When it comes to maintaining sexual and reproductive health, there’s a lot of care and measures that we must take.
Sexual activities can often put us at an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other viral and bacterial infections.
While there are several myths and misconceptions surrounding sex and sexual health, one thing that we have commonly heard is that men and women, especially women, should pee before and after sex.
This is accurate, but let us find out why…
Why urinate ‘after’ sex?
For those with a vagina, the possibility of infections is much greater during sexual activities. One such infection is urinary tract infection, which is not sexually transmitted, but can be triggered due to sexual intercourse. A UTI is an infection that affects any part of the urinary system including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. This happens when bacteria from the skin or rectum enter the urethra and infect the urinary tract. Having said that, if you have urine in your bladder when you’re having sex, the bacteria that is pushed inside could grow and multiply if you do not urinate within a few hours after intercourse.
Why pee before sex?
Apart from preventing UTIs, many women choose to pee before sex, mainly because of extended sexual time and increased pleasure. Orgasm plays a key role in reaching the heights of pleasure. Emptying the bladder first therefore feels necessary. Not doing so can be a big distraction and therefore more likely to make one feel anxious throughout the process.
Should you rush to the toilet straight after sex?
As of now, there is no clear rule for how long you should wait to pee after sex, but sooner is definitely better than waiting long. Urinating after sex helps flush out the germs and bacteria, keeping the urinary tracts clean and unaffected. It all comes down to how short the tube between the outside and the bladder is.
Why UTI is more common in women than men (especially after sex)
UTIs are more common in women than men because a woman’s urethra, which is the tube from the bladder to where the urine comes out of the body – is shorter than a man’s. This makes it easier for bacteria to travel into the bladder, leading to an infection.
What if you have recurrent urinary infections?
UTIs can be extremely discomforting, especially if you have them repeatedly. Some people are more prone to repeated urinary tract infection. Recurrent UTIs are caused by reinfection by the same pathogen or bacteria. Frequent sex is said to be one of the biggest risk factors. Having said that, if you’re someone who constantly experiences UTIs after sex, it is important to consult a doctor and get treatment for the same.
