Let’s talk about sex. And…urinary tract infections (UTIs). Sorry for the buzzkill.

And while we’re at it, let’s clear up one common misconception from the jump: UTIs aren’t sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Sex doesn’t cause a UTI. But it can increase your odds of getting one.

The reason? During sexual activity – not just penetrative sex – bacteria (usually E. coli) from the genital area and anus can more easily move (or be moved by your partner) to the urethra, where it can travel up to the bladder, ureters, and kidneys and cause an infection.

Women and AFAB individuals are more likely to get UTIs because of their anatomy.

The distance between the anus and urethra, and the urethra and bladder, is shorter in this group. This makes it easier for bacteria to cause infections in the bladder and other areas.

UTIs are definitely inconvenient, but usually aren’t medically dangerous. Most of the time, a short course of antibiotics will do the trick. Still, occasionally a UTI can travel to the kidneys and create an infection that can be more serious and harder to treat.

Luckily, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk of getting a UTI related to sex.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

If you have a UTI, you may experience some of these symptoms:

• A burning sensation when you pee
• A frequent or intense urge to urinate, even when only a little bit comes out
• Cloudy, dark, blood-tinged, or foul-smelling urine
• Feeling run-down and shaky
• Fever or chills – which can be a sign of a more serious infection like pyelonephritis

Preventing UTIs Related to Sex

While most health experts advise against having sex while experiencing a UTI (it can delay the healing process), no one recommends refraining from sexual activity out of fear of getting one. Here’s a list of standard strategies that will reduce your risk of getting a UTI related to sex:

• Pee before and after sex: This helps flush out any bacteria that may be lingering around the urethral opening or any bacteria that might have been introduced during sexual activity.
• Keep things clean: Both partners should shower or wash their genital area and hands before sex to reduce the transfer of bacteria.
• Be mindful of birth control: Some birth control methods, like diaphragms and spermicidal agents, can increase your UTI risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about switching things up if UTIs become a problem.
• Avoid irritating hygiene products: Douches, powders, sprays, and scented soaps can irritate the urethra and increase the risk of getting a UTI.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps dilute the urine and ensures you’ll urinate more frequently, which allows bacteria to be flushed from the urinary tract. Also keep in mind that certain products, like caffeine, soda, alcohol, and citrus juices can irritate the bladder too.
• Make lifestyle adjustments: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also play a role in reducing your risk of UTIs. This includes lowering stress, maintaining a good sleep regimen, eating a balanced diet, and getting regular exercise.
• Communicate with your partner: If UTIs are an issue for you, especially when sexual activity seems to be the culprit, it’s important to communicate with your partner. By practicing good hygiene and taking preventive measures together, you can both reduce the risk of getting UTIs.

Treating a UTI

If you experience “typical” UTI symptoms, like those outlined above, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. A short course of antibiotics usually treats a common UTI without a problem. Early and proper treatment of your infection can also prevent it from reaching your kidneys, which is more serious and more difficult to treat. (It can also cause organ damage in rare cases.)

If you experience more severe symptoms, like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or back pain, this might be a sign of a kidney infection and definitely warrants immediate medical attention.

Follow your healthcare provider's instructions and finish the full course of antibiotics, even if you start feeling better before you have completed the medication. This will help ensure that the infection is completely eradicated and does not come back stronger. Additionally, staying hydrated and getting plenty of rest can help your body fight off the infection more effectively.

In some cases, your healthcare provider may recommend further testing or treatment if you experience recurrent UTIs or if the infection does not respond to the initial round of antibiotics. Communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any concerns you may have.

People get UTIs for many reasons, including sexual activity, which is why understanding the connection between sexual activity and UTIs is the first step in prevention. By following a few commonsense strategies (peeing before and after sex; cleaning up beforehand), making some lifestyle changes, and having open communication with your partner, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing a UTI associated with sex.