Besides drinking adequate fluids, regularly emptying the bladder and maintaining a good personal hygiene, women need to include some extra routines to reduce the risk of getting a urinary tract infection.
Intimacy and sex advice for women with UTIs
Precautions when you have sex
During intercourse, your genital area will always be introduced to bacteria – either from yourself or from your partner. Follow these rules before, during, and after sex to limit the amount of bacteria.
Before sex
Empty your bladder as a full bladder gives better conditions for bacteria to settle down and grow.
During sex
If you feel dry during intercourse, use a water-soluble gel (lubricant) to help reduce friction and stress of the tissue, which can lead to infection. Diaphragms and spermicides can also cause irritation, and may lead to infections. Talk to your doctor about another form of birth control if you have frequent UTIs.
After sex
Empty your bladder immediately after having sex, even if there is only a small amount of urine in your bladder. This will flush out potential bacteria. Drink 2–3 glasses of water and urinate when you have the urge to do so. The goal is to have a good steady stream of urine to flush any bacteria from the bladder.
Avoid fragrance down there
Don’t use sprays, deodorants, powders or heavily scented soap on the genital area. Some laundry detergents, bleaches and fabric softeners leave residue in your underwear. Use unscented products instead.
Why?
Perfume or other fragranced chemicals can irritate your skin or cause allergic reactions.
Wear cotton and loose-fitting clothes.
Wear cotton underwear and loose-fitting clothes, so air can keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight-fitting jeans and nylon underwear are not good, because they can trap moisture and help bacteria grow.
Other good advice
Change sanitary pads and tampons frequently during menstruation.
Be careful how you wipe yourself – always wipe from front to back, so that the bacteria from your anal area is not pushed into the urethra.