Chronic urinary tract infections and sex

Are you suffering from certain chronic urinary tract infections? Do these infections cause you problems in your sex life? Many bacteria like E coli for example can easily enter your body through the lower part of your urinary system in the urethra which is located very close to the genital area in both men and women. Furthermore, these bacteria can go through the upper part of the urethra (the tube that connects the bladder to the urinary meatus) and enter the bladder and in some cases they can even reach the kidneys. This can make the situation even more complicated.

Cystitis is another common problem that can appear in anyone. This infection is obtained after having sex with a completely new partner. Although this infection is present in men and women, young women are especially prone to developing this type of infection especially if they are at the beginning of their sex life.

The good news is that you can reduce the risk of urinary tract infections. In order to do that, you need to wash your hands before and after sex. Another good advice is to avoid touching the urogenital area after touching the anus. Groins and anus are areas where many bacteria that can cause infections dwell. It is good to know that is you use a diaphragm or spermicide as a method of contraception, the risk of getting infection of the urinary system is significantly higher. Since the symptoms of these infections can be easily spotted you should consult your doctor whenever you notice some of these symptoms. In many cases doctors prescribe low doses of antibiotics as a preventive measure. In this way the bacteria are eliminated without causing any problems to your metabolism and your body.

In general, women have much higher probability of getting a urinary tract infection after sex. Most of the researches in this field are mainly focused on younger people but recent studies have confirmed that women in postmenopausal period can get such infections too. Given the fact that the urinary system is so close to the genitals, sexually transmitted infections can be part of the problem too. Sexually transmitted infections like trichomoniasis and Chlamydia can cause urinary tract infections. That’s why you need to consult your doctor as fast as you can.

If you belong to the group of women who are suffering from frequent and recurrent urinary tract infections you should know that changing sex positions may help reduce the number of these infections. By changing sex position you may reduce the friction on the urethra and reduce the risk of recurrent infections.

Young men (under the age of 35) who are sexually active and avoid using condoms are prone to infections located in the epididymis (the tube that connects the vas deferens and the testicles).

Although urinary tract infections are very painful and not something uncommon they can be treated relatively easy. This is only the case when they are diagnosed early. When they are treated properly and promptly they cannot develop into something more serious. 

Condom vs Intrauterine device

Contraception is extremely important for the health of women because unwanted pregnancy and abortion can endanger women’s health both physically and emotionally. In addition, in order to enjoy a sexual intercourse, you should be protected from possible sexually transmitted infections especially when you practice sex with persons that you don’t know much.

There are several types of contraceptives and people often wonder which one is the best and most effective? In this article we will pay attention to the most popular forms of contraception – condoms and intrauterine devices. Although they don’t belong to a similar group of contraceptives there are some similarities between them.

Condoms and intrauterine devices are very different types of contraceptives. For example a condom is used only once and it is used by the male partner. Modern condoms are made of polyurethane or latex and they act in a mechanical way – they don’t allow sperms to enter the uterus and the eggs.

When we talk about intrauterine devices we should mention that there are two types of them – intrauterine device with copper wire and uterine system with a hormone depot. Both types are placed in the uterus cavity and they can be effective for around 5 years. The one with the copper wire includes a plastic device with copper wire around it. This device prevents sperm’s movement and makes the womb unsuitable for fertilization. The uterine system includes a plastic insert in a form of a cylinder with hormones in it. This system works in the same way like the one with a copper wire plus it releases hormones that prevent pregnancy.

A condom is recommended for women regardless of their age and the age of their partner. They are suitable for women that practice sex often but also for women who have sexual intercourses occasionally. Intrauterine devices and systems are recommended for women that already gave at least one birth.

When it comes to successful protection, intrauterine devices are a little bit better because they work in almost 99% of the cases. However the percentage of condoms as successful contraceptives is also very high (it is successful in 97% of the cases).

The condom is easy to use and it can be used only once. The intrauterine devices must be carried al the time but in addition it is beneficial for the menstrual period.

As far as side effects are concerned, condoms can cause various allergic reactions and all you have to do is change the type of condom that you use, while intrauterine devices can cause more problems in the form of excessive bleeding during menstrual cycles (especially at the beginning) and in rare cases women say that they experience frequent headaches, acne etc.

Besides protection from unwanted pregnancy condoms can prevent the body from sexually transmitted diseases and even from AIDS. Intrauterine devices don’t have that advantage.

Condoms can be used without consulting your doctor while intrauterine devices require a visit to the gynecologist.

No matter what type of contraception you choose, make sure that you follow the instructions and consult with your doctor if you notice any unusual effects.