Can sex cause a UTI?
Reviewed by Dr Jonah Mink, April 21'25 sec read
The bacteria that cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) are present around the anus and perineum. When you have sexual intercourse, these bacteria can travel up the urethra and into the bladder. From here, it can multiply and cause a UTI.
Even though sex itself isn’t responsible for a UTI, it can certainly trigger the condition in women. It’s quite common to develop a UTI after intercourse with a new partner. That’s why bladder infections are nicknamed “honeymoon cystitis.”