Why You Should Always Pee After Sex
A common piece of advice shared among women is that they should urinate (pee) after sex to reduce the risk of a urinary tract infection (UTI). As with many commonly shared words of wisdom, there are some facts to support this claim, although they may not necessarily sound clear–cut or definitive. This post looks at how urinating after sex reduces a woman’s risk of a UTI and how the same might apply to men.
Sex and Urinary Tract Infections
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are unquestionably associated with sexual intercourse. Friction from sexual activity can spread bacteria. The more sex someone has, the more likely they are to get a UTI. When you engage in intercourse, bacteria can enter your body through the penis, fingers or the mouth. These bacteria can spread from oral, vaginal or anal sex. The bacteria may not necessarily be external bacteria, it can also come from fecal matter.
The link is so well known that sexually–associated UTIs are sometimes referred to as “honeymoon cystitis.” Cystitis is another word for inflammation of the bladder. One of the main reasons is that sexual intercourse can put pressure on the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body). This can irritate the urethra or force bacteria up into it. Both, in turn, can increase the likelihood of infection.
Most people associate UTIs with vaginal intercourse. That’s because the urethra is right above the vagina. However, there is some evidence that anal intercourse is also associated with increased UTI risk. Ensure that you change the condom when shifting from vaginal to anal sex.
There is more you can do to keep your reproductive system healthy, read more on how to prevent urinary tract infections. And on a side note, to keep your reproductive system at its healthiest, don’t wax or shave your vagina too often because that not only leads to skin rashes but can also lead to boils and skin laxity.
Sexual Hygiene
Several studies have looked at sexual and hygienic factors to see if they might be associated with the increased risk of urinary tract infections. One such factor that’s been examined is voiding (peeing) within 15 minutes after intercourse. But don’t wait longer than 30 minutes, otherwise bacteria has a better chance of making it into your bladder.
This is also known as postcoital voiding. Most studies that have looked at peeing after sex have found that it seems to reduce the risk of getting a UTI. The theory is that peeing after sex can flush any bacteria out of the urethra and into the toilet. It is kind of mandatory for women.
However, there are some studies that found no relationship between peeing after sex and UTI risk. That’s because there are so many other factors that play a role in UTI development, including how much water you drink and how much and often you normally pee. The need to pee after sex happens by itself. Women usually don’t need to force it. This is due to the stimulation of the G–spot.
You should never hold your pee, not even when doing Kegel exercises. Holding your pee for too long at any time—after sex or otherwise—can increase your risk of a UTI. However, peeing after sex has never been shown to increase the risk of UTI. So whether or not it’s helpful, it doesn’t do any harm.
How it Applies to Men
It’s less important for men to pee after sex than it is for women. This is because there are big differences between male and female anatomy. It is relatively rare for men to get UTIs. In general, the longer male urethra means it’s less likely for bacteria to get up into the bladder and cause a problem.
In addition, the penile urethra, through which men urinate, is also the tube through which they ejaculate. Therefore, if the man ejaculates during vaginal intercourse, this could flush out any bacteria. It’s not a bad idea for men to pee after sex. It’s just less necessary than it is for women. Common causes of UTIs in men include kidney stones and an enlarged prostate.
The same may not be entirely true with regard to anal sex. Certain bacteria, such as Streptococcal pneumonia and Haemophilus species, can enter the urethra of the penis during anal intercourse, causing acute urethritis (urethral inflammation) and, in some cases, a UTI. That said, there is currently no evidence that peeing after anal sex reduces the risk of urethritis or UTIs in the insertive partner.
Summary
Urinary tract infections aren’t fun. That’s particularly true when you get a lot of them. If you have a history of recurrent UTIs, it is worth speaking with your doctor to discuss behavioral changes that may reduce the frequency of UTIs.
And it’s more important for women because the urethra is shorter and bacteria can travel up there faster. You may not necessarily catch an infection right after sex, however, adapting this hygiene ritual is important just to keep you on the safer side.
If you’re peeing after sex and still getting UTIs, don’t ignore them. Talk to your healthcare provider about prevention and treatment options. Pair this with proper hydration and regular bathroom breaks so you can stay healthy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will Peeing After Sex Decrease My Chances Of Pregnancy?
No. Pregnancy requires sperm to travel up the vagina to the fallopian tubes. The vagina is separate from the urethra. Urinating doesn’t affect sperm that’s entered your vagina, so it won’t stop you from becoming pregnant. There is evidence that lying on your back for several minutes after sex can improve the odds of conceiving, so you may want to wait a while before running to the bathroom.
Does Peeing After Sex Prevent UTIs?
A few studies have shown a link between urinating within 15 minutes of intercourse and a decreased risk of UTIs among women who don’t have a history of urinary tract infections.
What If I Don’t Have Penetrative Sex?
You or your partner can touch anywhere else on the vulva without having to worry about increasing your risk for UTIs. However, there is an exception, if your partner performs oral sex or cunnilingus, which focuses on oral contact with the clitoris (which is very close to the urethral opening), bacteria can be pushed from the mouth and tongue into the urethra.
Does Peeing After Sex Prevent Pregnancy?
No. Use a proven form of birth control like latex condoms or oral contraceptives (birth control pills). If you’re not sure which birth control to use, ask your Ob/Gyn.
Does Peeing After Sex Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections?
It doesn’t. Just like peeing after sex doesn’t prevent pregnancy, peeing won’t stop a sexually transmitted infection (STI). STI–related bacteria affect the body differently than UTI–related bacteria. Your body can absorb STI–related bacteria through tiny tears in your mucus membranes. Peeing won’t affect this absorption process. The only way to reduce your risk for STIs is to use a condom every time you engage in sexual activity and get screened regularly.
What If You Don’t Need To Pee?
If you don’t need to pee but know you should, you may find it helpful to:
- Drink more water. The more you drink, the more your bladder stretches. The more it stretches, the more likely you are to feel the urge to pee. Drinking a half or whole glass of water right after sex may help get your bladder in gear.
- Try audio or visual cues. Watching or listening to running water, for example, may help stimulate your bladder.
- Sit on the toilet for a few extra minutes. Taking a few extra moments to yourself may encourage your bladder to relax and release its contents.
Why Does My Vagina Burn When I Urinate After Sex?
There are a number of possible causes, including inadequate lubrication during sex, an allergy to latex condoms, irritation caused by spermicides in certain lubricants, or an undiagnosed STD or bacterial UTI. If the symptoms last more than two days after you had sex, you should contact your doctor. If you commonly experience irritation after sex, you should avoid:
- Condoms with spermicides (use latex condoms without spermicide instead).
- Warming, tingling or scented lubricants (as an alternative, try natural organic water–based, fragrance–free lubricants for sensitive skin).
Sources:
Why You Should Always Pee After Sex
https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-you-should-pee-after-sex-4172822
By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Updated on December 29, 2021, Medically reviewed by Monique Rainford, MD
Is Peeing After Sex Important?
Find out whether you should head to the bathroom after the bedroom
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/peeing-after-sex/
February 1, 2022 / Urinary & Kidney
Is Peeing After Sex Really Necessary? And 9 Other FAQs
https://www.healthline.com/health/peeing-after-sex
Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., CNE, COI — Written by Rachel Nall, MSN, CRNA on May 6, 2019
5 Reasons Why You Must Pee After Sex
Peeing after sex is important, we’ll tell you why.
https://doctor.ndtv.com/sexual-health/5-reasons-why-you-must-pee-after-sex-1804214
By: DoctorNDTV Updated: Mar 12, 2018 07:39 IST