Yes, sexual intercourse can give you a UTI. Here’s everything you need to know about honeymoon cystitis

You know what can turn good sex bad, apart from a lack of protection? A urinary tract infection. Yes, sexual intercourse can result in UTIs, often referred to honeymoon cystitis. And much like regular Joe urinary tract infection it can impact your urethra, bladder, and kidneys. 

But do not let the name honeymoon cystitis deceive you. This medical condition does not just affect women on their honeymoons. Honeymoon disease or cystitis can occur when a woman has sex for the first time, or when a woman has sex after a long period of time. Nearly all women get cystitis at least once in their lives. 

Normally caused due to the man’s penile thrusting, it causes irritation on the back wall of the bladder and massaging the bacteria into the bladder–which multiply and cause infection. 

How common is this condition of honeymoon cystitis?
Honeymoon cystitis remains more common among young women in their twenties, which accounts for almost four per cent of all UTIs and 60%
of recurrences.

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What are the risk factors for honeymoon cystitis?
Although this infection is not exclusive to women, the occurrence is higher amongst women, due to reasons like:

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1. The urethra, which transports urine from the bladder to the outside of the body, is short in women — only 1.5 inches compared to a man’s urethra which is 7 to 8 inches long — making it very easy for bacteria to enter the bladder.

2. Bacteria from the anus (especially E. coli) can be easily transferred into the urinary opening since the anus and urethra are near one another.

3. Men do not commonly get cystitis without suffering from a more serious underlying health problem.

Safety measures such as using condoms do not offer any protection against honeymoon cystitis.

What are the possible symptoms?
Presence of more than one or all the symptoms listed below indicates the occurrence of an UTI:

1. Burning or painful sensations during urination
2. The need to urinate frequently even though little or nothing comes out
3. Cloudy, dark, bloody or strong-smelling urine
4. A lot of pain and pressure in the back or lower abdomen
5. Fever or chills. This is a sign the infection may be in the kidneys
6. Painful intercourse
7. Feeling tired or shaky

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How can honeymoon cystitis be effectively prevented?
By following certain simple steps, Honeymoon cystitis can be prevented:

1. Drink at least 8 cups of water each day to flush out and prevent the proliferation of bacteria in the urine.

2. Always wipe after a bowel movement from front to back, this prevents bacteria from the anus entering the urethra.

3. Urinating after sexual intercourse will help in getting rid of the bacteria that might have entered the urethra.

4. Avoid using and deodorant vaginal spray, or the feminine products that can irritate the urethra. Replace them by water-based products or lubricants.

How can it be diagnosed and treated effectively?
Mild cystitis usually resolves on its own within a period of a few days (one to three days). UTI cases that last more than four days, need to be consulted with a doctor. 

A physician will recommend the tests and treatment if the symptoms prevail for a long time.  

Also, Read: This is how you should be taking care of your sexual health in your 20s

Cystitis can be treated with a course of antibiotics. The infection generally responds positively and quickly to the medication.