UTIs are uncomfortable enough without the added irritation of sex. In fact, your GP or sexual health clinic may advise you to delay vaginal sex until after your infection clears up and you’ve finished your antibiotic treatment.
UTIs occur when bacteria that normally live in the bowel (usually E. coli) get into the urethra or bladder. Women are more prone to UTIs than men because their anus and urethra are closer together.
1. It may aggravate your symptoms.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a pesky but relatively common infection that affects the bladder and urethra. Typically caused by Escherichia coli, UTIs can cause pain, burning sensations and/or fever.
Fortunately, they’re easy to treat and usually go away on their own within a day or two of starting antibiotics. While sex won’t necessarily make your UTI worse, it’s generally not recommended until you’ve finished your antibiotic treatment and are feeling fully recovered.
That’s because having sex while you have a UTI can aggravate your symptoms by introducing bacteria to your urinary tract, which can trigger an infection. The bacteria can also rub against your urethra and clitoris during sexual intercourse, leading to irritation or discomfort. This is particularly true for women, as their urethras are closer to the anus and vaginal opening than those of men.
Additionally, oral sex can introduce bacteria to your urinary tract, and some lubricants contain chemicals that can irritate the urethra and bladder. If you’re feeling up to it, there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of sex-related UTIs in the future. These include drinking plenty of water, making sure you pee before and after sex, using a water-based lubricant during sexual intercourse and avoiding sexual positions that irritate the urethra or bladder. You should also talk to your doctor about when it’s safe to resume sexual intercourse.
2. It may trigger a new infection.
When you’re in the midst of a UTI (which can feel like your bladder and urethra are on fire), having sex may be the last thing on your mind. However, you should know that sex can actually make your infection worse and cause you to pass the bacteria back to your partner.
Most UTIs are caused by E coli bacteria that can be passed from one sexual partner to the other through vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Because of this, having sex while you have a UTI can actually trigger another infection and lengthen your recovery time.
If you’re a woman, it’s more likely that you could get a UTI from your partner than if you were a man, as the anus is closer to the bladder and urethra in women. Plus, female anatomy makes it easier for bacteria to move from the GI tract or feces to the urinary tract through penetration.
Thankfully, because a UTI is not considered a sexually transmitted disease (STI), it is not contagious. But it’s best to avoid sex until you’ve completely finished your antibiotic treatment and are symptom-free. You can always try shower foreplay or some oral sex, just be aware that it could pass bacteria up into your urethra and exacerbate your symptoms. You should also avoid any intercourse that involves your penis because bacteria from the genital area can be pushed up into the anus and cause a UTI.
3. It may put your partner at risk.
Having sex with a UTI can aggravate your symptoms and potentially cause your partner to get one, too. According to Self, this is because penetrative sex increases the friction between your urethra and penis, which can agitate the lining of your urinary tract and push bacteria further up into your bladder. It can also irritate the urethra opening of your penis, which could cause pain and prolong your infection.
Bacteria that causes UTIs, such as E. coli, can easily enter your urethra from your skin or rectum during sexual contact. This bacteria can then spread to your penis, where it sticks to the urethra lining. It’s not common for germs to cause UTIs in men, but some types of bacteria, like Mycoplasma and Chlamydia, can.
Since a UTI isn’t considered a sexually transmitted disease, it doesn’t pose any risk to your sexual partners. However, if you decide to continue to have sex, you should try to reduce the friction between your urethra, penis, and anal area as much as possible. You can do this by showering before having sex and by trying different sex positions that are less likely to come into contact with your anus, such as doggy-style or oral sex. You should also be sure to empty your bladder immediately after sex and take breaks during intercourse if needed.
4. It may increase your risk of complications.
Having sex with a UTI may not actually make your infection worse, but it may cause irritation. “Because of the close proximity of the urethra to the clitoris and vagina, it’s possible that friction from the penis or fingers could inadvertently rub against the urethra during sexual activity,” says board-certified OB/GYN Lakeisha Richardson. “That friction can cause pain or discomfort.”
Women are especially prone to getting UTIs because of their anatomy. The anus is closer to the vagina and urethra than the rectum in women, which makes it easier for bacteria to move between the two areas during penetrative sex. Washing after sex can help reduce this risk.
In rare cases, a urinary tract infection can spread to the kidneys. If that happens in a pregnant woman, it can lead to high blood pressure and premature delivery of the baby. “That’s why it’s so important for pregnant women to go to the doctor if they have symptoms of a UTI,” says OB/GYN Christine Greves.
In most cases, doctors recommend waiting to have sex until you’re symptom-free and finished with your antibiotic treatment. But it’s always a good idea to discuss your sexual history with your partner and practice preventative measures like washing the genital area frequently, using a condom during unprotected sex, and making sure to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.