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A UTI (urinary tract infection) can feel like a total nightmare — constantly needing to pee, stinging when you go, and the general discomfort can make you feel a bit off-balance. When you’re already feeling tender down there, it’s totally understandable to wonder if it’s safe to masturbate while dealing with a UTI.
Is it going to make things worse, or can you still have a little fun? Let’s get into it.
Understanding UTIs
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of masturbation and UTIs, it's important to understand what we're dealing with. A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enter the urinary system, usually through the urethra, and multiply in the bladder. Women are more prone to UTIs than men due to their shorter urethras, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder — and your period can also make you more prone to getting a UTI, too, due to the use of pads, tampons, period pants, or menstrual cups and their potential to introduce bacteria to the urethra and bladder.
Common symptoms of a UTI, include a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and pelvic pain. If left untreated, UTIs can lead to more serious kidney infections, so it's crucial to seek medical attention if you suspect you have one.
Can you masturbate with a UTI?
Here’s the thing: masturbation isn’t inherently bad for you, but when you’ve got a UTI, your urinary system is already irritated. Your bladder, urethra, and the surrounding area are sensitive, which means that any extra friction or pressure can make things worse.
Masturbating could intensify the pain or discomfort you’re already feeling, and while it won’t directly make your UTI worse, it can definitely leave you feeling more uncomfortable.
Also, if you're using toys or your hands, the bacteria could travel into the urethra, potentially prolonging or aggravating the infection. That said, it's ultimately about listening to your body.
If you're too uncomfortable, it might be a good idea to hold off until you’re feeling better. If you do decide to go ahead, make sure you're super hygienic to reduce any risks.
Why wait?
Masturbating with a UTI isn’t inherently dangerous, but it might be worth holding off until you’ve recovered for a few reasons. First, giving your body a break from sexual activity can allow it to focus on healing and fighting off the infection.
Also, trying to masturbate while you're already uncomfortable or in pain might make the experience worse, so waiting until you feel better could lead to a more enjoyable session.
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Plus, while masturbation doesn’t directly cause UTIs, there’s always a small chance you could introduce new bacteria to the area, which could risk prolonging or reinfecting your urinary tract.
Can masturbation cause a UTI?
Masturbation itself doesn’t cause UTIs, but certain factors can increase the risk. If you’re not cleaning your hands or toys before using them (particularly if it’s penetrative masturbation you’re into) there’s a chance that bacteria could get pushed into your urethra, which could lead to an infection.
UTIs are often caused by bacteria from the skin or stool entering the urinary tract, so if things aren’t clean, there’s an increased risk.
That’s why, if you’re prone to UTIs, it’s super important to make sure you’re using clean hands or properly sanitized toys. Avoiding harsh chemicals or irritating substances down there also helps.
UTIs are more about hygiene and bacteria than the act itself, but keeping things clean is key to staying UTI-free.
How to prevent a UTI after masturbating
If you’ve had a little solo session while battling a UTI, there are some steps you can take to reduce the risk of making things worse.
- Maintain good hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after masturbation — it sounds like a lot of effort, but it’s worth it to avoid that annoying UTI. And if you’re using sex toys, make sure they’re cleaned properly after each use. Bacteria love to live on toys that aren’t properly cleaned, and you don’t want to introduce any additional germs to the mix.
- Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water, which helps to flush your urinary system and can speed up the recovery process from a UTI. Plus, staying hydrated is just generally great for your body — win-win.
- Pee: Yep, right after you’re done, go ahead and relieve yourself. While there's no clear evidence that this works, there's no harm in doing it! The theory is that peeing after masturbating (or after sex) can help flush out any bacteria that may have gotten into the urethra during masturbation.
What should you not do with a UTI?
When you’ve got a UTI, there are a few things you’ll want to avoid to make sure it doesn’t get worse:
- Avoid irritating products: Steer clear of douches, scented sprays, or any other products that might irritate your sensitive areas. These products can mess with your natural balance and make your symptoms more uncomfortable.
- Hold off on sex: Sexual activity can sometimes irritate the urinary tract, and if things are already inflamed, it’s probably best to wait until your UTI clears up before you get back to any intimate activities.
- Don't delay treatment: Talk with your doctor to prevent the infection from getting any worse. If you’ve been prescribed antibiotics, make sure to finish the entire course. Even if you start feeling better, you’ve got to kill all the bacteria to fully clear out the infection.
How do I know if my UTI is serious?
Sometimes, UTIs are just mild annoyances that can be cleared up with antibiotics. But in some cases, things can get more serious. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to see a doctor pronto:
- A fever that doesn’t go away (a sign the infection might have spread)
- Severe pain in your lower abdomen or back
- Blood in your urine
- Nausea or vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, don’t wait it out — get medical attention to avoid complications.
How to get rid of a UTI
The number one treatment for a UTI is antibiotics. A doctor will likely prescribe them after diagnosing you. Don’t stop taking them just because you’re feeling better — you need to finish the whole course to ensure the infection is completely gone.
Also, drinking lots of water and peeing often is essential, as it helps flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract. And while some people swear by cranberry juice or other home remedies, the best way to handle a UTI is by following your doctor’s advice.
So, is it safe to masturbate with a UTI? It depends. While it won’t directly cause more harm, the act of masturbating could irritate your already sensitive urinary tract, making things more uncomfortable. If you’re too sore or uncomfortable, it’s probably best to skip it until you feel better.
Always pay attention to your body and how it’s feeling, and if in doubt, take a break and focus on recovery. A UTI can be a real pain, but with the right care, it doesn’t have to last long. Listen to your body, stay hydrated, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
Tassia O'Callaghan is an experienced content writer and strategist, having written about a vast range of topics from chemical regulations to parenting, for brands like Peanut App Ltd, Scary Mommy, Tally Workspace, and Office Christmas. She's an advocate for realistic sustainable living, supporting small businesses (author of A-Z of Marketing for Small Businesses), and equity across all walks of life. Follow her on LinkedIn or TikTok, or see more of her work on Authory or her website.
