Cystitis is aurinary tract infection characterized by a burning sensation when urinating, i.e. when peeing. Often it is urge to urinate is unbearable and it becomes very pressing even if you have been to the bathroom just before.
However, this urinary tract infection it is not sexually transmitted. When you have sex with your partner and your partner has a urinary tract infection, there is no danger of being infected.
Sometimes it can happen that the sexual intercourse, especially for the woman, they are there leading cause of urinary tract infections and this happens because the ano-vaginal distance is very short. THE bacteria can easily pass from one side to the other, bringing annoying infections to be treated in the right way.
Let's find out more about the cystitis: how it occurs and above all how it is treated.
What is a urinary tract infection?
In most cases, cystitis is caused by a bacterium called Escherichia coli, which occurs naturally in the intestine. This bacterium is not contagious. It also does not survive in the open air. Hence Escherichia coli it does not spread from person to person. However, it is possible to self-contaminate. In other words, bacteria present in the intestine can, following sexual intercourse, end up in the urinary tract and migrate.
Why does cystitis occur following sexual intercourse?
As we said, in the female body, the urethra and anus are so close together that microbes can pass easily from one opening to another, causing urinary tract infections.
Therefore, it is not the partner who infects the woman. Rather, is the movement of the penis in the vagina which helps germs pass from the outside to the inside of the vagina, causing an infection.
And this proximity also helps bacteria to pass from the anus to the vagina, with the movement of the tongue or fingers.
The resumption of sexual activity favors the development of cystitis
After a long period of abstinence you start having again frequent sexual intercourse? Then aurinary tract infection. Also very frequent sexual intercourse (honeymoon syndrome) can cause cystitis, because sexual intercourse cause irritation and promote infections. If you have a new partner, you are also more likely to get urinary tract infections. This because your body is not yet used to the bacteria carried by your new mate.
Can i have sex if i have cystitis?
Urinary infections are not contagious. There is therefore no contraindication having sex during cystitis. However, urinary tract infection it makes the moment rather unpleasant, since sexual intercourse can increase pain and the intensity of some symptoms. È better get treated first to resume sexual activity.
How can I avoid a urinary tract infection after sex?
Of course, there are some simple ones things that can be done to prevent cystitis from occurring after sexual intercourse.
- Pee immediately after sex
By urinating immediately after intercourse, pee is able to remove the bacteria that in the meantime have settled in the area.
- Drink a lot of water
Water dilutes the urine. Don't hesitate to drink plenty of water every day, preferably in small sips.
- Take a food supplement
D-Mannose is a simple sugar, a "cousin" of glucose. It covers the cells of the urinary tract. It is found in some fruits: peaches, apples, blueberries or oranges. D-Mannose heals cystitis naturally.
Cranberry products are also known to help contain the problem. Food supplements in general do not carry consequences like antibiotics. However, it is important to keep in mind that they are not drugs and should be taken under medical advice.
- Do the bidet after sexual intercourse
Finally, a thorough bidet of the genitals after sex can help reduce the risk of cystitis. Namely: the lack of hygiene favors the proliferation of bacteria. However, excessive hygiene is also destructive to the vaginal flora that protects the female sex.
