Can UTIs be passed between partners during sex?
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are not considered sexually transmitted infections (STIs). However, sexual activity can cause a transfer of bacteria. Because of this, sex increases the risk of UTIs. This is true especially in women who have an anatomically shorter urethra that is closer to the anus, compared to men [1, 2].
Sex is one of the common ways of bacteria entering the urinary tract. During sex, bacteria can easily be transferred from the anus to the vagina or the penis. From there, they can be propagated deeper into the urethra with the movement caused by the penetration [1].
Also, oral sex can introduce bacteria into the urethra and move them deeper, increasing the risk of UTI [1].
One reason why your boyfriend keeps giving you a UTI is that males can carry urinary tract infection (UTI) bacteria without showing symptoms and potentially pass it to their partners.
How common are UTIs after sex?
Urinary Tract Infections are common after sex, especially in women. According to a 2013 review, UTIs are likely to affect at least 50 to 60 percent of women in their lifetime [2].
The prevalence of UTIs among sexually active women is reported to be from 6% to 26% [3, 4].
UTIs in men are less common than in women. Men have a roughly 30 times lower risk of UTI than women [5].
How do you prevent a UTI after sex?
One effortless and natural method that can prevent UTI after sex is peeing after sexual intercourse. It helps flush out the bacteria from the urethra. While this method does reduce the risk of a UTI, it does not always prevent UTIs. [6].
A crucial part of UTI prevention is good hygiene. You should wash your genitals and clean the surrounding area daily and before and after sex. Women should also pay attention to never wipe from the back to the front. This way, they avoid bacterial transfer to the urethra [2, 7, 8].
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When possible, try to avoid spermicide contraception. The spermicides tend to disrupt the flora of the vagina, which is a natural barrier for the bacteria trying to enter the urethra [2, 7].
Also, try to avoid tight jeans and wear breathable underwear. It makes it more difficult for bacteria to colonize your genital area [2].
How can partners be tested for UTI-causing bacteria?
A urine sample examination is the most common method to test your partner for any potential UTI-causing bacteria.
The simplest method is the dipstick test. It does not detect signs of bacteria in the urine, like nitrates and leukocytes. This test has a reported sensitivity of nitrates of around 70% and leucocytes of nearly 88% [9]. However, it detects only signs of bacteria, not the pathogens themselves.
The urine sample can be assessed using special biosensors sensitive to pathogens, and the biomarkers in urine can be examined. This method has a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 97% [10].
A microfluidic paper analytical device is a different method of urine analysis for bacteria. This particular machine can detect pathogens within 30 seconds. However, this detection device cannot detect the bacteria when they are in a concentration of fewer than ten bacteria per milliliter of urine [11].
Laboratories use many more methods for detecting bacteria in urine. Most of them have high standards and high accuracy in pathogen identification.
To use a laboratory service, you can visit your doctor and ask for a sample analysis or reserve a spot in a specimen collection center. For more details, see the website of a nearby laboratory, as the registration procedure may differ from company to company.
What is the treatment for recurrent UTIs?
Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common, particularly in women. Their treatment is challenging due to the increasing rates of antibiotic resistance.
One method used to treat recurrent UTIs is self-treatment with antibiotics. Often, patients know exactly when the UTI recurs. The doctor prescribes a reserve of antibiotics and gives dosage instructions. When the UTI happens again, the patient does not have to see a doctor but starts the therapy alone [12].
Another treatment approach is to continue the antibiotic at a lower dose after the treatment. It can be seen as a prophylactic measure [13].
Other strategies that can potentially prevent the recurrence of UTIs are intravaginal estrogen therapy, Uro-Vaxom oral vaccine, cranberry, and oral D-mannose [13].
Intravesical instillations with heparin are also an effective treatment option for recurrent UTIs [14]. This therapy creates an internal coating in the bladder, making it difficult for bacteria to start an infection. The patient can do the treatment according to the instructions at home.
Also, alternative therapeutic regimens can help with recurrent UTIs. They are based on garlic, parsley and garlic, L-arginine, probiotics, and cranberry tablets. They also improve the general health [15].
When should I see a doctor for a urinary tract infection?
Seek medical help whenever you experience symptoms of a UTI. Make an appointment with your doctor when you have:
- painful and difficult urination,
- reddish, cloudy or foul-smelling urine,
- abdominal or pelvic pain [15].
See a doctor immediately when you have symptoms of kidney infection. Among them are nausea, vomiting, chills, fever, and back or side pain [15].
Remember that an untreated UTI can have serious repercussions. Renal damage, kidney scarring, and sepsis could arise from an untreated urinary tract infection.
Expectant mothers should pay even more attention to symptoms and see a doctor whenever something is out of order. A UTI can also endanger the child in the belly [7].