As many as half of women will experience at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetimes. UTIs after sex are a common issue, leading some women to wonder, "Why does my boyfriend keep giving me UTIs? [1]".
Despite the link between intercourse and UTIs, UTIs are not sexually transmitted, and sperm can't cause urinary tract infections. However, sex can increase the risk of having a UTI.
Can Male Sperm Cause UTI in Females?
Sperm are microscopic cells formed in the testicles along with a fluid called semen. They look like tadpoles, with long tails that propel them forward. During ejaculation, both sperm and semen are emitted from the tip of the penis due to a series of muscular contractions.
Sperm do not carry bacteria or viruses when they leave the testicles. However, they leave the body through the urethra, which is the same passage through which urine leaves the body. As a result, sperm may be exposed to bacteria from the urinary tract and carry it out of the body [2].
Can Semen Cause UTIs?
Semen is a fluid produced in the testicles that protects sperm and helps it move through the vagina and uterus after ejaculation. Like semen, it doesn't contain bacteria while it's in the testicles. But it does pass through the urethra, where it might flush out bacteria from the urinary tract. Small amounts of bacteria may be mixed with semen during ejaculation. If semen with bacteria comes in contact with your urinary opening during sex, the bacteria could lead to infection [2].
While semen and sperm can cause some transfer of bacteria, it is most likely that there was already bacteria present around the vagina. The bacteria that cause UTIs are common on the skin around the vagina, urethra, and anus. Sexual intercourse can move bacteria around the genital area so that it can get into the urinary tract.
Does Ejaculating Make a UTI Worse?
Allowing your partner to ejaculate into your vagina won't make a UTI worse if you already have one. Once you have a UTI, the bacteria are already growing in your body and causing inflammation and pain. Sexual intercourse may irritate the genital area and increase discomfort, but ejaculation itself won't make the infection worse.
Using a condom can prevent semen, sperm, and any bacteria from the penis from getting into the vagina or urinary tract. However, condoms lubricated with spermicide can increase the risk of UTIs. The spermicide can promote bacterial growth. Using a water-based lubricant is a safe alternative [3].
Over-the-Counter UTI Test
Getting treatment for UTIs is important. Home urine dipstick tests can confirm that you have a UTI so that you can call your doctor and get medication to treat it. The Diagnox UTI test detects urinary tract infections in just two minutes by measuring inflammation and bacteria in your urinary tract.
