In order to bring you the best possible user experience, this site uses Javascript. If you are seeing this message, it is likely that the Javascript option in your browser is disabled. For optimal viewing of this site, please ensure that Javascript is enabled for your browser.
 EMAIL TO FRIEND     |      PRINTER FRIENDLY     |    
          advertisement

Sex: Does It Cause Tract Infections?

By:
Kelly Shanahan

Question :

I'm 23, and I have UTIs since I started my period at the age of nine. I take cranberry pills, lots of vitamin C and drink tons of water, which prevented problems for a while. But, since I got married and started making love recently, I have had a really bad UTI. Does having sex somehow cause this? Am I going to have this problem every time we make love? How can I prevent this?

D.U.

Answer :

Some women will have urinary tract irritation (not always an infection, which involves bacteria in the urine) after frequent or vigorous sex -- doctors call it "honeymoon cystitis." Emptying the bladder before and after sex, and drinking lots of fluids, can help stave off this irritation.

Some women actually do get an infection because intercourse can push vaginal bacteria into the bladder.Antibiotics may help this problem. Your shoudl talk to your doctor about antibiotics and other possible options.

 

advertisement

Advice from Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Dr. Nancy Snyderman

Helpful tips and information on weight loss

Get answers from an expert
advertisement

YourTotalHealth      

Home  |  Health Centers  |  Health A-Z  |  Staying Healthy  |  Diet & Fitness  |  Woman & Family  |  Pregnancy  |  Community  |  

also on iVillage: Pregnancy & Parenting  |  Beauty & Style  |  Home & Garden  |  Food  |  Weddings  |  Love  |  Entertainment  |  NeverSayDiet

Terms of Service  |  Privacy Policy  |  Site Map  |  Newsletters  |  Feedback

Copyright (c) 2000-2009 iVillage Inc. All rights reserved. The information provided on this site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your condition.