Urine exits the body through this very short tube. The opening of the urethra is tiny hole you right above the entrance into the vagina. During vaginal intercourse bacteria from the vagina and rectum can easily find its way into the urethra and the bladder causing a urinary tract infection. It’s not completely understood why emptying your bladder after sex helps reduce the risk of a UTI but the thought is related to a woman’s plumbing.
Urinating after intercourse helps remove any bacteria that might have made their way into the urethra and bladder. When you urinate, it helps unwanted bacteria leave the body and become less likely to multiply in the bladder causing an infection. Symptoms of a UTI can develop within 24 hours of having intercourse if bacteria end up where it should not be.
- It’s best to urinate after intercourse.
- A general rule of thumb is to urinate every 2-3 hours or when you first feel the urge. Don’t hold in your urine for long periods of time.
- The cleaner you and your partner’s genitals are the better. This also includes washing your hands (and nails) if you plan on having any contact with the genital area.
- Avoid excessive salvia, spermicides and lubricants in the genital area.
- Avoid using a diaphragm, vaginal sponge, diva cup and sex toys if you are prone to UTI’s.
- Avoid using feminine products that use perfumes and other irritating chemicals that bring disruptive bacteria. Don’t douche!
- Always remember to wipe “front to back” to avoid bringing unwanted bacteria from the anus to the vaginal area.
- Wear underwear with a cotton crotch.
- For recurrent UTI sufferers, you can take an antibiotic before intercourse to prevent future infections.
- For women in menopause, vaginal estrogen can help hydrate the vagina making the tissue less prone to a UTI.
- Stay hydrated! Drink a lot of water to help keep urine and any unwanted bacteria moving out of your body quickly.
- It can’t hurt to drink cranberry juice to help prevent UTI’s but the research is inconsistent on whether it truly helps.