UTIs After Sex: How to stop frequent bladder infections
I’m not sure if it was my mother or my college roommate who told me to always pee following sex. If it was the former, I was probably mortified but thankful. In college, it seemed urinary tract infections were spreading like wildfire and it was not uncommon to hear “Did you pee after sex? You always have to pee after sex!” whispered in hushed tones throughout the dormitory halls. If you haven’t gotten a dreaded UTI after sex, then consider yourself lucky, they’re as common as the freshman 15.
The link between sex and UTIs
Why is there a link between sex and UTIs in women but not men? Two words: Female Anatomy. While women have three holes (the urethra, vagina, and anus) men only have two. The female urethra (where urine exits) is shorter than a man’s urethra and because of its close proximity to the vagina, it’s easier for bacteria to invade the bladder through sexual activity. Pair that with a newfound freedom of being away from home and a fresh dating pool and you have the perfect combination of hosting a bacteria party.
Sex isn’t the only reason why women can get frequent UTIs but it is the #1 triggering behavior that leads to the infections more often.
Factors that can help make women more predisposed to recurrent bladder infections include a family history of UTIs, hormonal changes such as menopause, pregnancy or the use of hormonal birth control, or having a chronic embedded infection within the bladder.
Antibiotics a cure for UTIs
While at-home remedies such as cranberry juice may to help to prevent a UTI, only a targeted antibiotic can successfully eradicate the infection.
Simple, uncomplicated UTIs are easily curable and you’re on your way to feeling relief typically 24-48 hours after you take your first dose of the prescribed antibiotic. But if you’re getting UTIs frequently after sex, it’s important to make sure you’re taking preventative measures to keep the bacteria at bay.
Preventing UTIs after sex
Pee after sex. Believe it or not, this behavior is NOT rooted in scientific research. But after a quick poll of some volunteers (ok, my friends on Instagram) I learned that about 98% do pee after sex in order to prevent a UTI. It certainly can’t hurt – it flushes out your urethra. If you don’t have to pee, don’t force it – wait until you’re ready and be sure to wipe front to back.
If you’re exploring any anal play, be sure to not swap between vaginal and anal sex without making sure whatever is penetrating your vagina is clean.
Drink plenty of water. Well-hydrated urine should be clear and straw-colored, without a strong odor.
Keep it clean. Warm water and fragrance-free soap (used on the outside of your vagina aka your vulva) are your best bets to stay clean and itch-free. Stay away from “feminine hygiene” products such as douches or fragrance wipes. These products can disrupt your natural pH or irritate the sensitive skin.
Frequent UTIs may require additional testing
If you’re following all the healthy behavior patterns listed above but still struggling with frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider. Recurrent urinary tract infections typically mean you experience more than two UTIs within six months or two or more infections in a year.
Urinary tract infections can become antibiotic-resistant which may be why the UTI symptoms remain after a course of prescribed antibiotics. In the case of a chronic embedded infection, the bacteria has basically set up shop in the lining of the bladder walls and while you may feel relief for a little bit, it will continue to irritate the bladder and you.
Thankfully, there is state-of-the-art testing which can pinpoint the specific bacteria causing the urinary tract infection and then help your physician prescribe antibiotic treatment that may successfully rid the bacteria from your bladder and urinary tract. The MyUTI tests can be ordered and shipped directly to your home, it’s that easy. After shipped to the lab, in a day you will have a personalized antibiotic recommendation!
The pain and burden of a UTI should not stand in anyone’s way to a fun time with your partner. By following simple preventative measures and/or researching advanced testing methods with your physician, if appropriate, you’ll be on your way to sexy times with no unwelcome visits from the UTI fairy.
SOURCES:
https://www.myuti.com/uti-basics
