Proper Hygiene Practices, and Simple Preventive Habits, Both Women and Men Can Protect Long-Term Reproductive Comfort, Maintain Healthy Balance, and Support Overall Physical Wellbeing Safely

Sexual activity is often discussed in terms of intimacy and pleasure, but it also affects other body systems, including the urinary system. During intercourse, increased movement, warmth, and moisture can allow bacteria from nearby skin areas to move toward the urethra.

This risk is higher in women because the urethra is short and located close to the vaginal and anal openings. In men, the longer urethra offers more protection, but urinary issues can still occur, especially with dehydration, prolonged activity, or poor hygiene.

The urinary system relies on urine flow to remove bacteria before infection develops. When urination is delayed after sexual activity, bacteria have more time to attach to the urethra and travel to the bladder, increasing infection risk.

Urinary tract infections often develop gradually, which makes their cause harder to identify. Low fluid intake, holding urine, fatigue, hormonal changes, and weakened immunity can all reduce the body’s ability to flush bacteria effectively.