Why Do I Get UTI After Sex

What is UTI?

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is any form of infection at any anatomical part of the Urinary Tract/System. The Urinary system consists of kidney, ureter, bladder and urethra.

It can be broken down, simplified and is in 5 stages.

• Stage 1: Colonisation,the pathogens form colonies in the urethra and ascend
• Stage 2: Uroepithelial colonisation, forms biofilms in bladder
• Stage 3: Ascension, ascends towards kidneys
• Stage 4: Pyelonephritis, inflammatory response in renal parenchyma
• Stage 5: Acute Kidney Injury, kidney gets affected and infections start to erupt in kidney at a rapid and high bacterial multiplication takes place

The main and common causative agents of UTI are Gram negative as well as Gram positive, namely E.coli, Klebsiella sp. (Gram -ve) and Streptococcus sp.,Staphylococcus sp. (Gram +ve), there are many others and often the infections may be caused by multiple bacterial organisms. 

Causes of UTI after sex

UTI after sex is a very common phenomenon, it has a strong female predilection.

The simple explanation is because the length of female urethra is very short and the infection spreads easily from the vaginal opening to the urinary tract and thus to the bladder and ahead.

The anus being very close to the vaginal and urethral area in females, subsequent contamination, touch, positions etc make it easier for the bacterial flora to get transferred from anus to to urinary as well as vagina because of the movements, touches and position.

For males, the case of infections are less but happens because the passage for urine as well as semen is same i.e. the urethra. The common factor for both the cases are hygiene and intimate hygiene, which if not taken care of causes UTI after sexual contact.

It might be a question that does penetrative (vaginal/anal) sex only cause UTI?

Well, the answer is no, it may be oral sex or other forms of sex too!

A person with improper hygiene overall as well as in intimate areas are prone to carry the causative organisms. Nails, skin, oral cavity, intimate areas should be all kept clean in order to stop the causative organisms from growing in the body.

The usage of wrong lubes and spermicide coated condoms are also promoters of growth of yeast as well as bacteria, choosing proper condoms and lubes is a very important factor to be considered in cases of UTI.

A very grossly ignored factor from the point of view of sexual pleasure/health and intimate health is vaginal lubrication, lack of sex education, improper lubrication, not getting proper arousal, improper communication between partner/partners causing a rough, uncomfortable and not so smooth sex. This kind of thrusting penetrative movements cause the vaginal internal walls to be insulted/injured thus causing it a zone of formation of the infectious emboli.

Signs and symptoms of UTI

The primary symptoms are urinary incontinence, pain while urinating and abdominal pain, blood spots in urine, pain in lower back, fever etc. The aggravated symptoms are continuous blood in urine, foul smell, very high fever, pain, kidneys getting affected and mental fog.

It should be noted that within 24 hours of getting such symptoms, one must see a doctor or go to the hospital and get admitted, a test sample should be given.

Management and treatment for UTI after sex

UTIs are detected by Urine RE/ME i.e. Routine examination and Microscopic examinations followed by Urine Culture and Antibiotic Culture Sensitivity should be done

Treatment is done by antimicrobials, smooth muscle relaxants and supplements which reduce the acidity of urine.

Naturally derived supplements like cranberry and juice of cranberry also works great in such cases.

FAQs

How can I prevent UTI after sex?

UTIs can be prevented by maintaining a very clean hygiene (includes oral hygiene too) and intimate hygiene, proper choice of condoms and lubes, men and women both should practise urinating before and after sexual intercourse or any form of sex. Treatment of any form of infection which is there in the body needs to be completed before engaging in sexual activity.

Can I have sex with a UTI?

It is a strict no, because not only the person suffering from UTI will experience excruciating pain, you might end up transmitting the disease to the other person.

When should I call my doctor about UTI

It should be noted that within 24 hours of getting such symptoms, one must see a doctor or go to the hospital and get admitted, a test sample should be given.

Summary

UTIs are a very common form of infection with a strong female predilection. UTI after sex is again a very common phenomenon apart from catheter or other sources too!

UTIs after sex are again due to anatomical features of the female urinary - genital area makes it more viable for UTI. The maintenance of hygiene as well as use of improper lubes and condoms are also reasons for UTI.

Proper medical attention and prevention is needed to keep UTIs away UTIs.