Women are much more likely than men to suffer from urinary infections since the female urethra is shorter than the male one. It is also much more exposed to the outside, which means that there is a greater risk of contact with germs and bacteria that can penetrate and settle in some part of the urinary system, usually in the bladder. Treating urinary tract infections early is very important to prevent bacteria from staying in either of the two kidneys and causing pyelonephritis.
Bacterial cystitis is a urinary infection that presents with bladder inflammation, which can cause bothersome symptoms. 80% of cystitis is caused during sexual intercourse or by frequency, with Escherichia coli the bacteria responsible. In this FastlyHealarticle, we are dedicated to answering the question of why when I have sex, I get a urine infection, offering you some tips to prevent this condition.
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Cystitis or infectious cystitis?
Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder that may or may not be caused by an infection. It is essential to learn to differentiate the two conditions to know when it is a urinary infection and when it is not. Cystitis without disease frequent urge cause to go to the bathroom even just after emptying the bladder, bladder pressure or discomfort in the abdomen and into the urethra to the sitting or tight clothes.
When cystitis is caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, symptoms include burning or painful urination, constant urge to go to the bathroom even when the bladder has just emptied, lower back pain, bladder cramps or in the lower part of the belly, cloudy and foul-smelling urine and in some cases fever. Cystitis without infection is temporary, usually appears immediately after sexual intercourse, and is relieved with medication. Bacterial cystitis worsens over time and usually occurs three days after sexual intercourse, and antibiotics are needed to relieve symptoms and kill the bacteria.
Urine infection after sexual intercourse
The infection after urine sex is not a sexually transmitted disease since man does not share the bacteria through intercourse. However, everything during sex stimulates the bacteria to penetrate more quickly into the urinary tract.
The female urethra is much shorter than the male urethra and is very close to the clitoris and anus, exposed to the outside. The first factor that increases the risk of contracting a urine infection during sexual intercourse is that when penetration occurs, the urethra is squeezed, making it easier for any bacterial content that it has to travel to the bladder and cause an infection. In addition, we speak of bacterial cystitis because the friction of the penis with the urethra inflames the tissue, which generates that annoying sensation when sitting.
La Escherichia coli
It is a bacterium that lives in the human body, specifically in the intestines, so it is present in feces. During sex, anal, and then vaginal stimulation is performed, this bacterium is likely transferred from the anus to the vagina, making it easier for it to enter the bladder through the urethra. It may also be the case that some germs from the anus pass into the vagina at the time of penetration. Although bacteria cause most urinary tract infections, Coli is a hazardous organism. It can create colonies in the bladder, making it difficult to eliminate the organ and driving recurrent and painful conditions.
Other factors
In addition to the anatomy of the female urethra, friction during sexual intercourse, and infection by Escherichia coli, other factors stimulate the proliferation of bacteria or facilitate their passage to the bladder. Some of them are:
- Use of vaginal lubricants.
- Use of spermicidal substances.
- Lack of personal hygiene.
- Condoms with spermicides.
- Any lubricating or stimulating substance with aroma or flavor.
- Have sex during menstruation.
- Use the diaphragm for contraception.
How to avoid urine infection after intercourse
Personal cleanliness
The main thing during sexual intercourse is that both people are as clean as possible. For this, it is recommended that both shower before the sexual encounter since this allows removing any type of bacteria or additional germ that may cause any condition during penetration.
Urinate immediately after sex
Going to the bathroom after sexual intercourse is very important, even when you do not feel like it. Any bacteria in the urethra are expelled by the urine pressure and thus prevent their passage to the bladder.
Stimulation
Talk to your partner about the importance of avoiding anal and then vaginal stimulation during the encounter. This is the most common route of infection for Escherichia coli. If you practice anal sex, it is essential to avoid anal and then vaginal penetration. Once the penis has entered the anus, it is recommended to wash it with antibacterial soap before penetrating the vagina.
Vaginal washing
After sex, it is also essential that the woman washes with soap and water to reduce the proliferation of bacteria and the risk of infection.
Common bacteria
In the vagina and the penis, some bacteria are housed there and are part of the bacterial flora. During the act, it must be your hand that guides the penis towards penetration since a blind penetration can make the penis rub many of the bacteria from the vagina or anus and transfer them to the urethra.
Avoid lubricants
Bacteria and germs live best in excessively humid environments. If you don’t need it, avoid using lubricants, as it increases the proliferation of microorganisms. In addition, these products often have some type of fragrance that can irritate the vagina and increase the risk of vaginal infection.
Other tips to prevent urine infections:
- Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
- Avoid constant use of sanitary pads.
- Avoid using intimate clothing such as dental floss.
- Wash your vagina with pH-neutral close soap.
- Always clean your private parts from front to back.
- Do not wear very tight clothes.
- Don’t keep your wet bathing suit on for a long time.
- Take vitamin C every day to keep your urine acidic, which fights bacteria.
How to treat a urine infection
Visit the doctor
The first thing you should do is perform a urine test and a urine culture, an exam that will allow you to know which bacteria is causing the infection. And what is the ideal medicine to combat it? Once you have both tests, go to your GP, who will prescribe the indicated antibiotic, usually for seven days, to kill the bacteria and thus cure the infection. When the disease is recurrent after sexual intercourse, the doctor may prescribe a synthetic antibacterial after each encounter. However, it is essential to note that recurrent urine infections are not typical, so if you notice that after adequately treating the disease continues to appear, both you and your boy must visit a urologist to rule out other complications.
Eat cranberries
Scientific studies have proven that cranberry juice exerts a decisive antibacterial action in the body that allows it to eradicate bacteria in the urinary tract and helps prevent urinary tract infections. The consumption of blueberries is so effective in treating urinary conditions that in the market, we can find juices, pills, and even gummies that offer to serve as a treatment and as a preventive method.
Cranberries are so effective that the Spanish Society of Community Pharmacy assures that drinking cranberry juice for 30 days is an effective treatment to completely eradicate Escherichia coli and its colonies from the urinary tract. Likewise, this association recommends drinking cranberry juice for one month every three months as a preventive action against recurrent urinary infections.
In the following article, you will find the best natural remedies for urine infection.
C vitamin
Why is it essential to take vitamin C to prevent and treat urine infections? Because vitamin C can increase the acidity of the urine, preventing bacteria from proliferating in any part of the urinary tract. To enjoy this benefit, taking this vitamin through supplements is recommended, the ideal dose being one tablet twice a day.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Why do I get a urine infection when I have sex, we recommend that you enter our Kidneys and urinary system category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.