Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly triggered by sexual activity, and any kind of sex is a potential risk factor.
Key Takeaways:
- Sometimes called bladder infections, UTIs occur when bacteria — most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli) — make their way into the urinary tract, affecting the urethra, bladder, or kidneys.
- Sexual activity of any kind — vaginal, oral, anal, fingering, and even sex toy use — can potentially introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, although the risk for UTI is higher among those with a history of urinary tract infections. “One recent report suggests that UTIs may alter DNA in epithelial cells lining the urinary tract, causing an immune response that makes recurring infections more likely,” Dr. Susan Milstein, a member of our medical review board, noted.
- A UTI is not a type of sexually transmitted infection (STI) but it is incredibly common; between 50% and 60% of adult women will contract a urinary tract infection during their lifetime. “UTI risk does increase with age, especially for post-menopausal women,” Dr. Milstein said.
- Good hygiene practices, including urinating before and after sex, can help to reduce the risk of developing a UTI.
- Recognizing symptoms promptly, testing for UTI if you think you have one, and seeking appropriate medical attention can help prevent complications associated with untreated infections.
We’ll share everything you need to know about the ways every type of sex can cause a UTI, the steps you can take to prevent it from happening, and how to get tested if you think you might have one.
How Sex Can Cause A UTI
Sexual activity can lead to a urinary tract infection if certain types of bacteria from the skin around the genital and anal areas find their way into the urethra during intercourse or sex play.
A UTI from sex is most likely to occur when:
- Gut bacteria from the anal area makes its way to the urethra through any means.
- Friction irritates the urethral opening, leaving it more prone to infection
- Spermicides and diaphragms are being used, as they have been shown to increase the risk of UTI
- Post-menopausal changes have occurred within the body
Although a UTI is caused by bacteria, it’s important to note that it is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI) because it isn’t passed from one partner to another.
“There are other bacteria and viruses that are transmitted through sex, so it’s important to keep that in mind when choosing whether or not to use a condom during sex play,” Dr. Milstein advised.
Most UTIs — more than 80% of them, in fact — are caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is a type of bacteria commonly found in the anus.
E.coli is a normal part of the gut microbiota in healthy individuals, but it can cause a lot of problems if it gets into the urinary tract, which includes the urethra, bladder, and kidneys.
Women and those with vaginas are particularly susceptible to UTIs due to the anatomical structure of their urinary tracts.
Their urethras are shorter and relatively close to the rectum; if bacteria from the anal area comes into contact with the urethra, it doesn’t have to travel very far to reach the bladder.
Men and those with penises have a comparatively lower risk of UTI because their urethras are more extensive and bacteria have a longer route to the bladder.
Additionally, prostatic fluid, which originates in the prostate gland, has been found to have antibacterial properties that may help to prevent UTIs, and circumcision lowers risk of UTI, as well.
That said, those with penises are most at risk for UTI during unprotected anal sex when they are on the penetrating end of the activity.
“This is because the tip of the penis may come into contact with bacteria in the rectum before, during, or after anal sex,” Dr. Milstein explained.
Any sexual contact can potentially move bacteria from the anal and genital regions into the urethra, including vagina, oral, anal, fingering (manual masturbation), and sex toy use.
Furthermore, friction during sexual activity can irritate the urethral opening, heightening the risk of a UTI.
Contraceptive methods like spermicides and diaphragms can also raise the likelihood of a UTI.
Can You Get A UTI From Fingers?
Yes, fingers can cause a UTI.
Bacteria on hands can enter the urethra during activities like masturbation or fingering, even after regular hand washing.
If clean fingers come into contact with any bacteria in the genital or anal area, they can transfer that bacteria to the urethra.
Additionally, any cuts or scrapes on the fingers can potentially harbor bacteria, even if they’ve been washed prior to sex play.
Thorough hand washing after using the bathroom or before sexual activity can reduce the risk of UTI, but hands can pick up bacteria whenever they touch a surface — including the genitals or anus.
Can Having Sex Cause A UTI?
Yes, vaginal intercourse can lead to urinary tract infections due to the motion and friction that may introduce bacteria into the urethra and the lower urinary tract.
Certain sexual positions may cause more friction or irritation in the genital area; one early study noted that woman-on-top was found to be more frequently used among women diagnosed with a UTI after sex.
The risk for UTI can be higher with a new sexual partner when sex frequency increases, a phenomenon known as “honeymoon cystitis.”
“This can also happen when partners refrain from sex for a long time, as often happens with people in long-distance relationships,” Dr. Milstein said.
As we mentioned earlier, women are more susceptible to post-coital UTIs because their shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.
Can Rough Sex Cause A UTI?
Rough or vigorous sexual activity can increase the likelihood of UTIs in women when there is intense or prolonged friction against the urethra during penetration, fingering, or sex toy use.
Additionally, if sexual activity involves anal sex before vaginal penetration at any point, bacteria from the anal area can come in contact with the urethra, leading to a urinary tract infection.
Can You Get A UTI From Oral Sex?
Oral sex can introduce UTI-causing bacteria from the mouth into the urethra, especially for those with vaginas.
A person’s mouth can harbor E. coli (the bacteria responsible for most UTIs) from food, unpasteurized beverages, water, or fecal matter.
During oral sex, if the giver’s lips or tongue make contact with the recipient’s anal area, bacteria can be transferred to the urethra, leading to a UTI.
Can Anal Sex Cause A UTI?
Anal sex significantly increases the risk of UTIs due to bacteria from the anus being transferred to the genital area and urethra.
Anal bacteria such as E. coli can enter the urinary tract of the penetrative partner during anal intercourse if they aren’t wearing a condom.
During unprotected heterosexual anal sex, the risk is present for both the receiving and penetrating partner.
Bacteria can transfer to the urethra of the recipient if their partner’s penis slips out and touches their vulva or vagina at any point — or if the activity switches from anal to vaginal sex without the penis being cleaned between orifices.
UTI From Sex Toys
Sex toys can cause UTIs if they’re not properly cleaned and sanitized before use, or before switching orifices or partners.
Sex toys made from porous materials can harbor bacteria, even after cleaning, so it’s better to select non-porous toy materials like silicone, glass, or metal.
Using the correct type of lubricant is also important, as some formulas can damage toys and promote bacterial growth.
Silicone sex toys should never be used with silicone-based lube for this reason, but oil-based lubes can be risky if the toy isn’t 100% silicone.
Here’s a quick guide to prevent toy degradation:
Symptoms Of A UTI After Sex
Recognizing UTI symptoms after sex is crucial for timely treatment.
Common UTI symptoms include:
- Cramping or “spasms” in the lower abdomen during urination
- Feeling as if urination isn’t complete when you’re done
- A strong, persistent urge to urinate
- Frequent urination at night (nocturia)
- A burning sensation when urinating (but this is not always present in the beginning)
- Frequently passing small amounts of urine
- Urine that appears cloudy
- Urine that looks red, bright pink, or dark-colored (which is a sign of blood in the urine)
- Traces of pink on toilet paper when wiping (another sign of blood in the urine)
- Foul-smelling urine
- Pelvic pain
Can Men Get A UTI From Sex?
Yes, men can get UTIs from sexual activity, though it is less common due to their anatomy.
Engaging in sexual activity can potentially introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, leading to infection.
UTI Symptoms In Men
Men and those with penises can also get UTIs, even though it is less common.
Common symptoms of UTI in men include:
- An urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Burning sensations during urination
- Cloudy urine
- Urine that looks red, bright pink, or dark-colored
- Low-grade fever
Factors like an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or diabetes can increase the risk of UTIs in men.
How Long Does It Take To Get A UTI After Sex?
UTI symptoms usually appear about two days after sexual intercourse, during which time bacteria multiply and begin to cause noticeable symptoms.
Being aware of this can help you monitor your health and seek treatment early if needed.
Testing For UTI
If you think you may have a UTI, at-home testing (with comprehensive and discreet results) is available:
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Note:
Not available in New York, Alaska, Hawaii, and internationally.
How It Works
MyUTI offers a urine PCR test with quick results you can share with your healthcare provider to receive treatment.
In recurrent UTI cases, after ruling out infection, a healthcare provider may perform a cystoscopy to inspect the bladder and urethra for underlying issues related to the urinary system, identifying structural abnormalities or other conditions contributing to frequent bladder infections.
If you experience urinary tract infection symptoms or take an at-home UTI test and receive positive results, seek medical advice promptly.
Early diagnosis and treatment prevent the infection from worsening and avoid complications like kidney infections.
When To See A Doctor
Seek medical attention if you have a persistent urge to urinate, burning sensations during urination, or blood in your urine, especially if fever or back pain accompanies any of those symptoms.
If a UTI recurs after treatment, consult a healthcare professional.
Persistent infections may indicate an underlying issue requiring further evaluation.
How To Avoid UTI From Sex
Preventing UTIs from sexual activity involves several practical steps.
- Proper hygiene before and after sex helps prevent bacteria from entering the urethra.
- Wipe from front to back after using the bathroom to keep bacteria from the anal area away from the urethra.
- Use mild, unscented soaps for cleaning the vulva and penis instead of alcohol based wipes to reduce infection risk.
- “If you switch from anal sex to vaginal sex, clean the penis and/or sex toy in between the two. If you’re using a condom for anal sex, use a new one for vaginal,” Dr. Milstein advised.
- Personal lubricant can help minimize this friction and reduce the chance of introducing bacteria. Choosing the right type of lubricant is also important; water-based or silicone-based lubricants prevent irritation and reduce UTI risk, anal lube is best for anal sex, but silicone-based lube should never be used with silicone sex toys.
- Urinating before and after intercourse helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
- Staying hydrated is another preventive measure. Drinking plenty of fluids helps flush out bacteria from your urinary tract and reduces UTI risk.
Following these preventive measures can lower your chances of developing a UTI from sex.
Closing Thoughts
Even though your favorite sexual activities could potentially cause a UTI, preventing them involves understanding the risks and taking proactive steps to maintain good hygiene — and health.
Think you might have symptoms of a UTI and want to talk about it with others who have been there? Visit our forums and join the conversation.
