Can you pass a UTI to your partner? Know what the doctors say

Multiple pieces of research provide concrete evidence that menopausal women are more prone to having urinary tract infections (UTIs). Keeping that in mind, Canadian researchers have come up with a vaccine that awaits the approval of the Canadian Health Department. As we, too await the future of this ‘spraying’ vaccine, how about recapitulating certain other facts and myths about UTIs? For starters – can you pass a UTI to your partner? The answer is ‘not likely’ but is subject to more exploration. Also, can only a female get UTI? Is it similar to yeast infection? What are the myths associated with this infection?

As you will scroll down this digital content, you will get the answers and more from our end. This article has been curated with the assistance of medical experts who have not only dealt with multiple cases of UTIs but also are actively involved in researching more about this bacterial infection. Here’s a listing of the info that has been documented as of now –

Can you pass a UTI to your partner?

Technically no, but it is better to wait till you heal. Let’s try to comprehend that –

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection that affects your kidneys, urethra, bladder, or uterus (basically your complete urinary tract). However, if you check clearly, most UTIs affect the lower part of the urinary tract, that is, the bladder or urethra – from where it spreads to the other parts if left untreated.

However, UTIs are not contagious; therefore you may not pass them on to your partner. But there’s a chance that when you are having sex with a UTI condition, the urethra, which is already sensitive, gets irritated by the same. Not only does it exacerbate the painful conditions, but it may also introduce new bacteria into the vagina.

Hence, when you ask can you pass a UTI to your partner – medical experts will only state that it is not contagious but bacteria may spread over a wider area, and that includes your partner too. As a matter of fact –

• During vaginal sex, pressure is put on the bladder and urethra – thereby accelerating the symptoms.
• As mentioned before, it might introduce new bacteria into the tract, thereby increasing the recovery time.

Therefore, doctors suggest you wait till your urinary tract infection heals before you indulge in further sexual activity.

Are you here till now? Well, then, let’s try to understand how it is not a sexually transmitted disease but may exaggerate if one has sexual intercourse with it.

Is UTI similar to an STI?

The answer is no! There is a clear difference between UTIs and STIs (sexually transmitted infections). But there is a link between UTIs and having sexual intercourse. Let’s try to explore that –

When you are having sexual intercourse frequently, you are more prone to having UTIs than others. So, when a person is infected with UTI already, the sexual activity causes friction and pushes the bacteria toward one’s urethra.

Therefore, the possibility of having a UTI increases drastically. Can you pass a UTI to your partner? Again, directly no. But when you are having intercourse, due to friction, the area or rate of infection exaggerates but does not pass onto the other person.

So whether you have vaginal intercourse or even oral or anal contact – the UTI will not pass to the other person, but the condition will deteriorate.

A sexually transmitted infection, on the other hand, can be a virus, bacteria, or parasite which is passed from one partner to another during sexual contact. In such cases, you are bound to be affected by an STI if you have intercourse in this condition.

What are the warning signs of a UTI?

Assuming you have clarity about can you pass a UTI to your partner – we will now go into the warning signs of a UTI. How will you know when you need to visit a doctor or seek some kind of medical attention?

When you –

• Have an urge to frequently urinate and the urine is dark or clouded. It may also have traces of blood and is foul-smelling.
• Is there a burning sensation when you pass your urine? In that case, there’s a chance you have an undiagnosed UTI. You need to go see a doctor.
• Also, you might see an abnormal urethral discharge.
• Do you have sensations or pain in the pelvic region? In that case – you might have an undiagnosed UTI condition and require urgent medical help.

Make sure you see your medical practitioner at the earliest since, with time, these conditions will exaggerate, and you might get feverish or nauseous.

What is the difference between a UTI and Yeast infection?

There is quite a difference between UTI and yeast infection. Yeast infections are caused when there is an overgrowth of Candida fungus. They not only cause rashes but also sudden itching, pain, and an odorless vaginal discharge. In such cases – sexual intimacy is a complete no-no.

Can only females get UTIs?

Though the rate at which females get UTIs is higher (especially in women who are within the menopause age), men also are prone to UTIs. UTIs as you already know come from the E.coli bacteria which is present in the human gastrointestinal tract (assists the digestion process).

Females are more prone to UTIs given the design of the urinary system – it is shorter than a man’s(the bacteria can reach up to the bladder easily and it becomes a fertile playground). However, men are less prone, but a stone blocking the urinary tract or an extended prostrate may also cause a urinary tract infection.

Again, can you pass a UTI to your partner if any one of you has it? The answer is no, since a woman’s urethra is shorter than that of a man’s. Therefore, the chances of a bacteria passing onto the other partner are in negative. It is advised to maintain caution and let the infected entity heal before you indulge in some intimate activity.

Can you have sex with a UTI?

That’s another way of you wanting to know – can you pass a UTI to your partner? As mentioned before, the medical experts we connected with regarding this issue have advised holding back any sexual activity from 3-14 days from the start of the treatment. But there’s no hard and fast rule that you cannot have sex with UTI.

Here are some safety tips if you wish to have a ‘little intimate’ time –

• If vaginal sex enhances your discomfort, how about anal or oral sex? Also, make sure you use a dental dam during oral sex.
• Do not hold your pee back. Even if you are in the middle of it, empty your bladder and get back to it.
• After you have urinated or emptied your bowel, wipe from front to back. This will limit the spread of UTI during your sexual intercourse.
• A condom is a must! If you have problems or are allergic to this format of barrier, consult your doctor for an alternative. Then even if you are thinking can you pass a UTI to your partner – the chances will be reduced to negative.
•  If you are having sexual intercourse with your UTI diagnosis, then do not switch between anal and vaginal sex or even oral sex. Stick to one format and keep the time limit short.
• Lastly, you must wash your genital area thoroughly after having sex. This flushes out the site and removes the bacteria.

These are some of the safety tips you must know if you decide to go ahead with your ‘quickie’ despite a UTI diagnosis. But as they say – it is better to be safe than sorry. In that case – how will you prevent a UTI? Let’s see –

What safety tips must you take to prevent a UTI?

• For starters – stay hydrated. Rather than sugary drinks or colas, stick to water, and fresh fruit juices. This inhibits bacteria formation and also eliminates the toxic contents from the body.
• Please practice good hygiene. You are worried and constantly wondering, can you pass a UTI to your partner. Though it is technically not possible, if you do not practice cleanliness or do not take the required protection, then the condition exacerbates. This, in the long run, deteriorates your health condition.
• Please do not douche your vagina or use any scented products. These, despite their glorified promotions, are extremely harmful to your vagina.
• Wear breathable and cotton underpants, and do not keep the area damp for a long time (for both males and females).

These are a handful of safety measures both males and females may take into consideration.

Apart from the above-mentioned safety tips, you can also add probiotics, cranberry supplements, and D-mannose (a kind of sugar sold as over-the-counter medication to prevent UTI) to your diet. None of these has any side effects as such.

If you are still infected with one, medical practitioners prescribe antibiotics and estrogen supplements.

What are the myths associated with a UTI?

Some of the most common myths associated with UTIs are –

• Only women get UTIs. That is far from the truth, and men get it as well.
• All UTIs cause symptoms. That is not the truth. If you are affected by asymptomatic bacteriuria (primarily found in older people) comes without symptoms.
• Can you pass a UTI to your partner? This is another myth-like question you may have. The answer, let’s reiterate, is a no!
• A UTI will go away on its own. No, it would help if you had treatment for this.

Have fun – but stay safe

If anyone asks you now – can you pass a UTI to your partner you may categorically answer in the negative. Also, if you wish to go ahead with sex, despite a UTI – try to stick to one format and concentrate on the foreplay rather than the penetration. This would safeguard both of you. Keep checking this website for more such content.