Cystitis and sex

Hey, do you also have moments when you wonder how you could have lived as long as you have and not known about some – as it turns out – obvious thing, when almost everyone knows about it? For example, I only found out a month ago about the connection between a prolific sex life and cystitis. I decided to share it with the world immediately! Because maybe there is still someone who has no idea about it. There is someone like that… right?

Cystitis after intercourse

At first I thought it was some new scientific report. When I started to delve into the subject, it turned out that the Internet is full of articles about cystitis "from too much sex". What made me laugh the most was the mention that cystitis is also called honeymoon syndrome or disease (supposedly, people never copulate like they did then, hmm...). I wouldn't want to go to a doctor who used that term to describe my sick bladder! And although the causes of inflammation can be different, the fact is that this condition occurs mainly in sexually active people.

Cystitis after intercourse is not a myth

I will skip explaining what an active sexual life is, but instead I will write what cystitis is. It is a common disease, usually defined as a bacterial inflammation of the urinary tract, occurring more often in people with uteruses than in people with penises . This is related to the anatomical structure and location of the urethra (people with uteruses have a urethra that is up to five times shorter, and it is also located close to the anus, which facilitates bacterial infection).

Strictly speaking, cystitis is mainly caused by bacteria (usually E. coli ), but there are also non-bacterial types of cystitis, for example those caused by the viruses HSV1 or HSV2, as well as Chlamydia bacteria or fungi.

Cystitis should not be confused with urethritis (although both involve the urinary system). The latter is most often the result of a sexually transmitted disease. Urethritis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra resulting from infection with various microorganisms.

You can read more about venereal diseases in the article written by our gynecologist friend: About sexually transmitted diseases .

Recurrent Cystitis – Who is in the Target?

People with uteri between the ages of 15 and 34 are at risk of recurrent cystitis, most often those who are sexually active, because intercourse promotes urethral infections. If abrasions appear on the mucosa, this is a direct path to urinary tract infections. Pregnant and post-menopausal people are also at risk.

Symptoms of cystitis

You feel a burning sensation in your urethra and an urge to urinate. You run to the bathroom. Pain during urination. Pee – gap (bladder pain). Pee – gap (bladder pain). This is more or less what cystitis looks like. Urination occurs in batches and is really unpleasant. And when you finish doing your business and wash your hands, you feel the need to urinate again.

These are the most common symptoms of cystitis. There is also pain in the lower abdomen, a feeling of not having emptied the bladder properly right after urinating, and a general feeling of being unwell.

Diagnostics

To diagnose cystitis, the doctor orders a blood count, a general urinalysis, or a urine culture with an antibiogram. This confirms the presence of bacteria, increased leukocyte values, and increased inflammatory markers. Sometimes, blood is also found in the urine.

Tests are performed in cases of:

• when antibiotic therapy is ineffective,
• when there is a suspicion of complicated UTI (urinary tract infection),
• when a UTI occurred less than one month after the previous episode.

Complicated UTI:

• occurs in people with penises,
• occurs in the case of anatomical/functional disorders of the urinary system in people with uteri (such as urolithiasis or diabetes),
• it is also a urinary tract infection caused by atypical microorganisms.

A UTI recurrence means that symptoms appear less than 2 weeks after the previous treatment and are caused by the same germ.

Reinfection (repeated UTI) is symptoms that appear after more than 2 weeks, even if it is caused by the same microorganism.

Prevention

Ok, bunnies. So what do we do after sex?

No, we don't cuddle up to a pillow with the intention of falling asleep! We dash off to the bathroom to pee and wash NOT ONLY OUR HANDS.

And besides…?

In addition, we remember about prevention during the day, not only after intercourse. The best way to extinguish a bladder infection is with water, so we drink large amounts of fluids, we urinate as soon as we feel the need (not right away, in a moment or after the episode ends). This is about frequently flushing out pathogens from the urinary tract. In short: bacteria multiply in a full bladder.

It’s also a good idea to drink a glass of water just before intercourse. A condom, a lubricant, and a glass of water don’t sound like the ideal evening combo, but experts agree that both external hydration (reducing the risk of chafing) and internal hydration (provoking frequent urination ) are important in preventing urinary tract infections.

What else? We take care of personal hygiene (washing every day and no excuses) and following the rules of wiping. Or rather the rules, because there is only one. Who is on team FROM FRONT TO BACK, raise your hand! Why is it important? Because it prevents bacteria from moving from the area of ​​the anus to the area of ​​the urethral opening.

Also read our article about intimate hygiene after intercourse .

How to treat cystitis?

Most often, antibiotics are used in the case of acute cystitis, while in milder conditions, so-called chemotherapeutics (available without a prescription) are recommended - in this case, for example, furaginum (Furaginum). Furaginum inhibits protein synthesis and destroys bacterial DNA, effectively limiting their multiplication. It is important to take it even after the symptoms have subsided.

Recurrent urinary tract infections (including recurrent cystitis) are very troublesome diseases, difficult to "calm down". Regardless of the method of treatment, it is worth remembering about prevention, i.e. following the above-mentioned rules, with an emphasis on drinking plenty of fluids. Many specialists recommend home remedies as a supplement to antibiotic therapy, for example drinks enriched with vitamin C thanks to fruits: cranberries, pomegranates, blackberries, blackcurrants or lemon. Interestingly, it has been proven that cranberry juice inhibits the adhesion of bacteria to the mucous membrane of the urinary tract. Cranberry fruit extract can also be taken in the form of tablets. There are also herbal mixtures that are helpful in the case of kidney and urinary tract diseases - they have a diuretic effect, support treatment, but should not be a substitute for pharmacological agents. All ailments should be consulted with the attending physician, who will advise on the best way to treat cystitis.

For postmenopausal women, vaginal estrogens are often used. They help restore normal bacterial flora, which inhibits the growth of bacteria responsible for urinary tract infections.

What about inflammation caused by sexual activity?

In this case, your doctor may recommend taking a single dose of antibiotics as a preventive measure after sexual intercourse.

Can you acquire immunity?

The last interesting thing I came across is the so-called immunoprophylaxis in the form of a preparation (called a vaccine) that increases resistance to infections with bacteria that typically cause cystitis. These preparations are used only on the recommendation and under strict supervision of a doctor. Clinical studies confirm the effectiveness of agents that contain Escherichia coli extract .

Can you have sex while having a bladder infection?

If you have a cystitis (after or without sex) but still want to make the most of your honeymoon (stop me from joking!), you need to follow certain rules. First of all: pee and shower before sex (don't start when your bladder is full). Then a condom. During foreplay, try not to irritate the urethra (so it's better to skip clitoral stimulation ). After sex, shower again (it's easier to infect your intimate areas with bacteria from the anus and other areas during a bath) and drink plenty of fluids.

Of course, some specialists recommend complete sexual abstinence until the symptoms have completely subsided. This seems quite reasonable (for fear of making the situation worse), but if someone decides to have fun anyway, it is better to do it wisely (and with an empty bladder).

Cystitis – how to protect yourself?

As they say: prevention is better than cure. I am almost certain that whoever came up with this phrase had recurrent cystitis in mind. Anyone who has experienced it at least once knows what I mean – constant burning in the urethra or pain when urinating are not ailments that can be ignored. Prevention, on the other hand, does not require sacrifices or huge revolutions in your habits, but only remembering a few basic rules.

Want to be healthy? Pee when you need to, wash yourself, stay hydrated, don't overdo it with sugar (which is a breeding ground for bacteria) and alcohol (it dehydrates the body). After sex, pee and wash your intimate areas. Wipe yourself from front to back. It doesn't take much to protect yourself from problems. Obviously, a disease!