Is it true that urinating after sex prevents cystitis?

Many women believe that if you do not go to the toilet for a while after sex, you may have cystitis. So is this really the case? To answer the question, let’s first understand what cystitis is and why it occurs. We talked about this with the gynecologist of the Central Epidemiological Research Institute of the Molecular Diagnostic Center CMD Sverdlovsk Federal Budgetary Institution Rospotrebnadzor Ekaterina Moskalenko.

What is cystitis?

Cystitis is an infectious and inflammatory process localized in the wall of the bladder, mainly in the mucosa. Postcoital cystitis (i.e., cystitis after sexual intercourse) may begin after 3-4 hours, and sometimes after 12-36 hours. More often women suffer from cystitis, this is due to anatomical features: a short and wide urethra, its location close to natural foci of infection (vagina, anus).

Why does it appear?

The disease is associated with the activity of pathogenic microflora that easily penetrates the urethra and urinary system. The main reasons leading to the development of cystitis: sexually transmitted infections, E. coli, staphylococci, enterobacteria, weak immunity, autoimmune diseases, urethral hypermobility after difficult childbirth, hormonal imbalance, frequent change of sexual partners, abuse of hygienic tampons and panties.

Various pathogens enter the urethra during sexual intercourse. Bacteria passing through it enter the bladder and penetrate the walls, causing inflammation. The risk of pathogenic microflora passing into the urethra increases with rough sexual intercourse and the use of spermicides (substances that destroy sperm). Premium. to organise.), lack of biological lubrication during the period of stimulation and trauma to the vagina, non-compliance with the rules of personal hygiene and pronounced inflammatory processes of the genitourinary and reproductive systems.

symptoms of cystitis

Whatever the cause, post-intimacy cystitis has characteristic symptoms:

– frequent urination in small portions of urine;

– discomfort when urinating;

– pain in the pelvic area and urethra;

– burning and stinging, which intensifies at the end of urination;

– blood at the end of urination;

– feeling that the bladder is empty or full.

How to prevent cystitis?

To reduce the likelihood of contracting a disease, you should follow simple rules.

– Drink more fluids, especially water.

– Urinate more often. Microorganisms are eliminated from the body with urine each time you urinate.

— Take a hygienic shower before and after sexual intercourse.

— Empty your bladder as soon as possible after sexual intercourse.

So the answer to our question is: yes, urinating after sex can indeed reduce the chances of cystitis. But you also need to remember the rest of the doctor’s recommendations.

If symptoms of cystitis appear, do not self-medicate, seek medical help.