can i pass cystitis to my boyfriend?

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder that almost always follows (is secondary to) bacterial infection in the urine. It is the most common type of urinary tract infection (UTI), particularly in women.

The bladder is a muscular bag that stores urine from the kidneys. Urine leaves the body through a tube called the urethra. Cystitis occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra, infect the urine and inflame the bladder lining.

Most women will experience cystitis at least once in their lives. While it is painful and annoying, it isn’t dangerous or contagious, and the infection can’t be passed on to your partner during sex.

If left untreated, the infection can ‘backtrack’ deeper into the urinary system from the bladder and reach the kidneys. A kidney infection is serious and needs prompt medical attention as it can cause kidney damage or even kidney failure.

Cystitis can be mild to severe. The symptoms include:

The earliest symptom of cystitis is usually a faint prickling feeling on passing urine. It is possible to get rid of mild cystitis if you take action immediately. Some suggestions include:

If self-help treatments aren’t working, seek medical advice quickly. Your GP will probably test your urine to check which micro-organism is present. Cystitis can be treated with a course (or more than one course) of antibiotics.

Regular or severe attacks of cystitis need to be investigated by a GP, because an underlying disorder such as kidney stones or a kidney infection could be the trigger.

The most common bug or bacterium causing urinary tract infection is Escherichia coli (E. coli). The bacterium is often found when the urine is examined under a microscope – this test is called a microscopy and culture (M&C) of urine.

E. coli is commonly found in the digestive tract and bowel. Under normal conditions, it is harmless. However, E. coli thrives in the acidic environment of the bladder, where it multiplies and inflames the bladder lining.

Women in their late teens and older are most susceptible to cystitis, especially if they are sexually active. The female urethra is only 4 cm long, which gives bacteria easy access to the bladder.

Female sex hormones influence the vaginal secretions that affect the ability of bacteria to survive. This makes women more susceptible to infection:

Men tend to get cystitis later in life. Where trouble with urine flow is a symptom, this may indicate that the underlying cause is a problem with their prostate gland.

Cystitis is common in older people, particularly if they are unwell. Bladder catheters and some urinary-tract operations may also increase the risk of cystitis.

Cystitis in a child always needs to be investigated, because it may indicate a more serious condition such as urinary reflux (also known as vesicoureteric reflux). This is a bladder-valve problem, which allows urine to flow back towards the kidneys.

In some women, one bout of cystitis allows their urinary system to build up a type of immunity and further bouts are rare. For other women, cystitis can occur regularly.

Although not always backed up by research, some women have found that useful suggestions include:

Cranberries (usually as cranberry juice) have been used to prevent UTIs. Cranberries contain a substance that can prevent the E. coli bacteria from sticking to the urinary tract lining cells. However, recent research has shown that cranberry juice does not have a significant benefit in preventing UTIs, and most people are unable to continue drinking the juice on a long-term basis.

Cystitis occurs when bacteria travel up the urethra, infect the urine and inflame the bladder lining. Most women will experience cystitis at least once in their lives. While it is painful and annoying, it isn't dangerous or contagious, and the infection can't be passed on to your partner during sex.

Urinary tract infections are very common, more so in women than men. Up to 6 out of 10 adult women will have at least one urinary tract infection (UTI) in their lifetime. While a UTI does not have to prevent you from having sexual intercourse, there are certain precautions you need to take.

Please keep reading to learn whether UTIs are sexually transmitted infections. Also, find out whether a UTI can spread from woman to man during sexual activity.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of the urinary system, i.e., the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Most UTIs involve the lower part of the urinary tract. Meaning they are a urethra or bladder infection (cystitis). However, if left untreated, they can cause more serious infections. A kidney infection, for example, can lead to severe complications. Symptoms of a UTI include urinary urgency, urinary frequency, pain with urination, cloudy or red-tinged urine, and pelvic pain.

A urinary tract infection is not a sexually transmitted infection. It is not considered a contagious condition. However, vaginal sex, anal sex, and oral sex can all pass bacteria between sexual partners. That’s why doctors usually recommend avoiding sex with a UTI. In other words, it is a good idea to wait and not have sex until you have completed UTI treatment and are symptom-free.

A woman can pass on a UTI to a man. In fact, sexual activity is the most common way to introduce bacteria into the urinary tract.

A man can get a UTI from a woman through vaginal intercourse, anal sex, and oral sex. Here’s how it happens. Harmful bacteria called Escherichia coli bacteria (E. coli) are responsible for up to 90% of UTIs. E. coli are present in the gastrointestinal tract and feces. When you give or receive oral sex or engage in penetrative sex, the bacteria can be transferred from the anus to the hands, mouth, genitals, and sex toys. In this way, UTIs occur through the spread of bacteria from a woman’s urethra to a man’s penis and urethra during sex.

A urinary tract infection causes inflammation of the tissues of the urinary tract, which can make them sensitive. If you’re sexually active while you have a UTI, it can put pressure on the sensitive tissues and cause additional pain and discomfort.

Penetrative sex can push bacteria deeper into the urethral opening, increasing the risk of developing a UTI. If you already have a UTI, sex can introduce new bacteria, leading to worsening symptoms and/or a longer recovery time.

Sometimes, a urinary tract infection is associated with health conditions like chlamydia or trichomoniasis. These are contagious health problems transmitted sexually (they can be passed between sexual partners).

It is best to abstain from sexual activity until urinary tract infections have cleared. However, if you choose to have sex with a UTI, here are some precautions you should take:

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