Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesComplicationsPreventionSex With a UTIUTIs and STIsWhen to Call a Healthcare Provider
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Symptoms
Causes
Complications
Prevention
Sex With a UTI
UTIs and STIs
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
One of the frustrating things about aurinary tract infection (UTI)is that it interferes with sex. It is one thing when it happens every once in a while; it’s another when it becomes an ongoing, chronic condition.
A UTI can affect anyone and involve either the lower urinary tract (comprised of thebladderandurethra), the upper urinary tract (thekidneysandureters), or both. Women are more prone to getting UTIs than men—up to 30 times more likely, in fact—with lower tract infections accounting for the majority of sexual difficulties.
This article explains common symptoms of UTIs and how they relate to sexual intercourse. It also covers prevention tips and when to call your healthcare provider.
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Symptoms of of Chronic UTIs
UTIs and Painful IntercourseA UTI can also cause painful intercourse, also known asdyspareunia. This is more likely to occur in women who experience chronic UTIs, especially those who are postmenopausal.
UTIs and Painful Intercourse
A UTI can also cause painful intercourse, also known asdyspareunia. This is more likely to occur in women who experience chronic UTIs, especially those who are postmenopausal.
Why Does It Burn When I Pee After Sex? Potential Causes and Solutions
Causes of Chronic UTIs
Bacteria such as E. coli can easily enter the urinary tract through theurethra, which is situated close to the genital area in both men and women. It can then travel up the urethra and into the bladder where infection can develop.
Honeymoon cystitis is a term used to describe aUTI that a person gets after having sexwith a new partner. It is most common in sexually active younger women.It is believed that women get UTIs more frequently because their urethra is shorter, making it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder.
A chronic UTI is different from an acute UTI in that it either doesn’t respond to traditionaltreatmentor recurs frequently.
Risk Factors
Some people are more likely to develop a UTI from sexual intercourse due to the make-up of their urinary tract, genetics, or pre-existing health conditions.
Factors that place a person at risk of developing a chronic UTI include:
How Long Does a UTI Last?
An infection in your bladder can move up your urinary tract and spread to the kidneys. An infection of one or both kidneys, known aspyelonephritis, requires immediate medical attention. Without proper treatment, pyelonephritis can lead tokidney failureandsepsis.
Treatment involves the administration ofantibiotics. In some instances, the infection is resistant to antibiotic treatment andhospitalizationmay be needed.
Preventing Chronic UTIs
To betterreduce your risk of getting a UTI, there are several things you can do:
Diaphragms and Spermicides
Speak with your healthcare provider if you use a diaphragm or spermicide for contraception and are getting frequent bouts of UTI.
Spermicide can alter the natural bacterial makeup of the vagina, allowing foreign bacteria to flourish more readily. Alternate methods for contraception may need to be considered.
Precautions After Menopause
While most studies investigating chronic UTIs have focused on younger age groups, there is now compelling evidence that shows a strong relationship between sexual intercourse and UTIs in postmenopausal people.
It is, therefore, just as important for older women to take the same preventive measures as younger ones, irrespective of how often they have sex or how many sexual partners they have.
Genitourinary syndrome of menopause(in which the vaginal walls thin and become dry) increases the risk of frequent UTIs. Vaginal estrogen can help normalize the microbe balance in the vagina and help prevent UTIs.
Guidelines for Sex With a UTI
If you have been diagnosed with a UTI or suspect you have a UTI, you should not have sexual intercourse. It’s advised that you wait until the infection has completely cleared up before engaging in sex; otherwise, you run the risk of further irritating already inflamed tissue and possibly introducing new bacteria into your urinary tract. If that happens, you can develop a second UTI and will have an even longer recovery time.
How long after sex can you develop a UTI?Studies show that a UTI is likely to begin within 24 hours of sexual intercourse. When introduced into the urinary tract,E. coliwill adhere to the walls of the urethra and begin to multiply almost immediately.
How long after sex can you develop a UTI?
Studies show that a UTI is likely to begin within 24 hours of sexual intercourse. When introduced into the urinary tract,E. coliwill adhere to the walls of the urethra and begin to multiply almost immediately.
Once you start treatment for a UTI, you should see symptoms improve within 24 to 48 hours.However, it’s important to remember that the resolution of UTI symptoms doesn’t mean that the bacteria is gone; therefore, it is best to wait until you have finished the course of antibiotics before resuming sex.
To ensure the infection clears up completely, you need to take the antibiotics as prescribed and finish the entire course. Failure to do so can lead to antibiotic resistance.
UTIs and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs), includingtrichomoniasisandchlamydia, present with symptoms similar to a UTI, including itchiness and painful urination.This can lead to STIs being frequently misdiagnosed as UTIs or the STI, which may have caused the urinary tract infection, being missed.
It is, therefore, vital to see your healthcare provider whenever you have symptoms related to your urinary or genital tracts. Be upfront about your sexual history, including any recent unprotected intercourse, intercourse with a new sex partner, or experience with multiple sex partners.
Current pediatric guidelines recommend that doctors take a comprehensive sexual history of any adolescent with urinary tract complaints and routinely test them for STIs.
Safer sex practices, which include the consistent use of condoms, are always the best plan for reducing the risk of these and other STIs.
If a UTI is causingdyspareunia, it is typically due to frequent or recurrent UTIs that require more extensive treatment. In some cases, low-dose antibiotics may be prescribed for six months or longer. In postmenopausal women,estrogen replacement therapymay be advised.
When to Seek Urgent CareSeek immediate medical attention if you have signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis, including:Back or side (flank) painHigh feverChillsVomiting
When to Seek Urgent Care
Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis, including:Back or side (flank) painHigh feverChillsVomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if you have signs and symptoms of pyelonephritis, including:
The Secret to Instant UTI Relief
Summary
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter your urethra and travel to the bladder. This bacteria is often passed on during sexual intercourse although there are other reasons why you may develop a UTI.
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for a UTI. Be sure to complete the entire prescribed course to help ensure that the infection clears up.
To help lower your risk of a UTI, follow good hygiene practices, urinate after sex, and avoid using condoms with spermicide. If the infection does not get better after taking antibiotics, follow up with your healthcare provider.
How to Cope with a Urinary Tract Infection
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Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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