The material provided below is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. You should always seek medical advice before consuming any new medicines or supplements. AZO products referenced on this website are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any disease such as overactive bladder, urinary tract infections, or vaginal infections.
So you’ve been with your guy for a while now, and the two of you have decided to take your relationship to the next level: sex. But before sex, it’s important to talk about things like protection, birth control and UTIs. Did you know sex could lead to urinary tract infections if you don’t take precautions? Here’s what you need to know before getting “busy,” because if you’re not careful, you might find yourself dealing with urinary tract infections and the not-so-fun UTI symptoms after all the fun is done.
Sex Stirs Bacteria
Guess what, ladies? Urinary tract infections in women are much more common than in men. While it’s totally awesome being a lady, one thing that’s a bummer is that our urethras are much shorter than our male counterparts’.1 This makes us more susceptible to getting UTIs, especially after sex. Since the vaginal opening is positioned close to the urethra, sexual intercourse—specifically penetration—can introduce unwanted bacteria into the urinary tract, which could lead to a UTI. YIKES.
TIPS FOR PROTECTION AGAINST URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Pee After Sex
Whether or not you have to go, it’s critical to pee immediately after having sex to lessen your chance of a urinary infection. Why, you ask? Your pee acts as a natural “jet stream” that pushes bacteria out of your urethra.2 Store up your pee until after sex, so that you create a stronger stream. Without it, the bacteria left behind in the urinary tract can cause the unwanted UTI.3 Cuddling can wait, ladies—your urinary health comes first, so pee right after sex!
Hydrate Before Sex
Drinking water is a great precautionary measure to help reduce your risk of urinary tract infections. And don’t just drink a little water—drink a lot! The more water you consume, the stronger your pee stream will be, and the less chance that pesky bacteria has to stick to the walls of your urinary tract. In fact, hydrating in general will ensure that you’ll urinate more frequently, allowing bacteria to be flushed from your urinary tract more often.4 And hey, this may even improve your libido, big time.5 Drinking water may facilitate natural lubrication, and it could make it easier to experience orgasms. Get it? Got it? Good!
So help keep your urinary tract healthy, be safe and have fun out there, ladies! If you think you may have a UTI see your doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment. And if you want to take it up a notch, try AZO Cranberry, AZO Dual Protection or AZO D-Mannose to help cleanse and protect the urinary tract.
1 Women Have Shorter Urethras than Men http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/risk-factors/con-20037892
2 Pee After Sex https://www.yahoo.com/health/the-pre-sex-move-you-should-stop-doing-now-108654774447.html
3 Pee After Sex https://www.yahoo.com/health/the-pre-sex-move-you-should-stop-doing-now-108654774447.html
4 This is from an article published by the Mayo Clinic Staff http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/basics/prevention/con-20037892
5 6 Cups of Water a Day could Make Sex Way Way Better http://www.sheknows.com/love-and-sex/articles/1046339/6-cups-of-water-a-day-could-make-sex-way-better
6 Fihn, SD., et al. JAMA. 1985 Jul 12;254(2):240-5
