Can urinating after sex prevent UTIs? -Life Health

Having sex doesn’t directly cause urinary tract infections (UTIs), but it can increase the chance of infection. Urinating before and after sex can reduce this risk.

1. What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection, also known as a UTI, is an infection of the urethra, bladder, kidneys, and ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. UTIs can affect any part of the urinary tract.

These infections occur when bacteria enter the urinary system. Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men, and risk factors include: history of UTIs, sexual activity, use of spermicides, being in menopause, being pregnant, having diabetes, obesity, structural abnormalities of the urinary tract, etc.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

– Painful urination

– Burning sensation when urinating

– Urinate very often

Low urine output, even when you want to pee

– There is blood in the urine

– Cramps or pressure in the lower abdomen

– Urine has an unpleasant odor

When the infection spreads to the bladder and kidneys, it can cause sharp pain in the lower back

Low back pain and pain when urinating are signs of a urinary tract infection.

2. Can urinating after sex prevent UTIs?

A urinary tract infection is not a sexually transmitted infection. However, sexual activity can increase the risk of developing UTIs. Bacteria in the genital or anal area can enter the urethra during sex. ‎Additionally, the use of sex toys can transmit bacteria if not cleaned properly between uses.

Some sexually transmitted diseases, such as Chlamydia, can cause urinary tract infections. However, UTIs are not sexually transmitted from person to person, like sexually transmitted diseases are.

Experts are still inconclusive about whether urinating after sex helps prevent UTIs. But the scientists come to the same conclusion that there are ways to reduce the risk of developing a urinary tract infection, including staying hydrated and increasing personal hygiene.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends urinating after sex to prevent urinary tract infections. Medical experts say doing this can help eliminate bacteria near the urethra and prevent them from entering the urinary tract.

However, a study published in 2016 by American Family Physicican found that urinating after sex had no protective effect against measurable infections. Even so, the researchers note, it is still advisable to urinate after sex because this activity will help you better keep the genital area hygienic.

It should be noted that it is more necessary for women to urinate after sex. The first is because the female urethra is very close to the vagina and anus, making it easy for bacteria to spread from the vagina and anus to the urethra. Second, because the urethra of women is shorter than that of men, it will cause bacteria after entering to move to the bladder faster and cause urinary tract infections.

Women need to pay attention to good genital hygiene after sex.

3. Methods to prevent urinary tract infections

Some other simple ways to help you prevent UTIs include:

– Urinate whenever you want, don’t hold back.

Drink enough water every day, drink regularly throughout the day.

– Keep the genital and urinary area clean.

Use protection such as condoms during sex.

– Clean and sterilize sex toys and menstrual cups before use.

– After using the toilet, wash gently with clean water and dry from front to back.

– Avoid douching and do not use chemical cleaners to clean the vulva and vagina.