Women are at a higher risk of getting urinary tract infections than men. These infections may show up in the kidneys, your urethra, and/or the ureter. Studies indicate that 1 in 3 women are likely to experience the incidence of UTIs at least once in their lifetime. In a few women though, such infections are likely to show up many times. But, are these infections i.e., UTIs contagious? It is a wise thing to know more.
Women and girls are more likely to get UTIs than men/boys. This is mainly because they have a shorter urethra. The opening – among women and girls – is present closer to the vagina as well as rectum; 2 sites where bacteria resides in abundance. On the other hand, a few people may see UTIs occurring often; in such cases, there could be an anomalous condition in their urinary tract.
One of the most common problems seen in the tract is known as vesicoureteral reflux. This condition leads to urine flowing backwards; in other words, from the bladder into your ureter. In a few instances, urine has flown back to reach kidneys. One can detect the incidence via the characteristic signs of UTIs; these may show up as painful urination, urgency to urinate (but, only a small amount of urine is discharged) or urine turns foul-smelling.
Are urinary tract infections (UTIs) contagious?
No, urinary tract infections are not communicable i.e., contagious or transmitted through sex. In other words, you cannot get these infections by coming in contact/touch with another person. This also means you will not need treatment if your sexual partner has UTI. But, as women have the urethral region quite close to vagina, bacteria in the vaginal tract may move up. This upward movement causes UTIs in women and girls.
In general, UTIs may cause a severe drop in libido or interest in having sex. Your treating physician will also advise you not to have sex while you have such infections. These instructions are given to avoid the worsening of infections; each time you have a finger or penis getting inside your vaginal tract, it may only aggravate your condition. For almost the same reason, oral sex must also be avoided.
Beware of sexually transmitted conditions/infections that resemble a lot like UTIs. The most commonly experienced signs are painful episodes of urination and frequent urges to pee. If your urine turns smelly or is discolored, you are advised to seek medical help without much delay.
Some people may leave a UTI untreated/unattended. This is an unsafe practice. You may witness traces of blood in urine, acute pain in the abdomen, tremors / involuntary shaking of your body, pain in the lower back region, etc. People have also reported a sharp increase in body temperature, a feeling of fullness in the rectum (especially among men), overall tiredness, etc. On top of all these, you may also feel a burning sensation while peeing or may want to pee quite often than what is deemed normal.
Upon witnessing one or more of the aforesaid signs of UTI, ask for clinical support on an emergency mode. People in the US are advised to call 911 or reach out to the helpline of the FDA. If you are a Canadian resident, call Health Canada on an urgent mode; you may also consider rushing to a poison control unit working closer to where you live.
Last but not least, timely treatment for UTIs can help conditions turning worse and may lessen the possibilities of severe repercussions. It is a safe thing to talk to a qualified medical professional and know more of UTIs.
Disclaimer
Information provided here is only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting the intake of this drug is safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.
Education: Master’s in Clinical Nutrition from Tufts University. Experience: 6 years of experience as a registered dietitian and freelance writer, creating content on nutritional science and weight management for various health websites.
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