5 Things You Need to Know About Sex and Bladder Infections

1. Learn the Nature of Bladder Infections

Bladder infections can be caused by a variety of infectious agents. An infection of the kidney, ureter, bladder, or urethra is known as a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). When bacteria is introduced into the bladder or kidney and multiplies in the urine, it causes a urinary tract or bladder infection. Although they may be uncomfortable, these infections are usually harmless and easily treated. An infection isolated to the urethra is called urethritis, but if it spreads to the bladder it is called cystitis

Common symptoms of bladder infections include frequent urges to urinate and a painful burning sensation during urination.

Women are more likely than men to contract bladder infections, and some women get them often due to the shape and length of their urethra. A female with a shorter urethra is more like to get frequent bladder infections. According to WebMD, 20 percent of all women get at least one bladder infection at some point in her life.

2. Note the Causes

Bladder infections are caused by bacteria and cannot be contracted from a partner during sexual activity, however, some women get bladder infections after having sex. Many bladder infections are caused by the bacteria e-coli, which passes through the urethra and enters the bladder to cause the infection. During sexual intercourse, the bacteria in the vagina may be pushed into the urethra, which then causes bladder irritation.

In males, bladder infections are usually symptoms of an underlying disorder and should be a cause for concern. Bladder infection in males are usually associated with obstruction of the urinary tract.

3. Find Treatment

If treated the right way and caught early in the infection, bladder infections do not pose a serious threat. A physician or other healthcare provider can treat a bladder infection by prescribing antibiotics. There are many herbal remedies that can also be used to treat bladder infections. One herbal remedy that has been effective in curing bladder infections is the drumstick flower. This concoction of fresh juice from the drumstick flower, in combination with a glass of coconut water, can be taken twice a day to cure and treat the burning sensations that you may be facing.

Radish leaves are also effective. You can purchase radish leaves from your local health food store. You can boil the leaves and drink 1 cup of radish leaf juice for about 2 weeks to treat a bladder infection.

Did you know spinach does the body good in more ways than one? Men faced with mild to moderate cases of bladder infections can mix equal parts of fresh spinach juice with coconut water to treat the infection. Both of these products contain nitrates and potassium that make them effective and safe diuretics.

4. Practice Prevention

It is important that people prone to bladder infection drink plenty of water during and after treatment. After urination women should wipe from front to back to prevent introduction of bacteria into the vaginal area. It is also important to wipe from front to back after bowel movements as well. Fragrant bath products and frequent bubble baths could also cause irritation in the vaginal area as well.

Immediately following intercourse both partners should urinate, or at least within 10 minutes. Women should also gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Though bladder infections are uncomfortable and painful women should try to practice safe sexual habits to prevent re-infection. Partners should also avoid sexual positions that cause irritation or pain in the bladder area.

5. Hold Off On Sex

Sex during a bladder infection can be quite painful and may even make the condition worse. Since bladder infections are not sexually transmitted diseases, the infection cannot be passed from one partner to the other.