bacteria and potentially worsening the infection. It is best to consult with a healthcare provider for personalised advice.

“Sexual activity can irritate the already inflamed urinary tract, leading to increased discomfort, and burning sensation, and potentially causing microscopic tears that may facilitate bacterial spread or worsen existing irritation,” explains the expert. It is generally recommended to refrain from sexual activity until the UTI has been treated and symptoms have completely resolved to avoid exacerbating discomfort and aiding in quicker recovery.

How can you prevent a UTI during sex?

Consider these preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing a UTI with sexual activity, as explained by the expert:

1. Avoid douching

Vaginal douching is the process of washing the vagina with a liquid solution, according to a study published in the Epidemiologic Review-Journal. Douching can cause a variety of health concerns, including bacterial vaginosis (BV) and sexually transmitted infections. Avoid sprays and powders that might irritate the vaginal area, as per a study published in the OASH.

2. Keep yourself hydrated

Staying hydrated dilutes your urine, causing you to pee frequently. Urinating allows your body to eradicate bacteria before they can colonise your urinary tract. Thus, it is recommended to drink 2-3 litres of water daily.

Keep yourself hydrated if you have an UTI. Image courtesy: Freepik

3. Urinate before and after sex

Peeing before sex reduces the amount of urine already present in the bladder, giving bacteria less space to linger. Also, peeing after sex, you flush out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra, preventing them from travelling up to the bladder and potentially causing a UTI.

4. Practise good hygiene

Keeping the genital area clean, and urinating after sex helps to prevent bacteria from entering the urinary tract. When cleaning up after sex or using the restroom, always wipe from the front to back. Otherwise, you risk dragging bacteria where they do not belong.

When is it safe to have sex after a UTI?

After experiencing a UTI, it is generally recommended to wait until all symptoms have completely resolved and you have completed your prescribed course of antibiotics, if any were prescribed.

“You should wait until you no longer experience discomfort during urination, the urge to urinate frequently has subsided, and any pain or discomfort in the pelvic area has resolved. Most healthcare providers suggest waiting at least a few days after completing antibiotic treatment to ensure the infection is fully cleared,” suggests the expert. It is important to listen to your body and know your comfort level before resuming sexual activity.

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