{"id":39779,"date":"2022-11-23T05:59:55","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T04:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/?p=39779"},"modified":"2024-10-30T05:17:15","modified_gmt":"2024-10-30T04:17:15","slug":"sex-with-utis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lelo.com\/blog\/sex-with-utis\/","title":{"rendered":"Sex & UTIs: The Uncomfortable Truth"},"content":{"rendered":"

While sex is meant to be a pleasurable experience, there are some uncomfortable truths that need to be addressed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And while we won\u2019t necessarily be touching on the subject of <\/span>sex<\/span> in all its amazing glory, but rather the tips on keeping <\/span>safe<\/span> and healthy, we want you to know one thing. That is, sex is a basic need.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Sex is something that, when done in a safe, sane, and <\/span>consensual<\/span><\/a>\u00a0manner, can be transcendent and beautiful. So, as we go on to our little sex ed lesson about sex and UTIs, we hope that you\u2019ll bear that in mind.<\/span><\/p>\n

Sex and UTIs<\/span><\/h1>\n

First off, what exactly is a UTI? UTI stands for urinary tract infection.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is a common infection that can come about when bacteria enter any part of the urinary system (the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra). Most UTIs often involve the lower urinary tract, which is the bladder and the urethra.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The uncomfortable truth of UTIs, however, is that, most of the time, it\u2019s caused by the bacteria from faeces (E.coli) entering the urinary tract.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

And if you\u2019re thinking what we\u2019re thinking, then yes, you\u2019re absolutely right: having <\/span>anal sex<\/span><\/a> then vaginal sex in one event, without protection or without changing your <\/span>condom<\/span><\/a>, can most definitely lead to a UTI.<\/span><\/p>\n

But this isn\u2019t the only way to get a UTI\u2026\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7 Ways You Can Get a UTI<\/span><\/h2>\n
    \n
  1. Eating too much sugar<\/b>, which could end up in your urine, irritating your urinary tract<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Wiping from back to front<\/b>, which can transport the aforementioned E.coli into the vagina<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Sex<\/b>, as bacteria may move to the urethra from the <\/span>vagina<\/span> via the perineum (the space between the vulva and the anus in women)<\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Using sex toys<\/b>, like sharing toys, using them both vaginally and anally without washing them in between, or not properly washing them before and after use<\/span><\/li>\n
  5. Not peeing after sex<\/b>, which can cause bacteria to stay inside the urinary tract<\/span><\/li>\n
  6. Not drinking enough water,<\/b> which means that you won\u2019t <\/span>pee<\/span> as often, leaving more time for bacteria to grab ahold of you<\/span><\/li>\n
  7. Being pregnant<\/b>, as <\/span>hormonal<\/span> changes can cause the bladder muscle to relax, delaying emptying.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    What Are the Symptoms of Having a UTI?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    Having a UTI is no walk in the park. It can be extremely painful and uncomfortable. However, it is curable, which is good news.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Some of the common symptoms of having a UTI include:<\/b><\/p>\n

    Who is More Affected by UTIs, Men or Women?<\/span><\/h2>\n

    In the case of UTIs, the fairer sex are more affected by UTIs. This is because a woman\u2019s urethra (the tube from the bladder to where the urine comes out of the body) is shorter than a man\u2019s. In fact, it\u2019s been said that women are up to 30 times more susceptible to getting a UTI than men.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    A woman\u2019s urethra is about 2.5 cm to 5 cm in length, while a man\u2019s urethra is about 15 cm. A woman also has her vaginal opening close to her anus, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the vagina and the urethral opening, travelling to the bladder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Not just that, but <\/span>a review<\/span><\/a> revealed that at least 50 to 60 percent of women experience the dreaded effects of a UTI at least once during their lifetime.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n