1. The role of the urinary system in sexual relations
The urinary system’s function is to eliminate liquid waste from the body and maintain proper chemical balance. However, during sexual intercourse, especially in women, the urethra (the tube through which urine exits the body) can be exposed to bacteria from the skin, genitals, or even the anal area.
Something similar happens in men, although less frequently due to the length of the male urethra. Even so, during sexual intercourse, microorganisms can enter the urethra and temporarily reside there. When urination doesn’t occur afterward, these bacteria have the perfect opportunity to multiply and cause urinary tract infections or inflammation.
2. Postcoital cystitis: a common consequence of not urinating after
One of the most frequent problems, especially in women, is postcoital cystitis. This urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria—usually Escherichia coli—reach the bladder and cause inflammation. Symptoms typically appear hours after sexual intercourse: burning during urination, a constant urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain, and, in some cases, fever.
Although not all women experience it, it’s a fairly common condition. That’s why specialists recommend emptying the bladder after sex, as doing so flushes out any bacteria that may have tried to enter through the urethra, greatly reducing the chances of infection.
3. A habit that naturally cleanses the urinary tract
Urinating after sex acts as a kind of internal cleansing. Urine acts as a natural flush that expels bacteria and microorganisms before they can adhere to the walls of the urethra or reach the bladder. In other words, it’s like rinsing the system from the inside.
And it’s not just about eliminating bacteria: it also helps relieve the pressure that remains in the bladder after sexual intercourse and maintain a healthy pH balance in the intimate area, which is essential to avoid subsequent irritations and discomfort.
