Can You Get a UTI From Sexual Intercourse

Getting to the bottom of UTIs from sex and prevention strategies

Urinary tract infections, or UTIs, are annoying, inconvenient and sometimes painful. Unfortunately, they’re also common — especially in women. And if you’re getting that burning sensation while urinating a day or 2 after sexual activity, you may wonder if there’s a connection.

“It’s true sex increases your risk of a UTI,” says Haidy Morsy, MD, an obstetrician, gynecologist and urogynecologist at Geisinger. “You have lots of bacteria on the outside of your genitals and any sexual activity can move it around, introduce bacteria into the urinary tract and cause an infection.”

But that doesn’t mean you have to stop having sex to minimize your risk. Dr. Morsy gets to the bottom of UTIs from sex, when to call your doctor and prevention strategies.

How does sex cause a UTI?

UTIs, also called bladder infections, are common in women thanks to their anatomy. Compared to men, women have a shorter urethra — the tube that empties urine from the bladder outside the body — which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. In addition, the opening of the urethra is closer to the anus, where harmful bacteria like E. coli thrive.

The physical movement and fluids produced during sex can transfer this harmful bacteria from the rectal area to the genital area and push bacteria up the urethra, where it can multiply and cause infection. And if physical hygiene is neglected — and bacteria builds up — your chances increase.

“It’s not only sexual intercourse that increases the risk,” says Dr. Morsy. “Oral sex and any other close genital contact also increases the odds of introducing bacteria into the urinary tract.”

UTI symptoms

If you know, you know. The telltale sign of a UTI is a strong and persistent urge to urinate, even if the bladder isn’t full, along with a burning sensation while urinating, which can be quite painful.

Other UTI symptoms, which typically appear within 2 days after sexual activity, include:

Blood in urine, which can appear pink or red
Discomfort in the pelvic area and lower abdomen

“UTIs can progress into a more serious infection by moving up the urinary system,” says Dr. Morsy. “If you develop a fever and chills, nausea or vomiting, this is an indication the infection has spread to the kidneys and it’s important to get prompt medical attention.”

UTI from sex? When to contact your doctor

If you have UTI symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor. While sometimes UTIs can clear up on their own, you don’t want to risk the infection getting worse. Treatment typically means a course of antibiotics, based on the severity and specific bacteria involved.

“It’s important to complete the entire course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared,” Dr. Morsy says. “If it isn’t, the bacteria can grow and come back to cause a repeat infection.”

Make sure to mention during your visit if you have recurrent UTIs. Frequent infections — defined as 2 or more UTIs in 6 months or 3 or more annually — could suggest an underlying issue that requires attention. Your provider might recommend further testing, clinically proven supplements, preventive antibiotics or lifestyle adjustments to reduce your risk of future infections.

How to prevent UTIs after sex

Don’t despair. While sexual activity increases the risk of UTIs, that doesn’t mean you have to stop having sex to prevent them.

Dr. Morsy offers 5 effective strategies on how to prevent UTIs after sex:

Most importantly, urinate after any sexual activity. This simple act can help expel bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sex.
Practice good hygiene before and after sex. Washing your genital area regularly reduces the risk of bacterial buildup around your anus. Just be sure to avoid scented soaps or douching, which can disrupt the natural balance of protective bacteria and increase the risk of a UTI.
Stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water helps to dilute urine and flush out bacteria from the urinary system.
Try unsweetened cranberry juice. Research shows including cranberry juice in your diet can be effective in UTI prevention.
Rethink your birth control. Using a diaphragm can introduce new bacteria to the area and spermicide or spermicidal condoms can kill off healthy bacteria that keep problem germs in check.

“Most women will experience at least 1 UTI at some point,” says Dr. Morsy. “Thankfully, there are effective treatments and prevention strategies that can help, so you can have a more enjoyable sexual experience.”