Men often feel the need to pee after sex because the bladder muscles relax during sexual activity. Urinating after sex can also help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) by flushing bacteria from the genital area out of the urethra.
However, experts differ on whether peeing after sex is harmful and how it can prevent STIs.
Causes
During sex the muscles and structures of the penis tighten to prepare for ejaculation. This action pushes any urine in the urethra back into the bladder and this creates the sudden urge to urinate. During ejaculation sperm is released into the urethra which also carries urine. This stimulation can sensitise the urethra and prostate causing the need to urinate more frequently, although the urine still travels through the same pipes.
Men over 50 may experience pain or a burning sensation when they pee after sex due to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This is an enlarged prostate that can affect the urinary flow and lead to a frequent need to urinate.
A bacterial infection called prostatitis is another cause of pain or a burning sensation when you pee after sex. Bacterial infections can be spread by sexually transmitted diseases like herpes, gonorrhea and chlamydia. These infections can also be caused by certain types of lubricants.
UTIs or urinary tract infections are common and can be caused by bacteria in the genital area. They can be more likely to occur in women because their urethras are closer to the anus and the movement of sex can help move bacteria up into the bladder. A recurring bladder infection can also be a sign of a larger health issue, so it is important to see a doctor if you have UTIs.
Symptoms
A burning sensation when you pee after sexual activity, especially if it is painful and lasts for several hours after sex, may indicate that you have a urinary tract infection (UTI). A UTI can cause pain in your lower abdomen or groin. It can also cause a burning feeling when you pass urine. A UTI can be very uncomfortable, but it is treatable with antibiotics.
The male reproductive system consists of the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland and seminal vesicles. Semen is produced in the testes and is stored in the epididymis until it is released during sex. The urethra carries both sperm and urine from the bladder to the penis. During sex, the urethra is stimulated and this can make you feel the need to pass water because it sensitizes the urethra and prostate.
In men, a frequent urge to urinate after sexual activity may be due to erectile dysfunction (ED). In women, it could be a sign of a health problem such as an ovarian cyst or uterine fibroids. Drinking plenty of fluids, washing the genital area with soap and water, using non-latex condoms, practicing pelvic floor exercises and using a lubricant that doesn’t contain latex can help prevent frequent urination after sexual activity. If the symptom persists, see a doctor for a diagnosis.
Treatment
The good news is that UTIs caused by sexual activity are usually very easily treated, and most people feel better within a few days. If you suspect you have a bladder infection, be sure to see your doctor right away for the best chance of quick treatment and relief. Also, be sure to tell your doctor about any symptoms of sex-related UTIs you might have, such as blood in the urine, pain while peeing or a discharge from the penis or vagina.
Men often feel the urge to urinate after ejaculation, but this is not harmful. In fact, the ejaculation process helps prevent any remaining urine in the prostate from mixing with semen and getting into the urethra.
It’s important for men to have an accurate understanding of how their male reproductive system works, including the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, prostate gland and seminal vesicles. This can help them avoid problems that may result from poor hygiene or improper use of lubricants.
While it’s not harmful to pee after sex, there is no evidence that it protects against sexually transmitted infections. The best way to keep from getting UTIs is to practice proper hygiene and make sure you’re using a reliable form of birth control. For men, this includes wearing latex condoms or oral contraceptives.
Prevention
The most common cause of pain when you pee is a urinary tract infection (UTI). It’s important to see your doctor if you have this symptom, especially if it’s painful or bloody. UTIs are more common in women, but men can get them too.
The prostate gland, urethra and seminal vesicles make up the male reproductive system. The testes produce sperm, which are stored in the epididymis until ejaculation. The vas deferens carries the sperm from the epididymis to the prostate, where it mixes with seminal fluid to form semen. The prostate also produces the fluid that makes up a large portion of ejaculate and adds volume to semen.
Urinating after sex may help prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in both women and men. This helps flush bacteria out of the urethra and lowers the risk of ejaculation mixing with urine, which can contribute to a UTI.
Urinating before and after sex, washing the anal area thoroughly, using a lubricant and changing birth control methods (especially to diaphragms or condoms with spermicide) can reduce your risk of getting a UTI. You should also try to drink more water. Although some studies are mixed on whether drinking cranberry juice can help prevent UTIs, it likely won’t hurt. Women who are prone to getting them should also consider trying probiotics or taking a probiotic supplement that supports healthy bacteria.
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