It’s extensively agreed that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are disagreeable and uncomfortable, and the fixed have to pee is simply downright annoying. To cheer your self up, a little bit of hanky panky would possibly sound interesting. However can you’ve intercourse with a UTI?
We’re right here to reply all of your questions surrounding UTIs and intercourse, together with in the event you can have intercourse with a UTI, if a UTI may be transmitted by way of intercourse, and if sperm, oral intercourse and anal intercourse could cause a UTI, and we share our high tips about how you can keep UTI free.
What Is A UTI
UTIs are widespread bacterial infections that happen when micro organism enter the urinary tract, infecting both the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis), or kidneys (kidney an infection or pyelonephritis). UTIs are extra widespread in women as a result of their urethra is shorter, which means micro organism can enter the physique extra simply. It is estimated that just about half of all ladies will expertise cystitis at the least as soon as of their lifetime, with one in three experiencing a UTI earlier than the age of 24. And, whereas it is much less probably, men may get UTIs – read our blog about male UTIs to study extra).
A number of bugs could cause a UTI, however 80% of cases are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), a kind of micro organism naturally discovered within the digestive tract and faeces. Other UTI-causing bacteria embody Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus saprophyticus.
The most typical signs of a UTI embody a frequent have to urinate, painful urination (dysuria), and a sense of stress within the decrease stomach. Different signs might embody darkish or smelly urine, blood in your urine and a excessive temperature.
In the event you suppose you’ve a UTI, it’s greatest to see your physician, who can advise essentially the most applicable plan of action. While UTIs can clear up on their very own, antibiotics are normally advisable to stop the an infection from turning into extra severe.
Can A UTI Be Transmitted By means of Intercourse?
One of the crucial ceaselessly requested questions is, “can intercourse trigger a UTI?” Whereas UTIs are usually not handed on by way of intercourse in the identical means as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are usually not thought-about contagious, UTI-causing micro organism already in and in your physique may be handed between companions throughout sexual exercise.
As a result of E. coli micro organism reside in faeces, they might journey from the anus to the urethra by way of arms, mouths, genitals, or intercourse toys, triggering a urine an infection. That is very true for girls, because the urethra is positioned near the anus, making it simpler for micro organism to enter the urinary tract throughout intercourse.
Feeling a little bit of the ick? Don’t let this put you off, as micro organism are part of on a regular basis life, and our our bodies can typically deal with them and keep away from infections. However, to minimise your threat, attempt to apply clear and safer intercourse (extra on this under).
It’s additionally price noting that UTI signs are much like signs of sure STIs, together with chlamydia and gonorrhoea. So in the event you develop signs of a UTI and have had unprotected intercourse just lately, it’s a good suggestion to examine for STIs. To make this course of tremendous easy, order one in all Yoxly’s at-home STI kits and get examined for widespread infections from the consolation of your individual house.
Can I Have Intercourse With A UTI?
The brief reply is sure, you possibly can have intercourse with a UTI. Nonetheless, it could be uncomfortable in case your urethra or bladder is infected or irritated. Intercourse may introduce extra UTI-causing micro organism, which might worsen your an infection or result in an extended restoration time. As such, medical doctors typically suggest ready till your signs have resolved earlier than having intercourse once more.
Can Males Have Intercourse With A UTI?
Sure, it’s okay for each men and women to have intercourse with a UTI. Nonetheless, it could be uncomfortable and may introduce extra micro organism into the urethra, prolonging the an infection.
Can Male Sperm Trigger A UTI In Females?
Sperm doesn’t carry UTI-causing micro organism and can’t trigger a UTI. The penis itself, nonetheless, can introduce micro organism from the anal space into the vagina and urethra. To assist stop this, we suggest avoiding switching between anal and vaginal intercourse with out washing first or switching to a brand new condom.
Male sperm can, nonetheless, trigger an STI. Micro organism corresponding to chlamydia and gonorrhoea are discovered within the semen of contaminated people and may be transmitted to a companion if a condom is just not worn.
Can Oral Intercourse Trigger A UTI?
Sure, oral intercourse may trigger a UTI. It is because oral intercourse that ventures to the anal space can switch micro organism by way of the mouth to the urethra and enhance the chance of an infection. As well as, micro organism hanging out across the perineum (the world between the anus and vulva) or some other a part of the genitals, for that matter, is also carried to the urethra.
Can Anal Intercourse Trigger UTI?
Condomless anal intercourse is probably the riskiest type of intercourse in terms of UTIs as a result of the penis is coming into direct contact with E. coli micro organism, exposing the urethra to potential infections. Switching to vaginal intercourse after anal intercourse may switch this micro organism to the urethra and vagina. If you’re a penetrative companion for anal intercourse, carrying a condom is one of the best ways to stop selecting up micro organism your self, and it’s best to placed on a brand new condom in the event you swap to vaginal intercourse after anal. As well as, make certain to pee after intercourse, as this may help flush any micro organism out of the penile urethra.
Ideas To Minimise The Threat Of Creating A UTI
Practising good intercourse hygiene is essential to minimising your threat of UTIs.
Listed here are our high ideas:
- Be certain to pee earlier than and after intercourse (each penis-owners and vulva-owners!)
- Wash your genitals after intercourse utilizing heat water
- Keep away from switching from anal to vaginal intercourse
- Drink loads of water
- Wash your arms earlier than and after partaking in sexual actions
- Use a dental dam for oral intercourse
- Put on a condom for all penetrative intercourse
Abstract
So, to sum up, a UTI is an an infection of the urinary tract, mostly attributable to E. coli micro organism present in and across the anus. Whereas it is potential to have intercourse with a UTI, it is vital to take heed to your physique and keep away from something that causes ache or discomfort. Plus, vaginal, oral and anal intercourse can enhance UTI threat by transferring micro organism from the again passage to the urethra.
Though UTI-causing micro organism may be transferred between companions throughout intercourse, and intercourse can set off a UTI, it’s vital to do not forget that a UTI is just not contagious and isn’t a sexually transmitted an infection (STI).
In the event you expertise signs of a UTI, corresponding to painful or frequent urination, it is vital to hunt medical consideration as quickly as potential. However don’t panic as a result of, with immediate remedy, most UTIs are simply handled.
And eventually, apply our sexual hygiene tricks to preserve these UTIs at bay!
