A urinary tract infection (UTI) refers to an infection in your urinary system. Most infections only involve your lower urinary tract (bladder and urethra), but it could also be in your kidneys and upper tract. Women are more likely to develop a UTI as compared to men, and it could be a painful situation, especially if it spreads to the kidneys. Most women have to complete a course of antibiotics to clear the infection. It may take some time, and is quite painful, so it leaves many people with a common question: "Can you have sex with a UTI sufferer?"Let's find out its answer.
Can You Have Sex with a UTI Sufferer?
The fact is that UTIs are quite uncomfortable, so the chances are your girlfriend wouldn't want to have sex with you. Many healthcare specialists also believe women should avoid having sexual intercourse when they have a UTI. It is a good idea to avoid sex for at least two weeks after the symptoms have cleared completely. The thing is that UTI will cause inflamed urethra, and you will be exerting pressure on it during a sexual intercourse, which is surely going to be quite painful for your partner.
You may ask, "Can I have sex with a UTIwithout acquiring the infection?" The thing is that UTIs aren't contagious, and you won't catch the infection if you have sex with an infected partner. You may not want to do it simply because it will be painful for your girlfriend or wife. It is important to understand though that sometimes a UTI is a sexually transmitted infection, such as trichomniasis or Chlamydia. You'll be putting yourself at risk of catching these infections if you don't use protection. It is therefore a good idea to talk to your doctor, ask about the type of infection your partner has, and if it is safe for you to have sex or not.
Sex Alternatives During Healing of UTI
There is every reason not to have sex during UTI, but it is going to take some time for the infection to clear up completely. The good thing is that you can try some sex alternatives while your partner is still recovering. For instance:
- Use your patience: Sometimes, it is a great idea to be patient and let the tension build. It may feel exciting to withhold yourself from your partner for some time. You can definitely tease each other while avoiding a penetration. Let your sexual tension build up, and once the infection clears up and you two get in bed again, it will feel as if it's your first time.
- Enjoy kissing: Kissing can be fun, especially when the real intercourse is off the menu. You can try kissing her body parts if you want to, but be sure to know where to draw the line.
- Use your time to get intimate: Take this break as an opportunity to get close to your partner. Try to build a deeper connection – share your fears and learn about theirs. Spend as much time as you can in cuddling, talking, and getting to know each other in the most intimate ways.
- Release your pent-up energy: Yes, you cannot do it in bed, but you can certainly engage in other fun activities to burn off your energy. Go for a hike together or spend some time together attending an event or something.
5 Effective Home Remedies for UTI
You may have already found the answer to your question, "Can you have sex with a UTI patient?" The important thing is that you can cut the time you'll have to wait for your partner to recover by trying several home remedies for UTI.
Drink Plenty of Water
That's kind of no-brainer, but so many people don't realize how important it is to drink plenty of water to clear UTI. It works because water can help flush out bacteria. Simply get an ice-cold glass of water and drink it slowly. You need to ensure you're hitting your quota of eight glasses in a day, and it's even better to push it further.
Go Pee
It is somewhat linked to drinking water and other fluids. Drinking water works because this will make you go to the bathroom more often. Moreover, you should never hold yourself back when you want to use the bathroom. Holding it in will help bacteria to multiply. Peeing will always help flush out bacteria, and the more you do the better.
Try Celery Seeds
Again, celery seeds work because they act as a diuretic. These seeds contain butylphthalide that will help keep your body hydrated and give you a chance to flush out bacteria through urination. You could simply chew a handful of celery seeds twice a day after every meal.
Use Heat
It is true that you will feel pain when urinating, but drinking plenty of fluid will definitely help. The other issue is that irritation and inflammation will make you feel a constant discomfort that you can reduce by applying some heat over your bladder. All you need is a simple hot water bottle that you have to place over your bladder whenever you feel some discomfort.
Ginger Tea
A urinary tract infection involves inflammation, and there's nothing better than ginger to reduce inflammation. Ginger helps block prostaglandin synthesis, which in turn help reduce inflammation. Feast on a cup of ginger tea and you will see your infection clearing up soon.