UTIs and Sexual Health: What You Need to Know

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) happen when bacteria gets pushed into the urethra, the tube you pee from. According to Sara Thompson at Norton Healthcare, sexual activity can be a significant factor in increasing a person's likelihood of getting this infection.

As someone who recently got a UTI, I can attest that sex is NOT the only cause, and sometimes it's just a matter of wearing too many thong underwear or not wiping properly (front to back, always!). But since this is a sex blog, we're going to focus on how you can get a UTI from sex, and what preventative measures you can take to decrease your likelihood of contracting this uncomfortable infection.

How Common Are UTIs?

According to UCSF Health medical specialists, it's estimated that nearly 40% of women will experience a UTI at some point in their life. While it's a fairly common occurrence, it is definitely not a fun thing to have.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Penn Medicine describes common UTI symptoms as:

Bloody or cloudy urine

Fever

Stomach and back pain

Frequent urination (even when little comes out)

Burning sensation when peeing

Strong-smelling urine

In more severe cases, you might experience:

Chills

Fatigue

High fever

Nausea and vomiting

Intense bodily pain

Important: If you experience severe symptoms like high fever, intense pain, vomiting, or blood in your urine, seek medical attention immediately. These could be signs that the infection has spread to your kidneys.

Why Sex Increases UTI Risk

During penetrative sex, bacteria from the genital and anal areas can be pushed toward the urethral opening. Because the female urethra is shorter (about 1.5 inches compared to the male urethra at about 8 inches), bacteria have a much shorter distance to travel to reach the bladder. This anatomical difference is why women are significantly more prone to UTIs than men.

Additionally, certain sexual activities and positions can increase the risk:

Vigorous or prolonged intercourse can irritate the urethra

Switching between anal and vaginal contact without cleaning

Using toys or hands that aren't clean

Sex when you're dehydrated (concentrated urine is less effective at flushing bacteria)

Prevention Is Key

According to Sarah Suarez at the Mayo Clinic and other health experts, here are preventative measures you can take to decrease the likelihood of contracting a UTI:

Before and During Sex:

Stay hydrated throughout the day (not just before sex)

Use water-based lubricants to reduce friction and irritation

Avoid spermicides, which can disrupt your natural bacterial balance

Consider positions that put less pressure on your urethra

After Sex:

Pee within 30 minutes after sex (this is THE most important one!)

Wash your genital area with warm water

Change out of sweaty or damp underwear

Daily Habits:

Wipe front to back (always!)

Wear breathable cotton underwear

Avoid tight-fitting pants for extended periods

Empty your bladder completely when you pee

Consider cranberry supplements

Don't hold your pee for long periods

Sex Toys and UTI Prevention

We also wouldn't be a sex toy blog if we didn't let you know that UTIs can occur from using sex toys! While sex toys can't directly cause a UTI, they absolutely can act as a vehicle for spreading bacteria from your anus to your urethra.

Essential sex toy hygiene rules:

Always clean your toys before AND after each use with toy cleaner or mild soap and warm water

If you're using a toy anally, do NOT use it vaginally afterward without thorough cleaning

Store clean toys in a clean, dry place

Don't share toys without cleaning them first (or use condoms on toys if sharing)

Replace porous toys regularly, as they can harbor bacteria even when cleaned

Consider keeping separate toys for anal and vaginal use, or use condoms on toys and change them when switching between activities.

When to See a Doctor

If you start to exhibit any of the aforementioned signs of having a UTI, make sure that you schedule an appointment with your doctor or visit a local urgent care clinic. According to the Medical Associates of North Texas, when left untreated, UTIs can have serious side effects including:

Kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

Sepsis (a life-threatening blood infection)

Permanent kidney damage

Increased risk for recurrent UTIs

While some very mild UTIs may resolve on their own with increased hydration, most require antibiotics to fully fight off the infection. Drugstores sell over-the-counter pain relief specifically targeted for UTI symptoms, but antibiotics are typically only prescribed after seeing a doctor.

Important distinction: Over-the-counter medications can relieve uncomfortable symptoms, but they don't treat the actual infection. You need antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria causing the UTI.

UTIs SUCK

UTIs are not fun, and I wouldn't wish one on my worst enemy. But they are a fairly common part of life that many people experience at least once. The good news is that most UTIs are easily preventable with some simple habits, and when they do occur, they're very treatable with a quick doctor's visit.

It's super important to prioritize your health and take the necessary steps and preventative care to protect yourself. Have sex and live your life to the very biggest and boldest version, just make sure you're keeping yourself clean and taking care of YOU!

Stay sexy, stay healthy, and stay hydrated! 💧