Why Do Some Women Have Recurring Cystitis
Your body has defences to prevent germs from causing cystitis. The mucus around your vagina and opening of your urethra is slightly acidic which prevents bacteria from multiplying. Although bacteria may thrive in urine, you empty your bladder regularly which flushes urine out. Also, the cells that line your urethra and bladder have some resistance against bacteria.
In most cases, there is no apparent reason why cystitis returns. There is usually no problem with your bladder or defence system that can be identified. It is possible there may be a slight alteration in the ability of the body to resist bacteria getting into the bladder and causing infection. A slight variation in the body’s defence may tip the balance in favour of bacteria to cause infection.
For some women, one of the following may contribute:
Cystitis Treatment Prevention And Faq
Cystitis is a urinary tract infection, which many people suffer from at some point in their lives. Although women are affected most often, anyone can be infected. Fortunately, you can do a lot yourself to prevent cystitis.
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Anne, Varde PharmacyAnne has a MSc in Pharmacy from the University of Southern Denmark and has worked as a pharmacist at the Varde pharmacy for several years. Here she advises both costumers and doctors about the correct use of medical products.Here you can see Annes profile »,
Check If It’s A Urinary Tract Infection
Symptoms of a UTI may include:
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- needing to pee more often than usual during the night
- pee that looks cloudy
- needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
- needing to pee more often than usual
- lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
- a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- a very low temperature below 36C
Recommended Reading: How To Take Care Of A Bladder Infection At Home
Does Taking An Antibiotic After Sex Prevent Utis
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, having sex three or more times a week increases your risk for recurrent UTIs. Your risk is also increased if you use a diaphragm or spermicide products, regardless of the frequency of sexual activity. If you experience recurrent UTIs, changing your method of contraception should be the first thing you consider.
If you continue to suffer from UTIs and they are getting in the way of living a normal life, taking a preventive antibiotic could be an option. Taking regular antibiotics is not a risk-free treatment though, so have a conversation with your provider about whether this is right for you. Taking an antibiotic before or after sex can prevent recurrent UTIs especially if UTIs repeatedly show up 24 hours after intercourse.
During sex, bacteria can get into the urinary tract and cause infections. Antibiotics work by fighting these bacteria. E. coli is the most common bacteria that causes UTIs. Common antibiotics used to treat UTIs are nitrofurantoin, cephalexin, or trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole .
A clinical trial showed that only 2 out of 16 women who took TMP/SMX right after sex had recurrent UTIs compared to 9 out of 11 women who had a sugar pill. The results were the same regardless of how often the women had sex.
Should My Partner Be Tested For Uti
Ive since learned that it is indeed possible for bacteria to be passed back and forth between partners during sex. If you think about it, that makes perfect sense this is exactly how STIs occur, so why not other organisms?
If I knew this at the time, I would have considered whether my partner should have been tested. For males this can mean both urine and semen tests, as bacteria can reside in the urinary tract and/or the prostate.
Its entirely possible for males to carry bacteria without experiencing symptoms, so they wouldnt necessarily know they were contributing to your own symptoms. Same sex partners can of course pass organisms back and forth too thats one area that is truly equal.
UTIs after sex prevention tip 2: Consider whether your partner should also be tested.
Strangely, my boyfriends housemate also began to experience recurrent UTIs. That got me thinking about the environment in their share house, or their drinking water or possibly my boyfriends fidelity! It seemed like way too much of a coincidence for this to be happening to both of us at the same time.
Learn more about UTI and sex and getting your partner tested in our expert video series.
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Do Drink Lots Of Water
Youll want to drink plenty of water before, during and after sex. Not only to stay hydrated, but to also help you pee more easily afterwards. Plus, frequent trips to the bathroom allow you to flush out bad bacteria more often so it doesnt have time to settle into your bladder and urinary tract, causing an infection.
The Day I Had A Uti Related Run
Im sure the weight thing sounds good to some, but this was extreme. I had given up sugar due to it being a Life Coach to bacteria, and I was literally climbing the walls.
I was afraid, terrified that there was no escape and most definitely no definitive answer to why the hell this was happening. Would I suffer from UTIs after sex for the rest of my life?
I was eventually referred to a urologist who told me hed take a look inside my bladder to see if anything else was happening .
He also told me that after the procedure many women never have another UTI, as the camera can enlarge the urethra, thereby not allowing it to further clog with nasty bacteria. . Thanks Urologist!
UTIs after sex prevention tip 4: It would appear that diet can play a part for many people with recurrent UTI. Sugary processed food and drinks. So an unhealthy diet might need to be addressed.
Yay, I thought, as I felt another infection rear its ugly head as I sat in his office. He also told me that his wife drank aloe vera juice to sooth the inflamed area. I should have known this was not the answer!
At this stage I didnt know whether to laugh or cry at the ridiculousness of it all. I wondered whether he usually gave his patients this kind of advice, and whether I should have just spoken to his wife directly.
Read Also: Can You Have A Bladder Infection Without Symptoms
How Soon After A Uti Can You Have Sex
Its best to wait until the UTI has been treated to start having intercourse again. Your doctor will give you the green light about when that is, but its safe to assume it will be at least a week until youve finished your antibiotic regimen.
Even if you no longer notice symptoms, try your best to refrain from sexual activity until you are fully cleared of infection and done with your treatment.
Can Sex Cause Utis
Yes. According to an old 1989 study, having lots of sex can indeed cause a UTI.
More accurately, research has found that an active sex life increases the chances of a UTI, which makes sense when you find out what bacteria are the culprit behind most infections.
Typically, the bacteria that cause UTIs originate from fecal flora, says Alex Shteynshlyuger, MD, the director of urology at New York Urology Specialists.
One study showed that more than 60 percent of UTIs could be attributed to E.coli, which live in the intestines, then make their way down and out.
The proximity of your anus to your vagina makes it more likely that bacteria will find their way to your relatively short urethra and then travel up your urinary tract to your bladder.
When bacteria make it into your bladder, they can invade your bodys immune defenses and cause an inflammatory reaction, Shteynshlyuger says.
According to a 2000 study, UTIs can occur due to a plethora of other factors, including:
Sex is fun, UTIs are definitely not. Heres how to prevent post-sex UTIs.
Read Also: Will Overactive Bladder Go Away
So How Do You Prevent Utis After Sex
If you are using spermicide-coated condoms or diaphragms during intercourse and keep getting UTIs after sex, you might want to rethink your method of contraception, because it could be making your vagina more friendly to the bad kind of bacteria. Spermicide kills the sperm, but it also may kill some of the healthy bacteria that are normal in the vagina, Goldman tells Allure. Then, when those healthy bacteria are killed or gone, some of the bacteria that you don’t want can take up residence in the vagina. Once they travel up the urethra, youve got a UTI.
Peeing right after sex might not necessarily be as crucial as you thought, but peeing regularly, in general, is definitely a good idea. One of the ways that women can prevent infections is that when bacteria gets in the bladder, hopefully, it kind of washes out when they go to the bathroom, Goldman says. The idea is to regularly flush out any bad bacteria that may be hanging around in your system before it gets a chance to build up.
Thats why its important to drink enough fluids so that youre peeing every few hours. And this is the case all the time, not just after sex. If some bacteria does get in there, and you’re totally dehydrated and you only go once a day, then what can happen is that bacteria is sitting there all day and has a chance to start dividing and causing problems, Goldman explains.
Cystitis Related To Having Sex
Some women find that they are prone to cystitis within a day or so after having sex. This may be partly due to the movements during sex which may push germs up into the bladder. There may also be slight damage to the urine outlet tube . This slight damage encourages bacteria to thrive. This is more likely if the vagina is dry during sex. The normal mucus in and around the vagina may also be upset if spermicides or diaphragm contraceptives are used. The following may reduce the chance of cystitis developing after sex:
- After having sex, go to the toilet to empty your bladder.
- If your vagina is dry, use a lubricating jelly during sex.
- Taking a single dose of antibiotic within two hours after having sex has been proven to reduce the chance of you getting cystitis if you are prone to getting it after sex.
- Do not use spermicides and/or a diaphragm for contraception. See your doctor or practice nurse for advice on other forms of contraception.
Read Also: Best Way To Treat Bladder Infection
Maintaining Optimal Urology Health With A Urologist
Urinary tract infections can be painful, annoying, and uncomfortable but dont worry! Following these tips can help you prevent a urinary tract infection this summer. As always, if you are experiencing any symptoms of a UTI, contact your nearest USOC location to schedule an appointment with one of our urology specialists.
Although existing UTIs need to be treated with antibiotics, avoiding future infections is possible with simple diet and lifestyle changes. Download our Nutrition and Lifestyle Guide for even more tips and tricks to help prevent future UTIs and achieve optimal urology health. Click the button below to access your free copy!
Some Typical Causes Of Cystitis In Women:
- When the bladder is not voided completely when urinating. Give yourself plenty of time when you urinate, and empty the bladder as much as possible.
- The direction you wipe yourself. Women can avoid cystitis by wiping themselves from the urethra towards the anus.
- Intercourse and anal sex .
- Honeymoon cystitis means a urinary tract infection after frequent sex.
- Stones in the urinary tract which promote the growth of bacteria.
- Anatomic conditions such as outpouching or an ectopic urethra, which results in residues of urine in the urethra.
- Hormonal changes such as the menopause resulting in less oestrogen, which otherwise maintains the mucous membranes in the urethra and vagina.
- A urethral catheter. When a patient has a urethral catheter, the barrier between the skin and bladder is broken.
Recommended Reading: What Causes Overactive Bladder In Women
What Can You Do If You Keep Getting Utis
If you keep getting UTIs, you must talk to your doctor. After talking with you, your doctor will either recommend treatments for recurring urinary infections or send you to a special doctor called a urologist. A urologist focuses on diseases and problems of the entire urinary system, so he may be able to better pinpoint what is causing your infections and how to treat and prevent them.In addition to the tips mentioned above, you can also take some other simple steps to help prevent UTIs, such as:
- Drink plenty of water.
Urinate Immediately After Intercourse
During sexual intercourse, its inevitable that your urethra will be exposed to bacteria from your partners genital area. Because of this, sexual intercourse is a common cause of urinary tract infections. And once you factor in the heat and humidity associated with summertime, your chances of developing a UTI after intercourse are even higher. It is crucial to urinate as soon as possible, so your body can flush out harmful bacteria that may have entered the urinary tract during intercourse.
Also Check: What Is The Best Medication For Bladder Infection
Other Ways To Prevent Recurring Utis
If you have more than 3 UTIs in 1 year, or 2 UTIs in 6 months, there are other things that may help prevent UTIs.
There is some evidence that women under 65 years old who keep getting UTIs may find it helpful to take:
- a supplement called D-mannose this is not recommended for pregnant women
- cranberry products, such as juice or tablets
Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy.
Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar.
Page last reviewed: 18 November 2020 Next review due: 18 November 2023
Why Am I Getting Urinary Tract Infections
Ever since I started having sex I get urinary tract infections a lot. Does that mean there could be something else wrong? Mandy*
If you have burning or pain when you pee, it could be a number of things. One possibility is a urinary tract infection , but others include a sexually transmitted disease , such as chlamydia, or chemical irritation from a spermicide . Its hard to tell the difference without seeing a doctor or .
Urinary tract infections tend to be more common in girls who have sex. Often, they happen because bacteria entered the urethra .
Follow these steps to help decrease your chances of getting UTIs:
- Don’t touch your vagina with anything that has been in contact with your anus . This includes condoms, toilet paper, fingers, etc. Do not go from anal to vaginal sex.
- Wipe front to back after going to the bathroom.
- Pee right before and after sex.
- Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
STDs can cause symptoms similar to those of a UTI, such as burning, vaginal discharge, belly pain, and irregular bleeding.
Many times, though, STDs have few symptoms, which is why it is important for anyone who has had sex to be tested at least once a year. And always use condoms with any type of sex to help prevent STDs.
In any case, the best thing to do is get checked out ASAP by a health care provider who can look for the reason you’re having symptoms. It’s really important to get the right diagnosis and treatment!
*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.
Recommended Reading: Causes Of Weak Bladder Control
Uti After Sex A Completely Natural Cure
Visit your doctor with a UTI and almost certainly you will be given antibiotics which kill the bacteria.
If your bacteria is resistant to that antibiotic you go back to you doctor for a stronger one.
Doctors rely heavily on antibiotics. But these drugs are not good for your body as they also kill all the good bacteria in your body leaving you feeling run down with an immune system that may stop working for a while.
But there is a better and completely natural way of getting rid of your UTIs, as well as stopping them from coming back again.
Having swallowed too many antibiotics and having tried loads of natural home cures , which made absolutely no difference at all -I nearly gave up
But then I discovered D-Mannose.
As the customer feedback was so very positive and encouraging I placed my first order.
Buy D-Mannose Here > > > D-Mannose
Urinary Tract Infections In Men Are Rare But Not Impossible
Even though the great majority with urinary tract infections are women, men can also get them.
When men have urinary tract infections, they are divided into two categories:
In most cases of urinary tract infection in men, their own faecal bacteria spread via the urethra up to the bladder.
An uncomplicated urinary tract infection is called cystitis in men and is very similar to cystitis in women.
In contrast, complex urinary tract infections in men are inflammation where factors in or outside the urinary system may have longer-lasting and more serious effects.
However, urinary tract infections are relatively rare in men, and do not affect men at any particular age.
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What Should Men Know About Sex And Urinary Tract Infections
The urinary tract is a group of organs responsible for processing urine. It includes:
- The kidneys a pair of organs that filters blood and removes waste.
- The bladder the organ that stores urine.
- The ureters two tubes that connect the kidneys and bladder
- The urethra the tube from which urine exits the body. When men ejaculate, semen is expelled from the urethra.
Urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that find their way into the urinary tract. They typically enter the body through the urethra and can travel to other organs.
Urinary tract infections are not as common in men as they are in women. This is largely due to anatomy. A womans urethra is closer to her vagina and anus, making it easier for bacteria to enter. A mans urethra runs for the length of his penis, so bacteria have a much longer route to other parts of the urinary tract.
Symptoms of UTIs are similar for men and women. They include a constant need to urinate, discomfort during urination, cloudy or discolored urine, and abdominal or lower back pain. Men might have an unusual discharge from the penis.
Older men are more likely to develop UTIs than younger men. Other common risk factors are an enlarged prostate, diabetes, and kidney stones. Any abnormalities in the urinary tract or recent catheter insertion can also raise the risk of UTIs.
Most of the time, UTIs can be treated with antibiotics. People who get frequent UTIs may need to take an antibiotic after having sex.