Sex & UTIs

Many women find that they get urinary tract infections after sex. It happens frequently because a woman's anus and vagina are located so close to the urethra. A UTI is not a sexually transmitted disease (STD), but sexual intercourse can easily move normal, existing bacteria to the urethra. The friction caused by sex can also temporarily traumatize the urinary tract, making it vulnerable to infection, especially in the hours immediately following sex.

Preventing UTIs During Sex

Although post-sex UTIs are common, they can usually be prevented with some simple measures:

Urinate immediately after sex to neutralize any bacteria that has entered your body. It is helpful to drink water before and after intercourse to help produce a strong flow of urine.
Vary your sexual positions, to avoid bruising the urethra.
If you include anal penetration in your lovemaking, be sure your partner uses a condom, discards it, and washes his penis before vaginal entry.
If you use a lubricant when you have sex, use one that is water-soluble.
If you use a diaphragm, clean it after each use. And have your doctor check your diaphragm periodically to make sure it still fits properly.
You may want to avoid products, such as spermicides, that can irritate your genital area.
If your partner is uncircumcised, he should always clean under his foreskin before sex.

For more information on sex and UTIs, visit our FAQs.