"Proper" Sex
They don't call it honeymoon cystitis for nothing.
Sexually active women are particularly susceptible to bladder infections (cystitis). Originally, the term "Honeymoon Cystitis" came from the 20th century, when many women experienced their first time on their wedding night. And "on the honeymoon" sex often makes its way onto the daily must-have list. This already gave women bladder infections back then.
Nowadays, it’s not necessarily the wedding night but rather the new sexual partner who may bring along the nasty infection - at least until a woman’s intimate area gets accustomed to the man’s unfamiliar microbes.
You’re probably familiar with this: There’s an undeniable connection between sex and bladder infections. Why is this? Unfortunately, there’s more than one reason:
- During sex, bacteria (or semen, sweat, and dirt) enter your most intimate and internal areas, which your body isn’t naturally prepared for.
- Gut bacteria feel especially comfortable in the bladder and vaginal areas and are literally massaged into the urethra during intercourse.
- Frequent intercourse, especially if you aren’t well-lubricated, can make the vaginal area sore (micro-tears), which weakens the vagina's crucial protective function.
Once these culprits enter your urethra, they only need to travel 4 cm to reach your bladder and start causing trouble there.
What makes things worse: Sexual activity often happens in the evening in bed before sleep. Afterwards, it’s only natural to stay lying down and sleep until morning.
The tricky part: The post-sex overnight rest gives bacteria hours to multiply in your bladder without any disturbance, as they aren’t flushed out by a trip to the toilet (which would typically happen several times throughout the day).
Sexiquette
The desire for sex fades when you're almost always "rewarded" with a UTI afterward. And I know from my own experience just how absolutely awful that feels. Of course, there’s no miracle solution that will keep you safe from “after-sex infections” forever, but with the following all-inclusive package you’ll be pretty close:
- Dirty sex - yes, dirty underwear - no! The fewer gut bacteria from the anal region are around down there, the less chance there is for them to “spread & get massaged” in.
- Regular hand washing shouldn’t be forgotten by your partner in particular. Fingers, and especially under fingernails, can harbour many bacteria.
- A glass of water with D-Mannose and urinate before sex (if possible).
- Lubricant / lubricant cream with lactic acid.
- No chemical contraceptives.
- No switching between anal and vaginal without a new condom or washing.
- Empty your bladder within 5 minutes after sex.
- Vaginal capsule with lactic acid (for quick acidification) and/or lactic acid bacteria (for sustainable colonisation) and a glass of water with at least 4g of D-Mannose and/or at least 4 tablets of Angocin® Anti-Infekt N.
Often read but not necessarily helpful:
- Myth: Condoms prevent UTIs: If the partner has the triggering germ, then yes. Otherwise, it doesn’t prevent a UTI.
- Washing immediately after sex: Not necessary; emptying your bladder is much more important.
A Little Insider Advice
At first, the many measures to prevent a bladder infection after sex sound anything but sexy. But with a few tips and tricks it’s not as inconvenient as it seems at first glance:
- Regular basic hygiene is actually pretty easy. For on the go, you can use moist intimate wipes for cleaning at the back (not for the front!).
- Just explain to your partner why you’d like to be touched with clean hands.
- D-Mannose available for before and after sex always in stock. In capsule form for on the go.
- If the lubricant is within reach, the extra step is also easy. Stock your bag with sample packs (often available in medical practices).
- Always, and ideally immediately after sex: Pee, possibly a vaginal capsule (wash hands!), and a glass of water with D-Mannose. Done in 2 minutes!
In summary, I can only say: Just try it out and find what works best for you and your body. Once you’ve got the post-sex bladder infection under control, you can gradually reduce the behavioural rules to a mini-programme.
My mini routine: Clean intimate area, lubricant as needed, then always and immediately to the toilet plus 1 glass of water (sometimes with D-Mannose).
"Instead of using generic lubricants, where the ingredients are often questionable, I prefer to go for Multi-Gyn® ActiGel*. It provides great lubrication and was also recommended by my gynaecologist for a sensitive vaginal flora (you can often get a sample from the specialist’s practice)."
