Why Do I Get Urinary Tract Infections After Intercourse

What Are The Symptoms Of A Uti

Not surprisingly, some of the symptoms of a UTI involve the frequency and quality of pee. Women suffering from a UTI, whether they get the infection from sex or other ways, can have a strong urge to urinate, have cloudy or red or pink urine, and may experience pain or burning during urination.

You might also get fever, shaking, or chills, and even pain in your upper back, your side, or the pelvic region.

Some Myth Some Truth: Sexual Activity

Sexual intercourse indeed can be a strong trigger for a UTI, as can any activity that has the potential for putting infection-causing bacteria near the urethra.

Your partners anatomy can act as a ladder for infection of the urethra with bacteria that usually live in the bowel, said Dr. Dielubanza.

Use of spermicides with or without barrier contraceptives has been shown to increase the risk of urinary tract infections in sexually active women. Women may consider an alternative contraceptive regimen if they experience UTIs after intercourse.

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Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections In Women: Diagnosis And Management

CHARLES M. KODNER, MD, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, Kentucky

EMILY K. THOMAS GUPTON, DO, MPH, Primary Care Medical Center, Murray, Kentucky

Am Fam Physician. 2010 Sep 15 82:638-643.

• References

Recurrent urinary tract infections are common in women and associated with considerable morbidity and health care use. The clinical features, diagnostic testing, and causative organisms are often similar to those of single cases of UTI, although there are additional treatment strategies and prevention measures to consider with recurrent UTIs.

SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

A urine culture with greater than 102 colony-forming units per mL is considered positive in patients who have symptoms of UTI.

UTI = urinary tract infection.

SORT: KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

UTI = urinary tract infection.

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Can You Get A Uti From Having Sex

Yes, you can get a UTI from having sex, especially if youre a woman.

During sexual intercourse, thrusting can introduce bacteria up the urethra and into the bladder, increasing the risk of a UTI, explains Dr. Lakeisha Richardson, MD, OB-GYN.

The reason that women are more prone to getting a UTI from sex is due to female anatomy. Women have a shorter urethra than men, which means its easier for bacteria to get into the bladder.

Also, the urethra is closer to the anus in women. This makes it easier for bacteria, like E. coli, to get into the urethra.

Its important to keep in mind that you can also get a UTI from oral sex, not just penetrative sex. With oral sex, bacteria can still get introduced into the urethra, which can lead to an infection.

Although anyone is susceptible to getting a UTI from having sex, Richardson says women with a history of recurrent UTIs or urinary abnormalities have an increased risk for these infections.

Although it might not be possible to come up with a completely foolproof plan to prevent a UTI, you can certainly take steps to reduce your risk for getting a UTI after sex.

Here are some tips:

Richardson also says women who have recurrent UTIs may benefit from taking a prescribed antibiotic after sex. This is typically one dose taken immediately after having sexual intercourse.

If youre prone to getting UTIs, you may want to talk with your doctor about an antibiotic prescription for this purpose.

• nausea

• drink plenty of water

Incidence Of Urinary Tract Infection

Thirty of the 138 total UTI events were excluded from the analysis because there were no diary entries to determine sexual intercourse on or during the month preceding the corresponding UTI date. Thus, 108 symptomatic, culture-confirmed UTIs with 105 CFU/mL among 78 women were included in the final analysis. Sixty-five symptomatic UTIs were identified via dipslide, while 43 were detected through review of clinical records. All UTIs were followed up by interview to verify the presence of at least 2 symptoms. Of the 108 confirmed UTIs with at least 2 symptoms, 91 had an acute urinary symptom recorded in the diaries within 7 days of laboratory confirmation, while 17 had symptoms only noted upon personal interview. Of those who experienced a UTI, 59 women had one UTI, 12 women had 2, 3 women had 3, and 4 women had 4. E. coli was the predominant uropathogen, identified in 83 of the 108 infections, while the remaining UTIs were caused by Klebsiella species , Proteus species , Enterococcus , group B Streptococcus , Enterobacter species , Citrobacter freundii , and unspeciated gram-negative rods . E. coli continued to predominate when analyses were restricted to the first UTI and when UTI was defined as 104 CFU/mL.

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Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections

UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract.

The bacteria enter through the tube that carries pee out of the body .

Women have a shorter urethra than men. This means bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection.

Things that increase the risk of bacteria getting into the bladder include:

• having sex

• do not use scented soap

• do not hold your pee in if you feel the urge to go

• do not rush when going for a pee try to fully empty your bladder

• do not wear tight, synthetic underwear, such as nylon

• do not drink lots of alcoholic drinks, as they may irritate your bladder

• do not have lots of sugary food or drinks, as they may encourage bacteria to grow

• do not use condoms or diaphragms with spermicidal lube on them try non-spermicidal lube or a different type of contraception

Can Antibiotics For Utis Interfere With Birth Control

Nope, the antibiotics you’re taking for a UTI won’t interfere with your birth controlphew! The only antibiotics that might impact hormonal contraception are rifampicin and rifabutin, according the UK’s National Health Service. Those medications are used to treat certain bacterial infections, like tuberculosis, but not UTIs.

With that said, other medications can make hormonal birth control less effective, per Penn Medicine, so it’s always a good idea to check in with your doctor or pharmacist about potential interference with birth control whenever you’re taking something new.

Another thing to note is that spermicide can make you more susceptible to UTIs, per Mayo Clinic. Also, the new birth control gel Phexxi is not recommended for people with a history of recurrent UTIs, according to the National Women’s Health Network. If you’re frequently coming down with UTIs, it might be a good idea to talk with your doctor about whether switching birth control could help.

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Preventative Measures That May Help You Avoid Utis

There is some very mild evidence that probiotics may help prevent bladder infections, says Goldman. The idea is that probiotics can help restore the healthy bacterial flora or good bacteria in your vagina and along your urinary tract. You can get these probiotics either naturally in your diet from foods like yogurt and kimchi, or in the form of supplements. Probiotics are also available in the form of vaginal suppositories. Some people do well with the vaginal insertion of special probiotics formulated for vagina, says Kim.

While the notion that cranberry juice can cure a UTI is pretty flimsy, there are some studies suggesting it can aid in preventing them. There is some very, very weak evidence that cranberry juice or cranberries or other things in that family, like blueberries may help lower one’s risk for infection, says Goldman.

Cranberries contain tannins that are thought to minimize adherence of bacteria to the urinary tract, Kobashi explains, but the thinking is that there is not enough of them to be effective. However, both doctors reason that because its totally harmless, upping your cranberry intake in the name of a UTI-free existence cant hurt.

If youre following your doctors advice and have tried all the tricks and are still getting UTIs after intercourse, there could be something else going on.

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Some Typical Causes Of Cystitis In Women:

• When the bladder is not voided completely when urinating. Give yourself plenty of time when you urinate, and empty the bladder as much as possible.
• The direction you wipe yourself. Women can avoid cystitis by wiping themselves from the urethra towards the anus.
• Intercourse and anal sex .

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Why Does Sex Cause Urinary Tract Infections

Many women suffer from urinary tract infections or UTIs after sex. This isnt always the case. Some women never end up with a UTI. Intercourse can increase your chances of getting a bladder infection, however. Eagles Landing OB/GYN explains below the correlation between sex and UTIs, how you can avoid them, and what to do if you get a bladder infection.

Utis After Sex Are Worse Than Using The Toilet Around A New Partner

They sometimes refer to UTIs as honeymooners syndrome. Historically women became sexually active on their honeymoons.

There was probably already a mixture of fear and trepidation. Then add the potential embarrassment of showing your new husband that you needed to use the toilet. That may have been enough to leave many new brides with a desperately full bladder and bacterial growth flourishing.

New relationships encounter these same problems too. In this last instance the toilet was next to the bedroom and the door did not close. So I was less than enthusiastic about issuing the powerful jet of urine that might have saved me.

And its not just not peeing after sex that can cause problems. It turns out its about poo too! Constipation is linked to recurrent UTIs, especially in kids.

So if youre also not making regular bowel movements due to the awkwardness of a new relationship, its best to just get over it.

UTIs after sex prevention tip 5: Its important to avoid constipation. Keeping bowel movements regular can help with urinary tract health.

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Diaphragms And Other Barrier Methods Are Hormone

These are barrier methods of birth control. The diaphragm is a flexible cup that you place in your vagina to block sperm from entering your uterus. Its most effective when used with spermicide.

You will have to be fitted for a diaphragm by your doctor, and its a good idea to replace it after a year. Youll have to examine it occasionally, as well, to make sure there are no holes, tears, or thinning of the latex. If youve recently gained or lost weight, youll also want to have it checked for fit.

The cervical cap is similar to the diaphragm. Youll have to be fitted for one by a healthcare professional, and its best to use it with spermicide. You place it in your vagina, where it keeps sperm from entering the cervix. It should also be replaced yearly.

The sponge is soft foam coated with spermicide. The device looks like a donut, and covers the cervix when you insert it into your vagina.

Pros: All of these items are hormone-free. You can insert your diaphragm or cervical cap anywhere from just before sex up to six hours before intercourse. Theyre both great options if you have medical conditions, such as breast cancer, that make it unsafe to use hormones for birth control. Unlike those methods, the sponge is an over-the-counter item.

While it is extremely rare, all three methods may cause toxic shock syndrome. So dont leave a diaphragm in for more than 24 hours, and dont leave a cervical cap in for more than 48 hours.

How Soon After A Uti Can You Have Sex

Its best to wait until the UTI has been treated to start having intercourse again. Your doctor will give you the green light about when that is, but its safe to assume it will be at least a week until youve finished your antibiotic regimen.

Even if you no longer notice symptoms, try your best to refrain from sexual activity until you are fully cleared of infection and done with your treatment.

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Early Uti Signs To Look Out For

There is a running theme in early UTI symptoms, and that is, as you might expect urine. The first symptoms of urinary tract infections all revolve around urine, either the frequency of urination, the experience of urinating, or the urine itself.

Why Are Some People Prone To Getting A Uti Every Time They Have Sex

You probably dont get a UTI every time you have sex. But it can feel that way if you come down with UTIs often.

Sex definitely can trigger the condition. In fact, urinary tract infections have been nicknamed “honeymoon cystitis” cystitis is another name for an infection of the bladder because frequent intercourse can lead to the development of a UTI.

Other reasons you might get recurrent UTIs are: having a new partner, having a family history of them, living with diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse, transitioning to menopause , or having difficulty fully emptying your bladder, Yavagal says.

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What Causes Recurring Utis

Some people get UTI symptoms frequently. This can result from IC, a chronic condition that causes pressure and pain in the bladder region.

IC results from inflammation, which sometimes occurs due to an autoimmune response in the bladder. This means that the body is mistakenly attacking its own cells.

In some people, the symptoms of IC come and go. Because the symptoms can resemble those of other conditions, IC can be difficult to diagnose. Treatment typically involves symptom management.

IC is not the only health issue that can resemble a UTI some STIs have similar symptoms to UTIs.

Should My Partner Be Tested For Uti

Ive since learned that it is indeed possible for bacteria to be passed back and forth between partners during sex. If you think about it, that makes perfect sense this is exactly how STIs occur, so why not other organisms?

If I knew this at the time, I would have considered whether my partner should have been tested. For males this can mean both urine and semen tests, as bacteria can reside in the urinary tract and/or the prostate.

Its entirely possible for males to carry bacteria without experiencing symptoms, so they wouldnt necessarily know they were contributing to your own symptoms. Same sex partners can of course pass organisms back and forth too thats one area that is truly equal.

UTIs after sex prevention tip 2: Consider whether your partner should also be tested.

Strangely, my boyfriends housemate also began to experience recurrent UTIs. That got me thinking about the environment in their share house, or their drinking water or possibly my boyfriends fidelity! It seemed like way too much of a coincidence for this to be happening to both of us at the same time.

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What Foods To Avoid If You Have A Bladder Infection

So try to avoid lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and tomatoes when youre treating a UTI. Other fruits that may cause bladder irritation and worsen a urinary tract infection include apples, peaches, grapes, plums, strawberries, and pineapple. You should also steer clear of juices made from these fruits.

Recognizing Uti Symptoms In Men

Can males get UTI from females? No, men usually get UTIs from other factors. And when you have a urinary tract infection,you do not always notice symptoms. However, whenever there are symptoms, they are usually the same in both men and women. Some of the most common symptoms include the following:

• You may pass cloudy, bloody, or bad-smelling urine.
• You may pass a small amount of urine at a time.
• You have abdominal pain.
• You may experience pain in your lower back.
• You may experience a burning sensation when passing urine.
• You may have a strong urge to urinate.
• You may have a low-grade fever.

Other common symptoms are frequent urination, a burning sensation after urination, blood in urine, and trouble urinating. However, one symptom is usually present in men only and that is the fluid leaking from the penis. You should seek immediate medical attention if you notice any discharge from the penis. It is also possible to have a kidney infection if you also experience chills, nausea, and fever along with the aforementioned symptoms.

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