The urinary tract is a term that means the system responsible for excreting urine from the human body. It is vulnerable, like all the various organs and systems of the body, to infection and inflammation due to a variety of reasons. But is there a relationship between urinary tract infection and intercourse?
Urinary tract infection and sexual intercourse
Sexual relations increase the chances of developing recurrent urinary tract infections, especially cystitis, as statistics indicate that 50% of the global population suffers from problems associated with the urinary tract associated with sex, and their incidence increases in the age group between 20-40 years.
What are urinary tract infections?
Urinary tract infections It is a type of infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra.
It is usually caused by bacterial infection, but it may be caused by viruses or fungi.
Urinary tract infections are divided into upper and lower urinary tract infections based on the location and infection.
A urinary tract infection is not a serious problem, but treating it early and correctly avoids the risk of serious complications, in addition to severe pain associated with intercourse.
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What are the risk factors for urinary tract infections?
The probability of occurrence increases Urinary tract infections in women More than men, due to the following factors:
- Shortened urethra in women, which leads to more bacteria reaching the bladder, causing inflammation.
- Use some contraceptives.
- Menopause, where there is a decrease in estrogen levels and changes in the urinary tract.
- Weakness of the immune system resulting from some chronic diseases such as diabetes, or cancer treatment with radiation or chemotherapy.
- Having a catheter in the bladder for a long time.
- Frequent sexual intercourse without taking preventive measures.
- Having sex with a new partner.
- Having a previous history of urinary tract infection
- Multiple pregnancies.
- Obesity or overweight.
- Urinary or reproductive tract abnormalities.
Lower urinary tract infections
The lower parts of the urinary system refer to the bladder and urethra.
On the other hand, the causative agent of urinary tract infections is Escherichia coli, a type of bacteria that targets the digestive system and the area between the anus and the vagina.
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of lower urinary tract infection?
The most prominent symptoms that may appear due to a urinary tract infection are:
- The need to urinate frequently and in small amounts.
- Sensation of the bladder not emptying completely when urinating.
- Burning when urinating or blood in the urine.
- Urine with a strong, foul odor, and a cloudy color.
- Pain in the vaginal area.
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One or all of these symptoms may appear, and there are other cases that may be infected and do not show any significant symptoms.
The problem with urinary tract infections is not only the uncomfortable symptoms that accompany them, but a group of complications may occur, especially when treatment is neglected, such as the gradual spread of infection or kidney failure.
What is the treatment for urinary tract infection?
The goal of treatment is to eliminate the symptoms and the causative agent of the infection.
- Antibiotics if the cause is bacterial (most common).
- Antifungal if the infection is caused by a fungus.
- Antiviral if the infectious agent is a virus such as herpes.
The duration of treatment is usually two weeks, and it may be in many pharmaceutical forms, but most cases take tablets.
In serious cases, hospitalization for treatment may be necessary.
In conclusion, we point out that the relationship between a urinary tract infection and intercourse occurs due to an infection, which we can avoid by taking preventive measures and treating any infection early before the problem worsens. You can also visit a specialist doctor as soon as you feel strange symptoms.
