I posted a shortened version of this Q&A on Twitter recently…. but here is the longer version.
Question:
Have a friend who has a tendency to get UTIs which she notices after having sex (w/latex condom). From her research the latex is what seems to be the issue. Is/are
there any ways around this if she wants to remain sexually active (and safe/using protection, etc…).
Answer:
More often, one hears of UTIs associated with sex – not latex. The condom is likely lubricated, there’s only a few inches of space from the urethral opening to the bladder, etc. If she’s convinced it’s the latex, she can try non-latex condoms. Or she could try any kind of condom she wants and use a different lube, such as Good Clean Love. Peeing after sex is a good idea too – it may not prevent pregnancy (old wives tale, of course) but flushing the urethra out post-sex is recommended for women who are prone to UTIs. So is drinking a lot of water/fluids on a daily basis.
Learn more about UTIs and sexual issues in The V Book: A Doctor’s Guide to Complete Vulvovaginal Health by Elizabeth Stewart, who is awesome (and super adorable).
Follow us on Twitter @mysexprofessor and email your sex questions to Dr. Debby Herbenick at DrDebby@MySexProfessor.com
