One of the risks of sex, especially with unprotected sex, is the great possibility of contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI) from your partner. UTI's have a lot of consequence on sexual and reproductive health.
One of the risks of sex, especially with unprotected sex, is the great possibility of contracting a urinary tract infection (UTI) from your partner.
UTI's have a lot of consequence on sexual and reproductive health.
They can occur in any part of the urinary tract, including the kidneys, the bladder, the ureters – two tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder, and the urethra – the tube from which urine exits the body.
Both men and women can have UTIs, but women are more susceptible to UTI because the anus and vagina are close to the urethra.
So you need to be very careful because bacteria transmitted through sex soon reach the urethra form where they can quickly travel to the bladder.
Here are 7 things to do as a way of lowering the risks:
- Always practice safer sex. Discuss STDs and sexual histories with new partners and use condoms during all sexual activities.
- Urinate before and after sex to flush the urinary tract
- Drink lots of water so that bacteria will leave the body with urine.
- Avoid using a diaphragm and because urine and bacteria can stay behind due to the diaphragm’s placement in the vagina
- Avoid using spermicides because they can kill bacteria that protect the vagina from infection
- Use lubricated condoms to reduce irritation during sex
- Both men and women should always thoroughly clean their genitals before and after sex.
Note that symptoms UTIs show include trouble urinating, pain or a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or discolored urine, back pain, and lower abdominal pain.
If you have a combination of these, see a doctor.
Also, after recovering from an episode of UTI, remember to wait until the infection has cleared before having sex again – about two weeks.
Stay safe, stay healthy.
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