A urinary tract infection occurs in any part of the urinary tract that composes of the kidneys, ureters, urinary bladder, and urethra. The two kidneys filter waste from your body and excrete out the waste in the form of urine. From both kidneys arise the ureters which transport urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. From where the urine is excreted out of the body from a tube called the urethra. An infection that includes any of these parts is termed a urinary tract infection. Ones that occur in the lower urinary tract are not problematic to treat. But if it involves kidneys, it can become life-threatening. If you have a complaint of recurrent urinary tract infections you should visit an urologist in Islamabad.
Various factors can increase the risk of getting a urinary tract infection and one of them is having sex. It tends to increase the chances of a urinary tract infection by pushing the bacteria backward due to penetration. Generally, women have a shorter urethra as compared to men, which makes them susceptible to UTIs. The bacteria need less time and less area to reach the kidneys. Moreover, your bowel contains a bacteria called E.Coli which is healthy for it. But when it comes in contact with the urethra, it can cause a urinary tract infection. When you wipe from back to front the chances are quite high that your hands contaminate the urethra with E.Coli- a bacteria that is present in the bowel naturally.
Symptoms of urinary tract infection
The signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection vary according to the place affected and its severity. The common signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection are;
- Inability to pee completely
- Burning sensation while urinating
- The color of urine turns dark yellow or brown
- Pain while urinating
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Cloudy urine
The other symptoms of a urinary tract infections can be;
- Fever
- Chills
- Fast heartbeat
Relationship between UTI and sex
Not every time you will get a urinary tract infection after sex. But it can be possible sometimes. During sex, the urethra of the woman comes in close contact with the bacteria of the anus and genital region. Due to which the bacteria can travel upwards and cause an infection. Moreover, using a diaphragm during sex also increases the chances of urinary tract infection because it does not let the urinary bladder to empty completely. The urine left in the bladder can become a hub of growth for bacteria and viruses.
Prevention
To prevent urinary tract infection after sex following tips may help.
- Urinate after sex as it may help in flushing out the toxins
- Wash your genitals with warm water before sex so that the bacteria do not travel upwards
- Urinate before sex
- Use another form of contraception methods instead of diaphragm and spermicide as they may increase the risk for a UTI
- Use a vaginal lubricant as dryness of the vagina can create friction and cause irritation of the urethra
- Stay hydrated all day and drink one to two glasses after sex too. Doing that can help flush out toxins through urination.
Conclusion
A urinary tract infection can occur due to various reasons and one of them is sex. If you have a complaint of recurrent urinary tract infections after sex your healthcare provider may prescribe a prophylactic antibiotic. Before sex keep your vagina lubricated and keep yourself hydrated. Moreover, avoid the use of spermicide and intrauterine devices as they can promote urinary tract infections. If you have a burning sensation in your urine with pain in the lower abdomen, you should visit a urologist in Lahore.
