From the Guidelines
Urinating after sex can help reduce the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. For best results, try to urinate within 30 minutes after sexual activity. This applies to both men and women, though women are generally at higher risk for UTIs. Make it a habit to use the bathroom immediately after intercourse, even if you don't feel a strong urge to urinate.
Additional Recommendations
- Drink a glass of water before or after sex to help flush the urinary system
- Clean the genital area before and after intercourse
- Avoid using spermicides or diaphragms, as these can increase UTI risk Urinating after sex helps flush out any bacteria that may have been introduced to the urethra during sexual activity. This mechanical action of urination can prevent bacteria from traveling up the urethra and potentially causing an infection in the bladder or kidneys.
Key Findings
- A 2024 study 1 found that increased water intake, cranberry products, and vaginal estrogen can also reduce the risk of UTIs
- The study also recommends considering postcoital antimicrobial prophylaxis, but notes that this decision must balance the need for prevention against the risk of adverse drug events, antimicrobial resistance, and microbiome disruption While this practice can reduce UTI risk, it's not a guarantee. If you experience frequent UTIs, consult your healthcare provider for additional prevention strategies or potential underlying issues.
From the Research
Post-Coital Voiding and UTI Risk
- The relationship between post-coital voiding and UTI risk is not directly addressed in the provided studies, but some studies suggest that sexual intercourse is a risk factor for UTIs 2, 3, 4, 5.
- One study found that an increase in sexual intercourse may be a factor involved in the development of symptomatic UTIs in young women 5.
- Another study mentions that frequency of sexual intercourse is the strongest predictor of recurrent UTIs in patients presenting with recurrent dysuria 3.
- However, none of the studies specifically investigate the effect of post-coital voiding on UTI risk.
- Some studies suggest that behavioral modifications, such as voiding frequently and completely emptying the bladder, may be important in preventing UTIs 6.
- It is also mentioned that habitual and post-coital delayed urination is a risk factor for UTIs, implying that voiding after sexual intercourse may be beneficial in reducing UTI risk 2.