UTI infection is no joke – they are painful, itchy and the burning sensation leads to a lot of discomforts. You probably won’t be in the mood for sex anyway but what if your partner wants it? Would you get frisky with him? Or should you wait it out for the symptoms to vanish? While you can always take measures to ensure that sex doesn’t hurt, doctors warn against getting intimate if you have UTI. Here’s everything you need to know.

1. Can Sex Make UTI Infection Worse?

Unfortunately, the truth is that your infection can go from bad to worse if you have UTI. Sex can worsen the infection by reseeding the bacteria that caused the infection. Besides, sex with UTI is not going to be pleasurable either. The bladder sits above the vagina and any unwanted pressure on an infected bladder can hurt. Intercourse will only worsen the symptoms, not the disease itself.

2. Can You Pass On UTI To Your Partner?

UTIs are not contagious but sometimes, STDs are misdiagnosed as UTI since the symptoms can be similar. So while you think it is UTI, you may be passing on chlamydia or gonorrhoea to your partner. A Urologist Explains 8 Signs of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Women.

3. When Can You Have Sex Again?

It is important that you are completely treated before you have sex again. Get a urine test done and based on the results get an antibiotic from the doctor. Once your course is complete and you don’t notice any symptoms, it is probably safe to have sex again. That said, if your antibiotics are over and you still feel pain and burning, it could be a sign that your infection persists. Urinary Tract Infection: How To Stay Safe From UTI This Monsoon.

4. How to Have Sex to Ensure That the UTI Does Not Relapse?

There are certain theories which suggests that you should pee after sex to get rid of the lingering bacteria. Empty your bladder before intercourse and experiment with other positions to see if they hurt less. Also, do not indulge in any unnatural form of sex like anal sex to prevent UTI.

If you are prone to getting UTIs, talk to your gynecologist about cranberry pills, which prevent E. coli bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall. With proper treatment, you will feel relief and get busy again soon.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 25, 2019 12:55 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).