Contributed by Erin Kaufmann, B.A.
Introduction by Tyler Achilles, B.A.

I think I’ll just let Erin Kaufmann, a senior health promotion and behavior major at the University of Georgia, take a crack at answering this question. I don’t even know where to begin with this one. However, I will say that should she be able to still have sex with a urinary tract infection, never pressure her to have sex if she isn’t comfortable. Erin says …

A urinary tract infection, or a UTI, occurs when bacteria (usually E. coli) get into the body through the urethra, moving up into the bladder (and possibly on to the kidneys) and causing an infection and inflammation. A woman is much more likely than her male partner to get a UTI because women have shorter urethras and the bacteria can travel to their bladders faster. These infections are common among women; approximately 1 in 5 women will have a UTI in her lifetime. Sometimes women who have recently begun having sex or having more frequent sex can develop a UTI because intercourse can push bacteria into the urethra and bladder.

Symptoms of a UTI include painful urination, a burning sensation during urination, and feeling like you need to urinate but not being able to go. Feeling tired, having a fever, and feeling pain in the back and abdomen can also happen with a UTI, so having sex while your girlfriend has one may be unpleasant, uncomfortable, or painful for her. While the infection is not contagious, it is better to wait to start having sex again after the infection has been treated. A UTI is easily treated with a full round of antibiotics, and the infection should be cleared up in a few days.

There are several ways to prevent another UTI after you and your partner start having sex again. It is important to keep your hands and the tip of your penis clean (especially if you are uncircumcised). It is also very important for your girlfriend to drink plenty of fluids and not hold her urine for long periods of time. Women should urinate before and after having sex to expel any bacteria from the urethra in order to prevent a bladder infection.

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References

National Kidney and Urological Diseases Information Clearinghouse. (2005). “Urinary Tract Infections in Adults.” Retrieved from http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/utiadult/#treatment.

Rhodes, Monica. (2009). “Urinary Tract Infections in Teens and Adults.” Retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/urinary-tract-infections-in-teens-and-adults-topic-overview.