One of the frustrating things about aurinary tract infection (UTI)is that it interferes with sex.
Women are more prone to getting UTIs than menup to 30 times more likely, in fact.
This article explains common symptoms of UTIs and how they relate to sexual intercourse.
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It also covers prevention tips and when to call your healthcare provider.
Your healthcare provider can diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
UTIs and Painful Intercourse
A UTI can also cause painful intercourse, also known asdyspareunia.
This is more likely to occur in women who experience chronic UTIs, especially those who are postmenopausal.
Causes of Chronic UTIs
Bacteria such asE.
It can then travel up the urethra and into the bladder where infection can develop.
There are two types of recurrent or chronic UTIs: bacterial persistence and bacterial reinfection.
Bacterial reinfection triggers when a UTI comes back after two weeks.
A chronic UTI is different from an acute UTI in that it either doesnt respond to traditionaltreatmentor recurs frequently.
An infection of one or both kidneys, known aspyelonephritis, requires immediate medical attention.
Without proper treatment, pyelonephritis can lead tokidney failureandsepsis.
Treatment involves the administration ofantibiotics.
In some instances, the infection is resistant to antibiotic treatment andhospitalizationmay be needed.
Spermicide can alter the natural bacterial makeup of the vagina, allowing foreign bacteria to flourish more readily.
Alternate methods for contraception may need to be considered.
Vaginal estrogen can help normalize the microbe balance in the vagina and help prevent UTIs.
If that happens, you could develop a second UTI and may experience an even longer recovery time.
How long after sex can you develop a UTI?
Studies show that a UTI is likely to begin within 24 hours of sexual intercourse.
When introduced into the urinary tract,E.
coliwill adhere to the walls of the urethra and begin to multiply almost immediately.
Failure to do so can lead to antibiotic resistance.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a one- to three-day course of antibiotics.
Antibiotics are the standard treatment for a UTI.
Be sure to complete the entire prescribed course to help ensure that the infection clears up.
If the infection does not get better after taking antibiotics, follow up with your healthcare provider.
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