Are Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) Contagious?

Not all infections that are associated with sex are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). For example, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis are associated with sex. However, they are not generally considered to be sexually transmitted.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are certainly associated with sex. But are UTIs contagious?

Are UTIs Contagious? 

UTIs occur more frequently in people with vaginas who are sexually active. As a result, UTIs may be more common in newly married people with vaginas or people with vaginas in the early stages of a sexual relationship. However, that doesn't mean UTIs are contagious or that people with vaginas get UTIs from their sexual partners.

The association between sex and UTIs may be due to any one of a number of factors, including:

• Intercourse can push bacteria already in the urethra up into the bladder. There, these bacteria can cause an infection.
• Bacteria that are normally present in the vagina or on the surface of the vulva can move into the urethra during intercourse.
• Urine can get trapped in the bladder or urethra during sex. This provides an opportunity for bacterial growth. Some contraceptive methods, such as diaphragms, put pressure on the urinary tract. This increases the risk of trapping bacteria in the bladder.
• Sexual partners can unknowingly pass on bacteria that can cause a UTI, such as e coli.

In other words, UTIs are associated with sex. However, UTIs are not sexually transmitted infections. The sexual partners of people with recurrent UTIs do not necessarily experience such infections themselves. 

More About UTIs

Urinary tract infections are not a single disease. In some individuals, the bladder is the primary site of infection. Other people experience more serious infections that ascend to the kidneys. UTIs can occur anywhere along the female or male urinary tract.

A number of factors other than sexual intercourse are also associated with an increased risk of UTIs. These include anatomical factors—such as the length of the urethra—and bathroom hygiene. More controversial associations include a lack of sufficient water consumption and the use of tampons and condoms. The thought is that anything that increases pressure or irritation on the urethra might increase the risk of getting a UTI. 

Managing UTI Risk

There is one very common suggestion for reducing the risk of sexually associated urinary tract infections. Always urinate after sex. It is thought that peeing after sex may flush any bacteria from the urinary tract. There is limited research support for this suggestion. That said, it won't do any harm.

People with vaginas who experience frequent UTIs are sometimes advised to drink cranberry juice or take a cranberry supplement daily. The thought is that this could acidify their urine and reduce bacteria. However, this suggestion is only somewhat supported by current research.

Two randomized controlled trials have failed to demonstrate a significant reduction in UTIs for people with vaginas who regularly drink cranberry juice. However, several in vitro studies have found that cranberry juice may affect the way that bacteria interact with the lining of the urinary tract. Therefore, some people with vaginas may still consider the method worth a try.

A Word From Verywell

People with vaginas who experience significant, recurrent problems with UTIs should definitely discuss the condition with their doctors. Symptom relief with over-the-counter products is not the same as a cure. Furthermore, it's possible that what you think is a UTI may actually be a different infection in disguise. Therefore, it's a good idea to get screened for STIs and other genital infections or conditions.