Do You Get UTIs After Sex? Know The Cause And Ways To Prevent It
If you have pain or discomfort when you pee, you might have a urinary tract infection (UTI). Urine is produced, collected, and eliminated from the body by the urinary tract. Urinary tract infections are caused when certain bacteria or other organisms enter the urinary tract and find a location to grow. The E. coli bacteria is the most frequent cause of urinary tract infections and almost 80% of infections that occur outside of hospitals are caused by this E. coli. infection. Certain fungi, viruses, and other bacteria (such as Staphylococcus or Enterococcus) can also cause urinary tract infections. Fortunately, most of UTIs can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
In this blog we will help you understand the causes as well as some easy and effective ways to prevent UTI.
Can You Get UTIs After Sex?
Sex increases the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs) for many people. The connection between sex and UTIs is evident. This is because bacteria are pushed towards the urethra by the friction that occurs during sexual intercourse. The risk of a UTI is increased by everything that permits or promotes bacterial entry into the urinary system.
Nevertheless, a UTI is not the same as a sexually transmitted infections. Everybody's skin has the same kinds of germs that cause UTIs.
Causes and Risk Factors of Developing UTIs
Urinary tract infections are more likely in some people than others. Causes and risk factors include:
1) Females are more prone than men: Anyone with a urinary tract can acquire a UTI but it occurs more frequently in women and persons with feminine genitals. This is because of their anatomy.
Compared to men, women's urethras are shorter. Additionally, their urethra opening is nearer the vagina or anus, which are potential bacterial locations. Because of these two variables, women are more likely than males to have germs enter their bladders. Also, women in their post-menopause years have increased UTI risk.
2) Frequent sexual intercourse: If you engage in sexual activity regularly, it is more likely that skin germs will enter your urinary tract and result in an illness.
3) Family history of UTI: If you have a mother or sister who has frequent UTIs, your risk of getting one, also increases.
4) Bladder that doesn’t empty completely: When the bladder or urethra gets blocked due to kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or constipation, the bladder doesn’t empty completely. Also, damage to the neurons supplying the bladder, spinal cord injuries or multiple sclerosis may also result in UTI.
5) Condition that facilitates the growth and spread of bacteria: A UTI is more likely to occur if you are pregnant, have diabetes, or have other health issues that compromise your immune system.
6) Uses of urinary catheters: A urinary catheter is a tube placed in the bladder to drain urine before or after surgery or to help perform certain tests. One can get a UTI from using either a short-term or a long-term catheter. Hence, catheters must be inserted properly, maintained correctly, and only used for as long as necessary.
7) Not maintaining genital hygiene: If one is not keeping the genital area clean and dry, the risk of UTI increases.
Symptoms of UTI
The UTI symptoms you have will depend on the part of the urinary tract that’s infected. The common signs and symptoms of UTI are as follows:
- Urinating with pain or burning
- An urgent need to go to the toilet
- An urge to urinate frequently
- Increased urination at night
- Urine that is hazy, pink, or has blood in it
- Mild lower abdominal pain (where the bladder is located)
The symptoms are typically distinct and more severe when the upper tract (the kidneys) is infected. The following are signs of a kidney infection:
- Pain in your side or lower back
- Chills and fevers
- Nausea or vomiting
Ways to Prevent UTI
1) Urinate after sex: Urinating right after intercourse is the simplest way to lower your risk of developing a UTI. Washing your genitals and urinating after sex can stop the bacteria from moving up the urinary tract. This is how a UTI produced.
2) Increase your water intake: Increasing your water intake lowers your risk of getting a UTI. Maintaining hydration is believed to be beneficial because it dilutes the bacteria in the urinary tract, preventing an infection.
3) Steer clear of diaphragms and spermicides: To help avoid UTIs, you might want to think about switching to a different method of birth control if you already use spermicides or a diaphragm. Switching could reduce your risk because spermicides and diaphragms are linked to an increased risk of UTIs.
4) Using lubricant: Friction during sexual activity can irritate the tissues around the genitals.
5) Avoid douching or using vaginal deodorants or scented tampons or pads.
6) Avoid wearing tight fitted pants or undergarments as too tight clothes may cause rashes leading to UTIs.
Hence, sexual intercourse can increase your risk for getting a UTI, but there are simple steps you can take to reduce your chance of getting one. Pee right after sex and keep your genital area clean. Consider possibly using a different form of contraception. Most UTIs can be successfully treated with antibiotics. If you develop symptoms of a UTI, let your healthcare provider know right away. They can get your urine tested to make the diagnosis and prescribe antibiotics to treat it. Don’t wait until your symptoms get really bad to call your provider. Always remember that untreated UTIs can eventually turn into kidney infections.
If you have any questions about urinary tract infection, you can Ask a Urologist at Ask a Doctor, 24x7.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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