Is it Safe to Have Sex With a UTI? The Guide You Shouldn’t Ignore

A UTI has strong symptoms, but is it stronger than your libido? Before you ignore it, here are legit reasons you won’t want to have sex with a UTI.

Having a urinary tract infection (UTI) is a huge thorn in your sex life, not to mention painful in most other ways. So, when the cramping and swelling subsides, many are left wondering if it’s safe to resume having sexual interactions. So, what’s the deal? Is it safe to have sex with a UTI? Read on to find out.

What is a UTI?

What is a urinary tract infection? A UTI refers to any infection that reaches your urinary system, including your urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. Basically, a UTI is an internal infection that leads to agonizing pain. Sounds like a good time, right?

So you get a checkup, go on antibiotics, and finally feel your painful symptoms subside. Now you’re feeling fresh and ready to get frisky, but is it safe to have any kind of sex with a UTI? Can it affect your partner or cause your UTI to come back with a vengeance? Here’s what you need to know about UTIs before slipping back between the sheets. [Read: Peeing after sex and other confusing myths about the vagina]

Signs you have a UTI and other questions

Women are more likely than men to get a UTI, but that doesn’t mean men are exempt from this little gem. Starting to feel funny down south? You may have an infection that’s making things more than just a little uncomfortable to deal with. Symptoms of a UTI usually include the following:

– Burning sensation during urination

– Pain in the lower back, genitals, or abdomen

– Unusual smelling urine

– Urine that contains blood or appears dark and cloudy

– Frequent urge to urinate

– Little to no urine expelled despite an intense urge to do so

– Itching or burning pain during sexual intercourse

If you have let your UTI go on for too long without seeking antibiotics, your infection may spread to your kidneys. If your UTI has spread, it can cause extreme symptoms such as:

– Chills

– Fatigue

– Shakes

– Fever

If you think you have a UTI, sex is probably the last thing you should be worrying about. Schedule an appointment with your doctor and get put on antibiotics ASAP. [Read: 7 problems down there you should never ever ignore]

What to do about a UTI

Call your doctor and schedule an appointment. Be open and honest about your symptoms and what you think may have caused your infection. Your doctor will probably put you on a round of antibiotics, and you’ll be back to normal within two weeks.

Why you get UTIs

When unwanted bacteria enters your urinary tract *usually through your urethra*, it may begin to multiply. If it does, you’ll end up with a full-on UTI, also referred to as a bladder infection.

While men can get a UTI, it is less common since men have a longer urethra. This means the bacteria has farther to travel and is easier to flush out with urine. Unfortunately for women, they have a much shorter urethra and those suckers can travel in quick with a painful fury! [Read: When sex hurts for women – All the causes of painful sex]

Common reasons people get UTI’s

#1 Sugar and sex combined. Alright, take it from a friend of mine who has experienced the fact that sex and sugar do not mix. Spraying whipped cream across your vagina or letting your boyfriend eat a chocolate bar out of your vagina may sound sexy in your drunken stupor, but it’s definitely a disaster waiting to happen. Also… ick? [Read: The 15 best natural lubricants for sex from the kitchen cupboard]

#2 Diabetes. Diabetics are more likely to suffer from UTIs. Because sugar is a main component of getting a UTI *and is also a big factor in diabetes*, your urine is likely where bacteria is going to throw their bacterial infection party.

#3 Improper wiping. Have you ever heard your mom tell you to wipe “front to back?” That means start your wipe near the top of your vagina and wipe down toward your bum. This will prevent any backdoor bacteria *specifically E. Coli* from being pushed up to your vaginal opening.

#4 Sexy time blues. If you are having sex, you are more likely to get a UTI. This is because you’re introducing potential bacteria to your vagina every time you shag. Prevent this by making sure his penis is always clean before entering, wear a condom, use proper lubrication always, and don’t let him switch holes.

Going from ass to vagina may sound hot, but you’re pretty much begging for an infection unless he is wiping down with a cleansing wipe and changing condoms in-between… err… holes. [Read: How to prepare for anal sex and avoid any infections]

Always remember that sex and cleanliness go together like PB&J. If you’re being fingered or using a sex toy inside your vagina make sure either one has been thoroughly washed. Bacteria can build on previously used sex toys and may be present on unwashed hands or under fingernails. Gross!

It should be noted that virgins can also get UTIs. While you can get a UTI from having sex in an unclean environment, all it takes is a little bacteria to get inside of you for an infection to begin.

#5 STIs. Urinary tract infections can be caused by sexually transmitted infections. In this case, you may pass on an infection to your partner. [Read: The most common STD types and their symptoms]

Are UTI’s contagious?

If you are committed to having sex with a UTI, you might be wondering if this uncomfortable infection can be transferred to your partner. The definitive answer? No, UTI’s are not contagious. That being said, there are other equally important reasons why you shouldn’t get your shag on with a UTI.

Can you have sex with UTI?

Is it safe to have sex with a UTI? The short answer? Yes, but the real question is why would you want to? A UTI is extremely painful, and odds are that your desires aren’t going to outweigh your pain.

You’re likely to have an inflamed urethra or bladder during this time, and sex is going to be incredibly painful or uncomfortable.

It stinks. Since a UTI is basically a buildup of bacteria, you’re going to smell down there. Yes, even if you bathe right beforehand. [Read: 16 ways to get rid of vaginal odor and beat the sniff test]

Since sex involves something entering your vagina, there is a chance you could further inflame the area and make your infection worse or bring it back even if you are taking antibiotics. This goes for penises, fingers, and dildos.

Oral isn’t great, either. Seeing as how the mouth contains 200-300 bacterial species, it probably isn’t the best idea for it to make contact with your inflamed vagina.

When can you have sex again?

When you’re feeling back to normal and are nearing the end of your antibiotics, consider this a safe zone. Just be sure everything is clean and sterile before you engage in intercourse. In general, avoid jack-rabbit sex as it can cause tears and introduce bacteria and infection back into your vagina. Also, make sure you are properly lubricated before going at it.

[Read: After sex rituals – 11 post-sex rules and rituals everyone HAS to follow]

There’s just about everything you have ever wanted to know about having and dealing with a urinary tract infection. So, can you have sex with a UTI? Yes. Will you want to have sex with a UTI? Probably not.

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