Have you ever felt burning when urinating, a strong urge to urinate, itching or irritation in the vagina, or changes in the color of your vaginal discharge after having sex? Relax! Although we know it is a rather uncomfortable and painful situation, you are not exempt from Urinary tract infections (UTIs).
These infections occur due to vaginal and vulvar irritation when the friction produced by penetration irritates the entrance of the vagina and the labia minora while there is less lubrication.
Also, remember that the urethra (the urine outlet tube) in women is relatively small and short, making it easy for any type of bacteria to enter the bladder and cause UTIs.
Fact: Urinary tract infections are a global health problem, with a 9:1 ratio of women to men.
There is no need to stop having sex to prevent UTIs, just as there is no magic formula for this to stop happening for good. But here at Adira, we tell you some tips to keep in mind when having sex and thereby reduce the risk of contracting any of these infections:
Use a condom: in addition to protecting us from unwanted pregnancies and some kind of STI, condoms prevent an imbalance in the vaginal PH: Normally, the pH of semen is 7, while that of the vagina is between 3.8 and 4.5. By using a condom, we can prevent the entry of semen into the vaginal flora.
Always pee after sex: the risk of UTIs decreases enormously when we expel any type of bacteria through urine, which, as we explained above, is very easy to enter through the urethra.
Drink cranberry juice: contrary to popular belief, the properties of cranberry do not "kill" the infection. Still, its components help prevent bacteria from adhering to the surface of the urinary tract.
Make sure you are using a suitable lube: today, there is a wide variety of lubes to stimulate and increase pleasure during sexual intercourse, but many of these components, such as glycerin, parabens, essences, and flavors, can alter or unbalance vaginal pH. We recommend water-based lubricants.
Clean your sex toys: Remember that unclean sexual toys can potentially cause vaginosis or a urinary tract infection if an overgrowth of bacteria occurs. Read more at https://www.everydayhealth.com/urinary-tract-infections/the-link-between-utis-and-sex.aspx
Stay hydrated: an extra glass of water after intercourse can help you help rid your urinary tract of unwanted bacteria.
Avoid vaginal douches, sprays, or powders.
Avoid having sex again while you have any discomfort or infection, as it would simply make the situation worse.
Important: if the discomfort persists, consult your doctor. You may be prescribed antibiotics to treat the infection.
Remember that Adira is an app created not only to keep track of your period but also to empower women to take control of their health and well-being. Adira is now available for iOS and Google PlayStore.
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