Yes, you can potentially contract a urinary tract infection (UTI) from anal sex whether you’re the receptive or penetrative partner and regardless of genital anatomy.
Key Takeaways:
- Responsible for most UTIs (urinary tract infections), E. coli (Escherichia coli) is a bacteria commonly found in the colon that can cause a UTI if it makes its way into a person’s urethra.
- E. coli can be transmitted to the penetrative partner during unprotected anal sex, but it can also infect the receptive partner if they have a vaginal opening that makes contact with any finger, penis, or sex toy that touched an anus first.
- “Your choice of lube can help to reduce the penetrative partner’s risk of getting a UTI during unprotected anal sex,” Dr. Susan Milstein, a member of our medical review board, advised. “Use a good quality anal lube to reduce friction. This also lowers the risk of tiny tears in the recipient’s anus that can allow bacteria to invade the urethra of the penetrative partner.”
- Although UTIs are more common among women and those with vaginas, a person of any gender (or genital anatomy) can contract one.
- A urinary tract infection is not a sexually transmitted disease, but if you think you might have a UTI and prefer to avoid an in-person doctor’s visit for diagnosis, there are easy at-home tests available.
We’ll tell you everything you need to know about how UTI from anal sex happens, tips to avoid it, and testing options if you experience symptoms of one.
How Anal Sex Can Cause A UTI
The anus is home to many bacteria, including E.coli — which is responsible for most UTIs.
When bacteria make their way into a person’s urethra — the tube from the bladder that carries urine out of the body — a urinary tract infection can occur.
During unprotected anal sex, bacteria from the anus can potentially travel through the urethra and into the bladder, leading to an infection in the penetrative partner.
The receptive partner is also at risk, however, if they have a vaginal opening that comes in contact with any finger, penis, or sex toy that touched their (or anyone else’s) anus first.
Avoiding UTI From Anal Sex
- Before sex, wash your hands, genitals, and anus (externally) with mild soap and water.
- Wash your sex toys thoroughly before use, and if switching between orifices or partners, clean them again before doing so.
- Use a new condom when switching from anal to vaginal sex.
- During unprotected anal sex, “use a good quality anal lube to reduce friction. This also lowers the risk of tiny tears in the recipient’s anus that can allow bacteria to invade the urethra of the penetrative partner.” Dr. Susan Milstein, a member of our medical review board, suggested.
- Urinate after sex, as it helps flush out any bacteria that might have made their way into the urethra.
Testing For UTI After Anal Sex
If you think you may have symptoms of a UTI, at-home testing (with discreet results) is available:
Fast Accurate Results!
MyUTI At-Home Testing
Pros:
- PCR Urine Test (12 Pathogens)
- Clinical-Grade, Accurate Results
- Discreet & Easy Collection At Home
- Virtual Care, Personalized Treatment Options
- Free Overnight Shipping, HSA/FSA Accepted
Note:
Not available in New York, Alaska, Hawaii, and internationally.
How It Works
MyUTI also partners with virtual care options that can have prescriptions sent directly to your local pharmacy.
Closing Thoughts
Any type of sexual activity involving the genitals or anus has the potential to cause a UTI, but there are things you can do to avoid it when you’re in the mood for anal sex.
Luckily, there are also at-home UTI test options too, if you do experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection and need timely treatment you can get what you need without even having to leave the house.
