Can you have sex with a UTI?
In this article
What's the lowdown?
Urinary tract infections are extremely common in women and those assigned females at birth (AFABs)
Sex can lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and having sex can also worsen UTIs
It is generally recommended to wait until the UTI is cleared up before having penetrative sex again
UTIs do not always need treatment but if a UTI does not self-resolve, it can be treated with antibiotics
What is a UTI?
UTIs are bacterial infections that can affect any part of the urinary tract like the bladder, urethra (wee pipe from the bladder to the outside world) or kidneys. Sorry for stating the obvious!
Almost 50% of women experience a UTIs with at some point in their life1.
UTIs can lead to some pesky symptoms such as2:
- Burning or painful sensation while you pee
- Peeing more often than normal
- Needing to pee during the nighttime
- Increased urgency to pee
- Foul-smelling or blood-stained pee
- Pain in your lower tummy or lower back
- Infection symptoms: feverish or shiverish
The good news is that UTIs are usually short lived and do not always require treatment as they can self-resolve in a few days. However, if the symptoms are stubborn, a short course of antibiotics can be supplied by a healthcare professional, including by a local community pharmacist2.
Can you have sex with a UTI?
Having sex with a urinary tract infection is not quite a big no-no, but a recommended no-no!
Vaginal, anal or oral sex with a UTI may aggravate the infection and spread the bacteria further. Any sort of penetration can irritate the urinary organs like the bladder and urethra which are already inflamed due to the infection. This can worsen your burning or pain, making it more uncomfortable.
The best thing you can do for yourself is to wait until you are symptom-free or have completed your antibiotic treatment before having sex again. Don’t be tempted to stop your antibiotics early even if your symptoms are gone as it can lead to more stubborn infections in the future2.
Can you pass on a UTI?
A UTI is not sexually transmitted, and is not contagious. The majority of UTIs are caused by a bacteria called E.Coli which is found in your intestine. Your partner probably has the same bacteria in their intestine.
How can I go back to having sex?
To get back to having sex, you should be clear of UTI symptoms. Supplements such as D-mannose or sachets of potassium or sodium citrate (often called Cystocalm or Cystopurin) can also help ease symptoms without the need for antibiotics. Drinking plenty of fluid can speed up recovery as it flushes the bacteria out of your urinary tract. Some people recommend drinking cranberry juice to treat and ease UTIs but there is no evidence to prove this. Finally, use antibiotics if you need to!
Tips to prevent UTIs?
Can peeing after sex prevent UTIs?
Sexual intercourse is considered a risk factor for developing UTIs3. During penetrative sex, bacteria can make their way to our urethral opening (the pipe where wee exits your body, found just above the clitoris) and sit there, slowly accumulating and growing.
It is generally regarded that peeing after sex can flush out the bacteria resting there and lower the chances of developing a UTI4.
Can D-mannose be taken after sex to prevent UTIs?
D-mannose is a supplement that passes out of the bladder and prevents bacteria from sticking to the bladder wall. It’s not conclusive, but there is some evidence that D-mannose can help prevent UTIs and some people may choose to take it prophylactically after sex – although there has been no research into whether this works yet or not.5
Can condoms prevent UTIs?
An interesting question indeed, not one I have thought about before.
A 2019 study found that using a lubricated condom (with or without spermicide) or an unlubricated condom with a spermicide cream/gel can increase the risk of developing UTIs by 2 to 8 times6. It seems that the ingredient nonoxynol-9 which is used to kill sperm is associated with the increased UTI risk7. However, only a small number of studies have looked into condoms and UTIs so it is hard to give a firm answer.
Summary
While you can still technically have sex with a UTI, we believe it is best to abstain from sexual penetration until you are in the clear. It can aggravate your symptoms and no one wants to live with these for longer than necessary. This does not mean you still cannot enjoy other forms of intimacy with your partner.
Have you thought about sensual touching, erotic massages or mutual masturbation? It might be the perfect excuse to experiment and try something new!
If you have more questions on UTIs and sexual intercourse, reach out to our Lowdown GPs. We can provide you with more specific advice!
Dr Fatema Dawoodbhoy
Fatema is currently training in London as an Academic doctor, with a special interest in Obstetrics and Gynaecology. She is passionate about championing women to understand their bodies better and prioritise their health. She understands the importance of clinically accurate articles and has been writing engaging and educative medical content for 5 years.
Our medical review process
This article has been medically reviewed for factual and up to date information by a Lowdown doctor.