UTIs develop when bacteria enters the body through the urethra, the tube that empties urine from the bladder. The urinary tract is designed to keep bacteria out. Sometimes the activity from sexual intercourse pushes bacteria up into the urethra, where it may grow and cause infection.
Sexual activity
Bacteria can spread more easily during sexual activity, from your partner's genitals, fingers, tongue or even sex toys. Such activity in that intimate area can also spread your own bacteria from your vagina or anus into your urethra.
A UTI is a bacterial infection. They happen when bacteria — often from the anus, dirty hands, or skin — get into the urethra and travel to the bladder or other parts of the urinary tract. UTIs are not sexually transmitted and are not contagious. This means that people with a UTI will not pass on a UTI to their partner.
Essentially, any type of sexual activity can cause a UTI. Again, activity around your genitals may move bacteria to your urethra, where it can travel to your bladder.
Men often ask your question because they worry that they passed bacteria to their female partner during sexual intercourse. But they haven't. The likely reason for the woman's bladder infection is rubbing during sex that can irritate the opening of her urethra and make it even easier for bacteria to enter.
The treatment of UTIs usually requires antibiotics, which means you'll need to visit a healthcare professional. Telehealth services can make it easier to schedule an appointment. Getting started on your antibiotic right away and drinking plenty of water are some of the most important steps to get rid of a UTI fast.
Can Sperm or Semen Cause a UTI? UTIs are caused by microbes, not by sperm or semen, which is the fluid that contains sperm. Whether your sexual partner ejaculates inside you doesn't affect your chances of getting an infection. However, certain kinds of contraceptives have been linked to UTIs.
It's entirely possible for males to carry bacteria without experiencing symptoms, so they wouldn't necessarily know they were contributing to your own symptoms. Same sex partners can of course pass organisms back and forth too – that's one area that is truly equal.
Learn More Vaginosis or Yeast Infection? What are other causes of yeast infections? Can sperm cause yeast infections? Sperm do not cause yeast infections but sexual activity, including ejaculating inside a vagina, can change the balance of bacteria and may lead to a yeast infection.
Painful Bladder Syndrome (PBS)
Some people feel the need to urinate frequently or rush to get to the bathroom. The symptoms range from mild to severe and can happen sometimes or all the time. PBS is not caused by an infection, but it can feel like a urinary tract infection or UTI.
Yes, it's possible to get a UTI from your fingers. Your hands can pick up bacteria and other microorganisms whenever you touch a surface.
A bladder infection is a type of urinary tract infection (UTI). You might have chronic, or recurrent, bladder infections if you have two or more bladder infections in six months or three or more infections in a year.
Ejaculation itself does not directly exacerbate a urinary tract infection (UTI), but sexual activity, including ejaculation, can contribute to UTIs by introducing bacteria from the genital area into the urethra, particularly during activities involving penetration.
Bacteria are the most common cause of UTIs, although fungi rarely can also infect the urinary tract. E. coli bacteria, which live in the bowel, cause most UTIs. The female anatomy contributes to women's increased likelihood of contracting a UTI.
Other reasons you might get recurrent UTIs include: having a new partner, having a family history of UTIs, living with diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse, transitioning to menopause (the increased dryness that results when estrogen levels drop can increase your odds), or having difficulty fully emptying your bladder, ...
During sex, bacteria from the rectum can be carried into the urethra, and increased friction to the area can further irritate it. Substances like saliva, sperm, and lubricants won't directly cause a urinary tract infection. In some cases, though, they may inflame the vaginal walls or urethra.
Recurrent UTIs (RUTI) are mainly caused by reinfection by the same pathogen. Having frequent sexual intercourse is one of the greatest risk factors for RUTIs.
Semen color ranging from yellow to green could be due to a urinary tract infection or sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. The semen may also have a foul odor.
If a woman already has a UTI, taking a bath or sitting in a hot tub can increase irritation. Harsh soaps for baths and abrasive chemicals used to keep hot tubs clean can also lead to irritation. Taking baths or sitting in hot tubs won't cause UTIs, but it can irritate the skin in the groin and disrupt the pH balance.
Some individuals notice an increase in UTIs and yeast infections when wearing this kind of underwear. However, research has not found any direct links—though it's possible for thongs to play a role in developing infections like yeast infections.
What Happens to an Untreated UTI? If your UTI goes untreated, it may progress into a more serious infection. “An untreated bladder infection can become a kidney or prostate infection. These infections are more serious, because they travel through the blood stream causing sepsis.