Urinary tract infections are becoming more common these days then they were a few decades ago. A urinary tract infection can develop anywhere along the urinary tract that means from the urethra to the kidney.
The symptoms of urinary tract infections include;
- Pain during urination
- A persistent urge to empty the bladder
- Pelvic pain or tenderness
Even though the symptoms of urinary tract infection can be irritating, they do not stop you from engaging in vaginal sexual intercourse. That doesn’t mean you will be comfortable with it because a UTI can irritate sensitive tissues in their urinary tract and engaging in sex can cause more irritation to those tissues.
Sexual activities while you have a urinary tract infection can not only increase your risk of complications but also put your partner at risk. For this reason, doctors will always advise that you wait until you are free of symptoms before you engage in sexual activities.
Also, it is preferable that you ensure you have completed treatment of UTI before having sex.
Sex with a UTI may cause pain and exacerbate other symptoms
A urinary tract infection may cause inflammation and irritation to the some of the sensitive tissues in your urinary tract. Inserting any penetrative objects such as sex toys, fingers, or a male sex organ into the vagina may, may put too much pressure on your urinary organ during sexual intercourse.
A urinary tract infection can cause the urethral opening of a penis to become irritated. These symptoms can cause additional discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
While it may be somewhat uncomfortable to engage in vaginal sex when dealing with a urinary tract infection, anal sex might be a comfortable option. If your sex in the mood for sex, talk with your partner and go ahead to have fun through the back door if you are both comfortable with it.
Having oral sex while dealing with a UTI is not encouraged at all. However, if you must have or give oral sex, make sure to use a dental dam. This will assist to prevent to the transfer of infection from the penis or vagina to the mouth. Bacteria spread during oral sex can lead to a secondary infection.
If you can’t wait for your urinary tract infection to clear up before you engage in sexual activities, make sure to work together with your partner to different positions and styles that will not only be comfortable but enjoyable. If you continue to experience pains despite taking your UTI medications, consult your doctor and ensure to do a follow-up.
Penetrative sex and bacteria
One of the most common ways bacteria can easily travel into the urinary tract is through sexual activities. The Escherichia coli bacteria finding their way into the urethra and further is responsible for about ninety per cent of urinary tract infections.
Faces or the gastrointestinal tract is home to most Escherichia coli bacteria. These bacterias may find their way from a person’s GI tract or anus into a partner’s mouth, hands, genitals or sex toys.
Penetrative sex can push bacteria further into a person’s body system, and that increases the likelihood of infection. If you have had a UTI before or you have had it multiple times penetrative sex may cause reinfection and also introduce a new source of infection. The entrance of a new source of infection can make a recovery take longer.
Your partner might get the infection from you
A urinary tract infection isn’t the same thing as a sexually transmitted infection neither is it considered a contagious disease. However, it is possible to pass the bacteria that causes the virus to your partner during intercourse.
For example, Escherichia coli bacteria can can travel from the anus into a penis or vaginal opening. During penetrative sex the penis could mistakingly transfer the bacteria from anus to the vagina opening thereby increasing the risk of infection.
In some cases a urinary tract infection might be a side effect of a sexually transmitted infection such as trichomoniasis or chlamydia and these infections can be easily transferred between partners.
Things to keep in mind if you must have sex
If you have made up your mind to continue to be sexually active while still receiving treatment for your urinary tract infection, there are a few things you must have in mind.
1. Pay attention to your symptoms
Wherever you feel the urge to urinate do not hold it in. Holding your urine in instead of peeing when you have the urge may complicate the symptoms of your UTI of increasing the risk of getting another infection.
2. Always pee before and after sex
You may not find this interesting or even romantic but it is a healthy thing to do it you are dealing with a UTI. Urinating immediately after sex can help you flush out any bacteria that has found its way into your body.
3. Wash thoroughly after sex
It is not rare to have bacteria from around a person’s anus travel closer to the opening of the urethra during penetrative sex. Such a thing occurs mostly when anal sex is involved. Making sure to wash properly after sexual intercourse can help to eliminate some of the bacteria.
4. Never swap orifices:
When you move from anus to vagina immediately, you are increasing your risk of getting an infection. Avoiding switching from vaginal to oral or anal sex without proper washing.
5. Discuss with your doctor
If you are wondering what activities are safe for you to engage in while treating a urinary tract infection, book an appointment with a nurse or doctor so you can ask questions and get all the information that you need. If you are on other medications like birth control pills, your doctor can also let you know if they will interfere with your urinary tract infection medications.
When should you see your doctor?
If you suspect you have had sex with someone who has a urinary tract infection visit your doctor and gets the best advice on what steps to take for safety sake.
You should also consult your doctor if you experience symptoms such as abdominal pain of server back pain, bleeding during urination, and any unusual discharge from the penis or vagina.
