Rituals for before and after sex to help you stay UTI-free

Don’t let anything spoil your fun.

In movies, sex is pretty much always portrayed the same way: fun, spontaneous, and pleasurable. Afterwards, the characters curl up in each other’s arms and bask in the after-glow of their (apparently) mutual satisfaction.

There’s no mention of condoms, STIs, contraception, or any of the other important conversations couples should be having. And you certainly never see anyone run to the bathroom afterwards to pee.

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The reality, of course, is quite different. Sex isn’t quite as glamorous as it’s made to look, especially when it results in a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs occur when bacteria from around the genitals get into the urinary tract. Unfortunately, it’s much easier for those little guys to invade your poor, unsuspecting urethra during sex.

UTIs are particularly common among people who have a vulva, simply because of their anatomy. “The chances of bugs entering the urethra during sex is so easy in [vulva-owners],” says Dr Nive Manokaran, a clinician specialising in sexual and reproductive health. “Luckily, [penis-owners] have longer urethras, and hence escape the same [fate].”

UTIs might be common, but that doesn’t make them any less unpleasant. According to Dr Nive, symptoms include “burning while passing urine, increased frequency of passing urine, lower abdominal pain and fever”. They’re painful, and disruptive and sometimes they seem unavoidable. In fact, the only thing worse than coming down with a UTI might be the fear of getting one from sex. 

If you’re someone who experiences them frequently, then the anxiety you feel about getting one can really put a dampener on your bedroom antics. So in the interest of not letting UTIs spoil your sex life, we’ve put together a list of preventative measures you can take, both in and out of the bedroom. 

Drink plenty of fluids

This is one of the most important things you can do – before and after sex. The more you drink, the more diluted your urine will become. You’ll also go to the bathroom more frequently, which helps to flush out any bacteria that might be residing in your bladder or urinary tract.

In fact, a 2018 study found that, among 140 women who experienced recurrent UTIs or cystitis, those who increased their overall water intake had fewer episodes. The takeaway? Try carrying a water bottle around with you to stay hydrated, and drink a little bit extra before and after sex.

Wash up

UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria like E.coli. If you get UTIs frequently, this doesn’t mean that your personal hygiene standards are low – you’re probably just a bit more susceptible to bacterial infections. To combat this, try showering before sex. 

Dr Nive also suggests “[washing] up your anogenital area before sex if you have not showered”. This doesn’t mean douching, which can actually increase the frequency of UTIs. Try gently washing the area around your genitals using soap and warm water.

This can help to get rid of any lingering bacteria that might get pushed into your urethra during sex. If you’re being extra vigilant, you might also want to shower after sex too. Remember, if you have a vulva, don’t apply soap directly to it. This can alter your natural pH, leading to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis.

Use the right equipment 

Condoms are good for more than just preventing STIs and pregnancy – they can actually reduce the likelihood of UTIs too. This is because, if you’re having sex with someone who has a penis, the penis can introduce bacteria into your vagina and urethra. Condoms provide a great barrier against bacterial transmission – just make sure you opt for a non-spermicidal one.

According to Dr Nive, lube is also a good idea. “Lube makes sex smoother and [reduces] friction,” she tells me. Where there’s friction, there’s irritation, which promotes the growth of bacteria in your urethra. Try a small amount of water-based lubricant each time you have sex. 

Always pee after sex 

And when I say always, I mean always. Urinating is the most sure-fire way of flushing out any bacteria that have been introduced into the urethra during sex. That’s why it’s also important that you’re drinking a lot of fluids, so that you can easily pee straight after sex.

When you do pee, make sure to wipe from front to back (again, a no-brainer, but it has to be said). Continue to drink fluids frequently throughout the day, and go to the bathroom whenever the urge arises – don’t hold in your urine.

Try an OTC supplement

There are also products you can purchase from your pharmacy to help prevent UTIs. For example, some probiotics are designed specifically for vaginal flora; they can help your body naturally fight off UTIs by supporting the presence of the ‘good bacteria’ in your vulva.

Other options are effervescent powders like Ural, which stabilises the pH of your urine, and Hiprex, which is an antibacterial medication specifically designed to suppress and eliminate urinary bacteria. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of these products may vary from person to person. 

Visit your doctor

If you persistently get UTIs and none of these methods is working, the best course of action is to book an appointment with your GP. They may prescribe you a long-term course of antibiotics that you take regularly before or after sex, to help reduce the frequency of UTI episodes. 

Remember, UTIs are a nuisance, but they’re also super common. Don’t be afraid to discuss them with your partner/s so you can relax and enjoy your time together in the bedroom.

For more on preventing UTIs, try this.