Often, men get the urge to urinate after ejaculating. While this can be uncomfortable and even embarrassing for some, it is a normal part of the body’s sexual response.
It is widely believed that urinating after sexual activity can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) and certain sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia. But does it really work?
Causes
Many males feel a strong urge to urinate after sex. This is due to the fact that during sexual arousal, the muscles in the urethra and bladder begin to contract in preparation for ejaculation. This pushes any urine in the urethra back into the bladder, to prevent it from mixing with semen during ejaculation. When ejaculation is complete, these muscles relax and urine is released from the bladder. The resulting feeling of needing to urinate after sex is normal and nothing to worry about.
However, if you have an ongoing issue with urinary urgency and burning while urinating after sex, this may be a sign of prostate problems or urinary tract infections. If this is the case, a medical evaluation is recommended.
Men can get UTIs for a variety of reasons, including rubbing the genital area during sex, not using lubricant, and certain health conditions like diabetes or pelvic organ prolapse. Certain bacteria, such as those from gonorrhea and chlamydia, can also increase risk of recurrent infections.
While it is important to urinate before and after sex, peeing after sex does not help prevent STIs or pregnancy because the urethra is separate from the vaginal opening. Instead, to reduce your chances of infection, you should drink plenty of water, wash the genital area with soap before and after sex, avoid sexual positions that could irritate or hurt the urethra, use a lubricant during sex, and avoid rubbing the penis, as this can cause irritation and inflammation.
Symptoms
When urine leaves your body, it passes through a tube called the urethra. When you have sex, your muscles in the urethra contract to prevent urine from mixing with semen during ejaculation. Once ejaculation is complete, these muscles relax and the urine that was pushed back into the bladder now flows out of the body during urination. This is why men may feel the sudden urge to urinate after sexual activity.
However, it’s not normal for this sensation to continue hours after sex or to occur when you don’t have sex. This indicates there is a problem with the muscles or urinary tract that needs to be treated. A UTI could be the cause, but a prostate concern or other health condition should also be considered.
Females are more prone to UTIs than males because the urethra is shorter and closer to the anus (where bowel movements come out of). But men can still get them if they have a lot of sex or use contraceptive gels that contain spermicide.
A UTI can cause symptoms such as pain or burning when you pee, a strong urge to urinate often and urgency, blood in the urine and a red, swollen or painful genital area. Some people also experience fever and chills. A UTI can be treated with antibiotics but it’s important not to have sexual intercourse until the infection is gone. This is because having sex while you have a UTI can send the bacteria farther up your urinary tract and lead to a serious illness such as pyelonephritis.
Treatment
Men can reduce their risk of a UTI by drinking plenty of fluids and practicing good hygiene around the genital area. They should also urinate often to help flush out bacteria that may be close to the urethra. If they notice a burning sensation when they pee, this is not always caused by a UTI. It can also be caused by irritation of the penis or prostate. It is important to get this irritation treated by a healthcare provider so that it does not lead to more serious problems like cancer.
Men who are experiencing a painful urination after having sex should visit a GUM clinic to have it checked out. The healthcare provider can help determine what the underlying cause is and recommend treatment options. If a man has a urinary tract infection, he should follow the course of antibiotics to get it cleared up.
It is recommended that men urinate as soon as possible after having sex. This helps to prevent bacteria from building up near the urethra, which can make it easier for bacteria to enter the bladder and cause a UTI. Men who have a difficult time emptying their bladder completely should use a toilet that has an elongated handle or urinate while sitting, so they can ensure that their bladder is fully emptied.
Prevention
A frequent urge to urinate after sexual activity may indicate that bacteria are building up around the urethra. Practicing good hygiene can help, such as urinating before and after sexual intercourse to prevent the buildup of bacteria. However, if the problem persists, it is a good idea to see a doctor for a full examination, including a urine test to find out what microorganism is causing the symptoms.
In addition to avoiding irritants such as caffeine, consuming plenty of fluids and using a high quality lubricant during sexual intercourse can reduce the risk of UTIs. It is also important for men to seek medical guidance when they experience recurrent infections as this can indicate an underlying health condition, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) or prostate cancer, says Yavagal.
In women, recurrent UTIs can be caused by a number of factors, including excessive use of condoms with or without spermicide; not emptying the bladder completely after voiding; and wearing tight underwear. In addition, using the “doggy” position during sex or having sex on a bed that is not washed regularly can lead to bacterial overgrowth. Women with a narrow urethra, kidney stones or urinary tract obstructions are more prone to getting UTIs than those who do not. UTIs are also more common in women who have had a vaginal or uterine operation or suffer from pelvic organ prolapse or diabetes.
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