Does Peeing After Sex Really Help Prevent UTIs?

There’s nothing that can spark anxiety like that post-sex painful tingle in your vag, aka the first symptom of a UTI, announcing its arrival. Because of the discomfort UTIs cause, women will do pretty much anything to prevent them. Cue the age-old myth that peeing immediately after sex prevents a UTI, which has us racing to the bathroom the second it’s over.

But is this fact or fiction?

Alexis May Kimble, D.O., a cosmetic urogynecologist and reconstructive pelvic surgeon and the medical director at the Kimble Center, is here to set the post-coital record straight.

First, she explains women are more likely to get a UTI after intercourse because their urethra is shorter. “This means that the female urethra lies closer to the rectum and anus, home to the bacteria that most commonly invade the female urinary tract and cause UTIs. The movements during sex facilitate the passage of these bacteria.”

Dr. Kimble continues by explaining the likely origin story of this popular advice. “Theoretically, peeing is intended to reduce bacteria, flushing it from the bladder and preventing it from climbing into the shorter female urinary tract.” But unfortunately, from a medical standpoint, “This recommended behavior is not a proven method of prevention,” she says.

Although it won’t directly prevent a UTI, Dr. Kimble says there are benefits to be reaped from peeing after sex. “For women who suffer from other urogynecological conditions such as painful bladder, interstitial cystitis, urinary incontinence, or vaginal prolapse, holding the pee after sex could cause these other conditions to flare and lead to symptoms resembling a UTI. There is much overlap between common urogynecological conditions and those of a UTI.”

She also points out that an “increased number of sexual play times could increase your risk of developing a UTI.” This could be when you’re on vacation with Bae, when you’re reunited in your LDR, or are just in a horny phase of your relationship.

While peeing after sex isn’t the holy grail prevention of UTIs that we wish it was, Dr. Kimble does have some post-coital pointers for women that will help reduce the risk of a UTI.

Avoid the use of spermicides if possible, as these can harm good bacteria.

Take OTC d-mannose to help prevent bacteria from taking their place on certain designated areas of our bladder cell wall.

Cleanse the area, and apply a protective emollient like Sonnet79’s 24K Oil for intimate skin and body. This protects the skin layer of the genitourinary tract while allowing the delicate skin to breathe.

Eat your yogurt, which is rich in probiotics, as it can help discourage bad bacteria from taking residence in the vagina. 

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