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Is Escherichia coli sexually transmitted?

by Alivia Nyhan
Published: Last Updated on

Escherichia coli is a bacteria that can be very harmless or cause serious infections. This depends on the type of bacteria and the person’s defenses infected with it. There are types of E. coli that live in our intestines and do not cause discomfort but, on the contrary, help its functioning.

This microorganism is transmitted, above all, by the fecal-oral route, that is, by not washing your hands well after going to the bathroom. Do you want to know if it can also be transmitted sexually? So, don’t stop reading this FastlyHealarticle. Here you will find detailed information about its transmission, the symptoms it causes, and how to prevent Escherichia coli.

What is Escherichia coli, and what diseases does it cause?

Escherichia coli, or E. coli, is a ubiquitous bacterium usually present in the normal flora of the intestine of healthy people. It contributes to the processes of digestion and formation of feces.

Some strains or types do cause disease; these are known as pathogens.

Pathogenic strains of E. coli usually cause very mild gastroenteritis in most cases, in which there may be mild, self-limited intestinal inflammation, diarrhea, and vomiting.

However, more complicated situations can occur when the strains are more aggressive, and the patient’s immune status is inadequate. In those cases, in addition, there may be:

  • Fever.
  • General discomfort.
  • Severe diarrhea
  • Blood in the stool.
  • Bleeding in other areas of the body.
  • Kidney damage.

This disease can be severe if it affects a child, being life-threatening.

On the other hand, if E. coli enters the urinary system, it can cause cystitis and urine infection with symptoms such as burning, painful urination, frequent and small urination, pain in the lower abdominal area, and even fever and severe kidney infection.

Is Escherichia coli sexually transmitted?

The E. coli s Uele is present in contaminated water, food contaminated with these waters, or fecal-oral transmission, i.e., if an infected person does wash their hands well after going to the bathroom, which touches becomes contaminated and so other People can ingest the bacteria if they feel something contaminated and put their hands in their mouths.

The following foods are familiar sources of E. coli:

  • Undercooked ground beef. It is one of the leading causes of infection in young children. If the meat is not fully cooked, Escherichia coli can remain in it. If ingested, it can seriously affect children’s health.
  • Vegetables are watered with contaminated water. It is essential to wash all fruits and vegetables before being appropriately consumed. Just water is not enough. Some disinfectants such as turmeric or vinegar must be added.
  • Milk. If the milk has been contaminated with E. coli, it can cause infection. Therefore, if the milk is fresh, it should be boiled before ingesting it. This does not happen with pasteurized milk, although it is known that there are many defects in the milk of industrial origin (they contain traces of antibiotics and hormones and have preservatives, among others).

It is not only about the direct consumption of these foods but also if these raw foods are put in contact with other ready-to-eat foods. In the same way, if the same utensils are used to cut meat, for example, and then to cut the vegetables that will be eaten raw.

As you can see, there are many possible sources of contagion of this bacterium, and we must tell you that certain sexual habits can also favor the spread of Escherichia coli.

Anal intercourse or manual manipulation of this area makes the contagion of E. coli possible, especially if the hygiene of the hands and the measurements that have been in contact with the anus are not taken into account.

Even when these practices do not include the anal area, there may be contagion. This can happen if the infected person does not wash their hands well after defecating and then touching items that they share with their partner or if they have anal intercourse and, after that, fellatio is practiced.

When an infection of this type occurs, the symptoms described above may appear. Recovery is usually quick in someone in good health, but if this affects a person with a weakened immune system, someone in imbalance, or very young children, it can worsen. In the latter cases, it can lead to the development of a rather severe condition called a hemolytic uremic syndrome, in which the kidneys and clotting are severely affected.

Urine infection

If you have anal intercourse without a condom with a person infected with E. coli, there is the possibility that genital and urinary symptoms of infection will later appear. That is why prophylactics in this type of practice and proper area hygiene are desirable.

How to prevent an E. coli infection

Follow the following tips to avoid transmission of this bacteria:

  • Wash your hands well after going to the bathroom and before eating.
  • Thoroughly wash your hands and areas of the body that have had contact with the anus.
  • Cook the meat well.
  • Properly clean and disinfect the food that you will eat raw.
  • Boil fresh milk before ingesting it.
  • Don’t use the same board or knife to cut meats and vegetables.

This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.

If you want to read more articles similar to Is Escherichia coli sexually transmitted? We recommend that you enter our Immune System category.

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