Currently, many women with an active sex life suffer from postcoital cystitis, although it should be noted that it is rarely a direct consequence caused by the practice of sex, but rather by some routines that we must learn to correct.
In this article, Dr. Nelson Diez, specialist in Urology, explains how to prevent this type of cystitis and what are the risks for its development.
What types of infection can occur?
There are three types of infection: urethritis which is inflammation secondary to inflammation of the urethra, pyelonephritis which occurs when the infection affects one or both kidneys and cystitis which occurs when the inflammation is caused by infection of the bladder.
Cystitis and urethritis often occur together and usually occur when E. coli bacteria invade the urinary tract after colonizing the vaginal area. This bacterium is usually the most common, but there are also other bacteria that can cause cystitis.
Two factors are necessary for cystitis to occur: colonization of the urethra by bacteria from the intestinal tract and their invasion of the urethra and bladder. In this case, intercourse encourages these bacteria to enter the urethra.
What is post-coital cystitis?
From Urology, although it may be thought to be a specialty of men, it is also a specialty of women when problems occur exclusively in the female gender. In the case of post-coital cystitis, many consultations are made with problems related to this urinary infection that usually occurs due to the entry of bacteria into the bladder and its appearance, usually during the 24-48 hours after intercourse, may be favored during intercourse by a number of factors:
- The woman’s own anatomical characteristics.
- Lubrication during intercourse.
- The use of contraceptives or condoms.
- Ingesting few liquids on a daily basis.
- Holding the urge to urinate on a regular basis.
- Excessive cleaning of the genital area.
- Suffering from chronic constipation.
- Menopause.
What can we do to prevent post-coital cystitis?
There are a series of actions that can be done to try to prevent this type of cystitis:
- Urinating after sexual intercourse in order to expel the bacteria that have lodged in the bladder area.
- Drink water regularly.
- Maintain proper daily hygiene of the genital area, especially after sexual activity, from front to back, avoiding excessive use of soap.
- Use lubricants if necessary.
- Avoid constipation.
- Bladder emptying every 3-4 hours.