Women often ask this question, what is the reason for UTI during sex? Today Health Shots has brought the answer to this question of yours. We will understand what is the connection between sex and UTI.
UTI or urinary tract infection is a very common problem that women face at least once in their lives. Harmful bacteria are responsible for this urinary tract infection, which enter your urinary tract due to many reasons. One of these reasons is “sex”. Women often ask this question, what is the reason for UTI during sex? Today Health Shots has brought the answer to this question of yours. We will understand what is the connection between sex and UTI.
Dr. Aastha Dayal, Director – Obstetrics and Gynecology, CK Birla Hospital Gurugram has told some common causes of UTI caused by sex (what causes UTI after sex). Along with this, she has also given some prevention tips, by remembering which you can reduce the risk of UTI after sex. So let’s know more about this topic in detail.
First know what causes UTI after sex (what causes UTI after sex)
UTI-causing bacteria live in the area around the anus. Not just intercourse, any other sexual activity can push the bacteria closer and higher up the urinary tract and cause a UTI. Both men and women can get UTIs from sex, with women being more likely to develop post-coital UTIs. Data suggests that UTI symptoms often begin about 2 days after having sex.
Most UTIs are caused by bacteria from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. More than 80% of UTIs are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. These germs are normal and common inside the intestines, where they help with digestion without making you sick.
1. Sexual intercourse: The motion of sexual intercourse can push bacteria living around the anus towards the urethra. This increases the risk of bacteria entering the body and causing an infection. Sex can cause irritation in the intimate area. This irritation increases the risk of infection. It is important to note that penetrative sex is not the only cause of UTI. Oral and manual sex can also cause harmful bacteria to enter the vaginal opening, causing infection.
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2. Birth control: Some contraceptives, such as diaphragms and spermicidal lubricants, increase the risk of UTIs. The diaphragm pushes up toward the urinary tract, making it more likely to get trapped in the bladder. When this happens, bacteria can grow, causing infection. Spermicides (often found in lubricants and condoms) can alter the bacterial balance of the intimate area, increasing the risk of infection.
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3. Anal sex: During anal sex, harmful bacteria present in the anus can pass into your genitals, which increases the risk of urinary tract infection. If a man is having anal sex, then he is at a higher risk.
4. Unsafe sex: Many times people have regular sex without protection, which also increases the risk of UTI. If you are having sex without protection, then even a small negligence towards hygiene can make you a victim of UTI. During intercourse, harmful bacteria present on each other’s intimate area can get exchanged, which causes UTI.
Know some effective preventive tips to reduce the risk of UTI after sex (How to prevent UTI after sex)
It is very important to pass urine before and after sex. This removes bacteria from the urinary tract and they do not get time to spread the infection.
Use protection i.e. male and female condoms during sexual intercourse so that the bacteria present on each other’s skin cannot get transferred to the genitals and infect you.
It is very important to take care of hygiene before and after sex. Clean your intimate area thoroughly from front to back.
Consider your birth control carefully. If you use a diaphragm or spermicide, these can kill the healthy bacteria that keep germs in check. So avoid using them.
Use lubricant, constant friction during sexual intercourse can cause irritation around the intimate area. At times, the risk of infection increases due to cuts, lubricant makes your intercourse very smooth.
To avoid the risk of UTI, keep these things in mind as well
Do not use douches, powders or sprays on the intimate area. This reduces the effect of healthy bacteria, due to which harmful bacteria can dominate and cause infection.
After passing stool, clean your anus thoroughly, as this area contains the most harmful bacteria, which increases the risk of transfer of infection during intercourse.
Regularly consume probiotics like curd, kumbuja, pickles etc. This reduces the risk of UTI, apart from this cranberry juice can also help you in prevention.
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