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How To Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection After Intercourse

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How To Prevent A Uti After Having Sex

Prevent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) Naturally

To minimize the likelihood of bad bacteria entering your urethra, the easiest thing to do is to flush out the area naturally by urinating. Make it a habit to pee right away after every single sexual encounter involving your genital area, whether its masturbation or partner activity.

Even if youre just using a sex toy by yourself, this can increase the likelihood of bacteria getting where its not supposed to be. Make sure to clean your sex toys after every single use and to pee every time after using them.

The sooner you head to the bathroom after sex, the better aim for within 15 to 30 minutes after the end of sexual activity. It may be unsexy and inconvenient, but its a super important practice for your health.

Research has shown that women who always urinate after sex have a lower likelihood of developing UTIs than women who rarely or sometimes do this.

The Link Between Sex And Utis

To understand why sex causes UTIs, it helps to know that most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract.

Over 80% of UTIs are caused by E. coli bacteria. These germs are normal and common inside our intestines, where they help with digestion without making us sick.

The other 20% of bacteria that cause UTIs are mostly:

  • Staphylococcus saprophyticus

  • Enterobacter species

These types of bacteria are also common in the digestive tracts of healthy people.

Bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract can often be found on the skin around the rectum. In people with typically female genitals, the rectum is in the back, the urethra is in the front, and the vagina is in the middle. Having sex can force bacteria from the rectal area forward, toward the vagina and the urethra. Anything that pushes germs toward the opening of the urethra increases your chance of infection.

Some types of contraceptives contribute to sex-related UTIs as well. Spermicides, including the spermicides on some condoms, change the interaction between bacteria and skin cells by making it easier for bacteria to attach to the inside of the urethra. Contraceptive diaphragms are also associated with UTIs. In addition to containing a spermicide, a diaphragm can press on the urethra and cause urine to become trapped. This interferes with how urine flow can help wash bacteria out of the urethra.

Types Of Vaginal Prolapse

Different types of prolapse involve different parts of the female genitals:

Cystocele This is when the bladder and front wall of the vagina sag toward the vaginal opening. It’s sometimes called an anterior prolapse.

Rectocele This is when the rectum and back wall of the vagina fall downward toward the vaginal opening. It’s sometimes called a posterior prolapse.

Enterocele This happens when the small bowel slips out of place. It can push down on the uterus or top of the vagina, causing these organs to fall toward the vaginal opening.

Read Also: Homeopathic Medicine For Urinary Tract Infection

What May Cause A Uti After Sex

The urethra is the tube through which urine exits the body from the bladder. In women, this tube is short, making it quicker and easier for bacteria to enter the opening and infiltrate the bladder.

The bacteria that cause a UTI live in the area around the anus, Dr. Yavagal says. Sex can shift bacteria toward the front. From there, its just a short hop up the urethra into the bladder, where it can multiply and cause a UTI.

RELATED: Everything You Need to Know About Sex Toy Care and Cleanliness

General Habits To Prevent Utis:

5 Phases to Heal UTIs Naturally
  • Visit a doctor, urologist, or OB-GYN who can test the bacteria causing your UTI and prescribe an antibiotic.
  • Always wipe from front to back after going 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 self-cleaning only the vulva needs gentle washing.
  • Drink plenty of water to keep your urinary system healthy.
  • Avoid using diaphragms or spermicide for 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 partners shoulders.

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What Causes A Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract. Typically, this occurs when bacteria on the skin or from near the anus enters the urethra. Once the bacteria is introduced, it can move up the urinary tract and multiply inside your organs.

Anyone can get a UTI but, due to anatomical differences, women are more likely to get UTIs than men. Because the opening of a woman’s urethra is close to her anus, there is a risk of bacteria transferring from one area to the other. Women also have shorter urethras than men, so bacteria can get farther into the urinary tract in a shorter time.â

Some factors increase your risk of getting a urinary tract infection, including:

  • Sexual activity
  • Age
  • Physical problems in the urinary tract, including an enlarged prostate
  • Not removing feces after defecation
  • Changes to the vagina, including menopause or use of spermicides, lubricants, or douches

Can Sex Cause Utis

Yes. According to an old 1989 study, having lots of sex can indeed cause a UTI.

More accurately, research has found that an active sex life increases the chances of a UTI, which makes sense when you find out what bacteria are the culprit behind most infections.

Typically, the bacteria that cause UTIs originate from fecal flora, says Alex Shteynshlyuger, MD, the director of urology at New York Urology Specialists.

One study showed that more than 60 percent of UTIs could be attributed to E.coli, which live in the intestines, then make their way down and out.

The proximity of your anus to your vagina makes it more likely that bacteria will find their way to your relatively short urethra and then travel up your urinary tract to your bladder.

When bacteria make it into your bladder, they can invade your bodys immune defenses and cause an inflammatory reaction, Shteynshlyuger says.

According to a 2000 study, UTIs can occur due to a plethora of other factors, including:

Sex is fun, UTIs are definitely not. Heres how to prevent post-sex UTIs.

Read Also: Will Overactive Bladder Go Away

Recommended Reading: I Think I Have A Urinary Tract Infection

How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed

Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:

  • Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your urine can actually indicate an infection.
  • Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the appropriate treatment.

If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:

  • Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesnt typically need any preparation.
  • Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a light source to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
  • CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross sections of the body . This test is much more precise than typical X-rays.

Who Has A Higher Risk Of Getting Uti

How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection
  • People who indulge in unhygienic intercourse have a higher risk of getting UTI
  • Menopausal women with dry tissues have a higher risk of getting UTI
  • Obese people have a higher risk of getting UTI
  • Women with multiple pregnancies history have a higher risk of getting UTI
  • Diabetic patients have a higher risk of getting UTI
  • When having sex with a new partner has a higher risk of getting UTI
  • People with a weak immune system have a higher risk of getting UTI
  • Genital abnormalities have a higher risk of getting UTI

For people who have gone through this, frequent UTI after sex can be experienced and even for anyone whose mother or sister has UTI, the chances are higher.

Read Also: Can Peyronies Cause Urinary Problems

What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.

Can Probiotics Prevent Utis

Probiotics are live microorganisms that you can supposedly take for health benefits. The most commonly recommended probiotic for recurrent UTIs is Lactobacillus, a type of bacteria that normally lives in our gut and helps keep it healthy.

The theory is that lactobacilli prevent invaders like E. coli from attaching to cells in vagina and hiding until they cause a reinfection later. Studies have found that women who have recurrent UTIs dont have enough lactobacilli.

Lactobacillus comes in a capsule that you take by mouth or as an intravaginal suppository. In a few studies, it lowered the number of UTIs that women experienced. In another small study, taking Lactobacillus and cranberry supplements together was more effective than taking them separately. However, when multiple studies on Lactobacillus were reviewed, the results were inconsistent. Also, When Lactobacillus was compared to TMP/SMX, the antibiotic worked better than Lactobacillus at reducing UTIs.

Recommending Lactobacillus is also difficult because there are many different strains of the bacteria that havent been studied well. Also, like cranberry supplements, probiotic products are not strictly regulated by the FDA nor have they been approved by the FDA to prevent UTIs.

Lactobacillus is generally safe, though there are some reports of vaginal or abdominal discomfort. It may also be costly to try different strains and products to find one that works best.

Read Also: All Natural Urinary Tract Infection Treatment

What Can I Do To Help Prevent Cystitis

Unfortunately there is no evidence that any lifestyle changes really help to prevent cystitis. Traditionally, doctors have advised drinking plenty of fluids to flush out the germs , and drinking cranberry juice. However, there is no evidence this makes any difference. Researchers are also studying the effects of probiotics on preventing cystitis but currently there isnt enough evidence to know if they are of any use either. Other changes, such as the way you clean yourself and which underwear you wear, have also not been found to make any difference. If recurring cystitis is a problem, you may need to discuss one of the options below with your doctor.

Signs And Symptoms Of Interstitial Cystitis

Tips to prevent Urinary Tract Infection in women

Interstitial cystitis causes mild symptoms in some people, and terrible pain and disruption in others. For some, symptoms come and go, while in others theyre present all the time.

Symptoms of IC may go away for a while, only to return months or even years later.

Changes in the bladder caused by interstitial cystitis may have the following symptoms.

Pain Interstitial cystitis can cause sensations of pressure, discomfort, or pain in or around the bladder. The pain may be mild or severe and may also affect the vaginal, urethral, or scrotal areas.

Pain in IC often gets worse as the bladder fills up and is relieved with urination.

Frequent urination Because the bladder becomes stiff and loses elasticity, people with interstitial cystitis often have the urge to urinate frequently both day and night.

Urinating fewer than 8 times during the day and no more than once at night is considered normal. In severe cases of IC, a person may need to urinate up to 60 times per day.

Urgency In people with interstitial cystitis, the need to urinate can be intense and hard to control. In some people, this sensation never goes away, even right after urination.

While certain other disorders that affect the bladder can cause urine leakage, IC typically does not. In fact, leakage can be a clue that you have a different condition.

Sexual dysfunction Many people with interstitial cystitis experience pain during sexual intercourse. In men, this may include pain after ejaculation.

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Uti After Sex: Can You Get Urinary Tract Infection Due To Intercourse

  • Blog
  • UTI After Sex: Can You Get Urinary Tract Infection Due to Intercourse?
  • An active sex life can increase the chances of UTI. Learn everything about urinary tract infection, how it is interlinked with sex, causes and treatments.

    Contents

    When your urinary system goes through any bacterial infection, it is known as urinary tract infection or UTI. There are multiple reasons for getting affected by UTI, including sex.

    Read this article to find the answers to all your questions like how can sex cause UTI or can a UTI be transmitted sexually, its remedies, preventions, and more.

    Utis After Sex Are Worse Than Using The Toilet Around A New Partner

    They sometimes refer to UTIs as honeymooners syndrome. Historically women became sexually active on their honeymoons.

    There was probably already a mixture of fear and trepidation. Then add the potential embarrassment of showing your new husband that you needed to use the toilet. That may have been enough to leave many new brides with a desperately full bladder and bacterial growth flourishing.

    New relationships encounter these same problems too. In this last instance the toilet was next to the bedroom and the door did not close. So I was less than enthusiastic about issuing the powerful jet of urine that might have saved me.

    And its not just not peeing after sex that can cause problems. It turns out its about poo too! Constipation is linked to recurrent UTIs, especially in kids.

    So if youre also not making regular bowel movements due to the awkwardness of a new relationship, its best to just get over it.

    UTIs after sex prevention tip 5: Its important to avoid constipation. Keeping bowel movements regular can help with urinary tract health.

    Also Check: Urinary Tract Infection Go Away On Its Own

    What To Expect After Your C

    CHANCES are, if women could have it all their way they would have a traditional, vaginal delivery, particularly because it does not carry as much risk and it does not involve major surgery. Sometimes, though, according to obstetrician-gynaecologist Dr Leo Walker, for the sake of mom, baby, or both, a Caesarean section is the best way to avoid situations in which the baby is in distress or the mother is at increased risk of complications. “A Caeserean section is the surgical delivery of a baby that involves making incisions in the mother’s abdominal wall and…

    The Jamaica Observer

    Can You Have Sex If You Have A Uti

    How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

    In general, it is recommended that you avoid having intercourse when you have an active urinary tract infection. When you get an antibiotic prescription, ask your doctor when the right time to resume sexual activity would be. Of course, you can still kiss and have other intimate and emotional connections.

    Once you have completed a course of antibiotics and the UTI has cleared away, you should be able to resume sexual activity. But be sure to take the careful steps necessary to prevent the sex from putting you on the road to yet another one.

    Recommended Reading: How To Manage Urinary Incontinence

    How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infection After Sex

    Though, women are more susceptible to getting a UTI than men, it doesn’t mean they have to stay from their time of pleasure. There are few things that both the partners can keep in mind while indulging in a sexual act. For a man, it’s important to understand that it’s the matter of his woman’s health and he should cooperate.

    Make sure you both urinate before sex and then properly wash the area with soap and water. This means you are giving each other safe and clean area for the utmost pleasure and play. Also, it’s essential to urinate after the sex too. It will help flush out whatever bacteria you have acquired during the act.

    Make sure you drink lots of water and keep yourself hydrated. Even if there are any bacteria that has got to you, you can flush them out by urinating frequently.

    Some women may have latex allergy too. It may be a possibility that the protection you are using is not suiting her. If a particular brand gives her inflammation or irritation, make sure to switch the brand and try something else.

    Don’t be harsh on the woman. If you have decided to spice up things with some ‘raunchy’ acts, keep the safety in mind too. Use of foreign objects may also give her infection. Be sure of what you are using and how.

    I Keep Getting Urinary Tract Infections After I Have Sex With My Boyfriend Ive Tried Drinking A Lot Of Liquids But That Doesnt Help Is There Anything I Can Do To Stop The Pain

    Posted

    Urinary tract infections are more common in girls who are sexually active. Thats because the urethra is very close to the anus and bacteria can find their way to the bladder very easily. Girls who have had UTIs before can usually recognize the symptoms of frequent urination, pain especially at the end of peeing, often accompanied by blood in the urine. To try to lessen your chance of UTIs, you may find helpful drinking lots of fluids, peeing at least every two hours and after sex, and talking with your health care provider about cranberry juice or tablets, and whether you should take antibiotics, either to prevent infections or as soon as you get symptoms.

    Make sure your symptoms are from a UTI and that you have seen your health care provider. Burning, frequent urination, and pain in the lower belly area, can also be a sign of a sexually transmitted infection such as Chlamydia. If you are sexually active, you should use condoms 100% of the time to lessen your risk.

    Also Check: How Does Kidney Failure Affect The Urinary System

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