Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a frustrating and painful reality for many people, especially women. If you’ve ever had a UTI, you know the discomfort—burning during urination, frequent urges to go, and lower abdominal pain. But if you’re in a relationship, you may also be wondering: Can I have sex when I have a UTI?

The short answer? It’s not recommended. While it’s technically possible, having sex with a UTI can worsen symptoms, delay healing, and even spread bacteria further into your urinary tract. Let’s break down why, what the risks are, and how to safely navigate intimacy when dealing with a UTI.

How Sex Affects a UTI

Sex is one of the most common causes of UTIs because it can introduce bacteria—particularly E. coli—into the urethra (Cleveland Clinic, n.d.). When you already have an infection, sex can further irritate the urinary tract, making symptoms worse.

• Increased Irritation: Friction from sex can aggravate the already inflamed urethra and bladder lining, intensifying pain and discomfort (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
• Bacterial Spread: Sex can push bacteria deeper into the urinary tract, potentially worsening the infection or leading to complications like a kidney infection (Urology Care Foundation, n.d.).
• Prolonged Healing Time: The body needs time to fight off the infection. Engaging in sexual activity before fully recovering can delay the healing process (Harvard Health, 2022).

Can My Partner Catch My UTI?

A UTI isn’t a sexually transmitted infection (STI), meaning you can’t directly “pass it” to your partner. However, sex can transfer bacteria between partners. For example:

• If your partner carries E. coli or other bacteria that contribute to UTIs, they could reintroduce them to your body during sex.
• Some people experience post-coital (after-sex) UTIs due to irritation and bacterial movement from sexual activity (Heiser, 2023).

While men are less likely to develop UTIs than women, they’re not immune. In rare cases, a partner may develop an infection if bacteria enter their urethra.

When Is It Safe to Have Sex Again?

It’s best to wait until your UTI has completely cleared before resuming sexual activity. Signs that your UTI is gone include:
✔️ No more burning or pain during urination
✔️ No frequent urges to pee
✔️ No lower abdominal discomfort

If you’re taking antibiotics, doctors recommend waiting until you’ve completed the full course and have been symptom-free for at least 24–48 hours (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).

How to Prevent UTIs After Sex

Once your UTI is gone, take steps to prevent future infections. Some simple habits can significantly lower your risk:

• Pee before and after sex – This helps flush out bacteria that may have entered the urethra (Cleveland Clinic, 2023).
• Stay hydrated – Drinking plenty of water keeps your urinary tract healthy and helps prevent bacterial buildup (Mayo Clinic, 2022).
• Use lubrication – Friction can irritate the urethra, increasing infection risk. Water-based lubricants can help (Cornell Health, n.d.).
• Practice good hygiene – Always wipe front to back, and wash your genital area before and after sex to minimize bacteria transfer (Harvard Health, 2022).
• Consider cranberry supplements – Some studies suggest that cranberries may help prevent UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the bladder walls (Jepson, Mihaljevic, & Craig, 1998).

Bottom Line

While it may be tempting, having sex with a UTI isn’t a good idea. It can make your symptoms worse, prolong your infection, and increase your risk of complications. The best approach is to wait until your infection has fully cleared before resuming sexual activity. In the meantime, focus on rest, hydration, and completing your prescribed treatment.

If you’re struggling with frequent UTIs, talk to a healthcare provider about prevention strategies, including lifestyle changes and supplements designed to support urinary tract health.

Your health comes first—listen to your body, take the time to heal, and take steps to prevent UTIs in the future.

References

Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Urinary tract infection (UTI). Retrieved from https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections.

Cleveland Clinic. (2023, December 13). Is peeing after sex important? Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/peeing-after-sex.

Harvard Health. (2022, August 15). Did my partner get her bladder infection from me? Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/diseases-and-conditions/did-my-partner-get-her-bladder-infection-from-me.

Heiser, T. (2023, June 27). Can you prevent a UTI from happening after sex? Here are things to try. Retrieved from https://nortonhealthcare.com/news/uti-after-sex.

Jepson, R. G., Mihaljevic, L., & Craig, J. C. (1998). Cranberries for treating urinary tract infections. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd001322.

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, September 14). Urinary tract infection (UTI). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447.

Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Understanding UTIs Across the Lifespan. Retrieved from https://www.urologyhealth.org/healthy-living/urologyhealth-extra/magazine-archives/summer-2016/understanding-utis-across-the-lifespan.

Cornell Health. (n.d.). Condoms & Lubricants. Retrieved from https://health.cornell.edu/pdf-library/condoms-lubricants.