The Love Side Effect

28 octombrie 2025

2 min de lectură

Deschide ghid Deschide colecția Deschide seria

Cystitis often occurs in women soon after sexual intercourse. What is the problem, and how can women avoid it?

Concluzii cheie

Cystitis often occurs in women soon after sexual intercourse.
How sex can cause cystitis
Why cystitis repeats after sex

Pentru cine este

Persoane care explorează Women's health prin intermediul sex, bacteria.

De ce contează

Acest articol te ajută să te orientezi rapid, apoi să treci la o colecție sau serie dacă vrei să continui.

Autorul articolului

Dr. Konstantin

Urologist, Andrologist

How sex can cause cystitis

Cystitis is inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bladder, caused by bacterial infection. Recurrent cystitis, which worsens after sexual intercourse, is called postcoital.

Unlike men, women have anatomical prerequisites for the frequent development of cystitis: they have a short urethra, and because of its proximity to the vagina and anus, bacteria penetrate it faster. This is further facilitated by motor activity during sex. In some cases, bacteria from the microflora of the sexual partner may be pathogenic.

Symptoms of postcoital cystitis appear within a day after sex. It all starts with frequent urination, followed by cutting sensations, burning sensations, and other discomfort in the lower abdomen. Urine sometimes becomes cloudy, and there may be a mix of blood in it.

Why cystitis repeats after sex

Untimely treatment. If you do not see a doctor at the first signs of cystitis or self-treatment, the disease can take a chronic form.
A large number of sexual partners and frequent sexual contact without a condom, as well as rough, anal, or oral sex, the use of intravaginal manipulation, and insufficient care for sex toys.
Trauma to the urethra during sex, which occurs when there is a lack of lubrication in the vagina, such as during a woman's menopause.
The use of spermicides for protection.
Anatomical features, specifically the location of the urethra too close to the vagina, which causes bacteria to enter it during intercourse.
Sexually transmitted infections. Gonococci, mycoplasmas, and chlamydia affect the epithelium of the urethra, not the vagina. There may be no vaginal discharge, but the symptoms of cystitis will appear.

What will help and what will not

With acute and recurrent cystitis, the urologist will immediately prescribe an antibiotic, without waiting for the results of bacteriological studies, general blood tests, and urine. In addition, the doctor may recommend herbal diuretics, immunoprophylaxis, probiotics, antiseptics, the introduction of a sterile hyaluronic acid-based viscoelastic protector into the bladder, and supplements based on cranberry and D-mannose.

Studies confirm that the substance proanthocyanidin in cranberries prevents bacteria from attaching to the bladder wall.

How to avoid cystitis

Take a shower before intercourse (both partners should do this).
Take a shower after intercourse.
Use vaginal lubricant if the vagina is dry.
Urinate after sex.
Do not use spermicides.
Drink more fluids.
After defecation, wipe backward or use a hygienic shower.
Do not wait when you need to go to the toilet.

Continuă lectura

Women's health#contraception

What Is the Pearl Index and How Does It Help Avoid Unwanted Pregnancy?

What kind of protection during sex is the most effective? No need to argue, everything has been decided for a long time.

Dr. Ely28 oct. 2025

Women's health#women health

The Pros and Cons of the IUD

The IUD is known as one of the most reliable means of contraception, but many women are still not convinced of its effectiveness and may even fear it. Let's take a look at its pros and cons.

Dr. Helene28 oct. 2025

Bacterial and viral infections#STDs

The Illusion of Safety: Do You Need to Protect Yourself During Oral Sex?

There is a common misconception that it is impossible to contract sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral sex. What is the reality?

Dr. Mary28 oct. 2025

Healthy lifestyle#man's health

To Play or Not To Play? Sex Toys From a Gynecologist’s Perspective

Can sex toys be dangerous? Is washing them with soap and water safe enough? Is it possible to harm yourself by using a toy? Let's find out.

Dr. Helga28 oct. 2025

Instalează Ornament pentru a nu doar citi aceste articole, ci și pentru a-ți urmări sănătatea, a stoca rezultatele analizelor și a accesa alte funcții utile

Instalează Ornament