Can peeing after sex really prevent UTI?

When Tanya, a 30-year-old writer from Delhi, got married, her mother shared a vital sexual wellness tip: always remember to pee after sex. “It will keep most infections away,” she told her.

Sexual health is an essential part of overall well-being, and it comes with the responsibility of maintaining good hygiene to prevent infections. Among the many tips often recommended, one of the simplest (and most popular) is urinating after sexual intercourse. It is believed that doing so is not merely a good hygiene practice but also keeps issues like UTI (urinary tract infection) and other infections away – especially among women.

UTIs are a common concern for sexually active women. Why? Well, Dr Vaishali Joshi, senior obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kokilaben Ambani Hospital, Mumbai, points out, "Women are more prone to UTIs than men due to the proximity of their urinary and genital systems."

“After first intercourse, some women may develop a UTI. This is not uncommon and can occur due to bacteria entering the urinary tract during sexual activity. Common symptoms include burning during urination, frequent urination, or pain in the lower abdomen,” adds Dr Joshi.

But how important is this habit of peeing after intercourse, and does it truly help in preventing infections? We asked experts.

Does peeing after sex matter?

Dr Geeta Shroff, director of NuBella Centre for Women’s Health, emphasises that urination after intercourse is vital.

“Peeing after sex can help prevent a urinary tract infection or even other infections, especially in females. During sexual intercourse, bacteria from the genital or anal areas can find their way into the urethra. Urinating after sexual intercourse ensures that these bacteria are expelled before they cause an infection,” Dr Shroff adds.

Dr Kanika Jain, vice president of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Delhi (AOGD), professor and senior consultant, Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi, further explains, "Sexual activity can introduce bacteria, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), into the urethra. Peeing afterward flushes these out before they ascend to the bladder, lowering the risk of infection."

It is recommended to urinate within 15–30 minutes of intercourse to flush out bacteria.

“The first step is to drink plenty of water to help flush out the infection. If symptoms persist, antibiotics may be required to clear it. Prompt treatment is essential, as untreated UTIs can worsen, but they are generally not serious if addressed in time,” adds Dr Joshi.

Experts, however, add that peeing after sex does not ensure 100 per cent protection but certainly reduces the chances of getting a UTI. While not a foolproof method, it is an effective and simple precautionary measure for urinary health.

Hydration also plays a key role here. “Drink enough water to enable you to urinate after sex,” says Dr Shroff.

It is important to note while urinating after intercourse can help prevent a urinary infection, it plays no role in preventing STIs or vaginal infection.

“Peeing specifically helps prevent UTIs but has no significant impact on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or vaginal infections,” says Dr Jain.

Good hygiene tips to follow after intercourse

Practising good post-sex hygiene can significantly reduce the risk of UTIs and other infections. It is important to use protection, avoid douching, and maintain overall genital and perineal hygiene.

You may feel exhausted or not want to step out of bed and sleep right away, but getting up to pee, changing clothes, and gently cleansing your genitals can go a long way in keeping infections at bay.

Here are some more expert-recommended tips:

• Gentle cleansing: Dr Shroff advises washing the genital area with warm water. Avoid harsh or scented soaps, which can disrupt the natural pH balance.
• Change clothes: Avoid wearing tight clothes or non-breathable fabrics post-sex. Tight or damp clothing can encourage bacterial growth. Opt for loose-fitting, breathable cotton underwear to keep the area dry and fresh.
• Wash your hands: Dr Joshi stresses the importance of clean hands before and after intercourse to prevent the transfer of germs.
• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water ensures regular urination, naturally flushing bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Practise safe sex: Using condoms helps prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Monitor symptoms: If you notice signs of irritation, pain, or unusual discharge, seek a doctor. "Ignoring symptoms can worsen infections, requiring more intensive treatment," warns Dr Joshi.
• Wear breathable underwear: Choose cotton fabrics to prevent moisture build-up, which can encourage bacterial growth.
• Clean sex toys: The sex toy culture is rising in India, with these products being just a BlinkIt away. While they are sure to make things exciting for you in the bedroom, cleaning them properly is essential to keep infections at bay. Doctors suggest washing toys with warm water and an appropriate cleanser after use to prevent bacterial transfer.

When to see a doctor

Recurrent UTIs—defined as more than two to three infections within six months—may require specialist intervention.

In the case of repeated UTIs, “routine tests performed are urine microscopic examination and urine culture and sensitivity. This will pick up the type of bacteria causing UTI and the effective antibiotics to clear the infection. The sonography of the kidney and bladder may be needed to look for after-effects of UTI,” shares Dr Joshi.

Lastly...

While peeing after sex is not a guarantee against UTIs or other infections, it is a simple and highly recommended practice to reduce risk. Combined with good hygiene habits and adequate hydration, it supports overall sexual and urinary health. As Dr Shroff puts it, "It’s a small habit, but one that can make a big difference in your health and comfort."

Signs of suggestive infection, like burning while passing urine or frequent urination or pain in the lower part of the tummy, first thing, drink a lot of water, which helps to flush out the infection. If it doesn't get better, you may later need antibiotics to clean it. It's not advisable to ignore the infection, and it is not something serious if treated in time

Source: India Today