While most studies investigating chronic UTIs have focused on younger age groups, there is now compelling evidence that shows a strong relationship between sexual intercourse and UTIs in postmenopausal women.
It is, therefore, just as important for older women to take the same preventive measures as younger ones, irrespective of how often you have sex or how many sexual partners you have.
UTIs and Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Oftentimes a person will assume that the UTI is bacterial in nature (and treat it as such) and fail to identify the underlying STI.
It is, therefore, vital to consider your risk of STIs when any infection of the genitals or urinary tract is involved. This is especially true if you have multiple sex partners or have gotten a UTI after having sex with a new partner.
Current pediatric guidelines recommend that doctors take a comprehensive sexual history of any adolescent with urinary tract complaints and routinely test them for STIs.
Sexually active men under the age of 35 who don’t use condoms can experience a condition called epididymitis. 
It is an infection of the epididymis, the coiled tube to the back of the testicles, that can be caused either by bacteria or an STI, most often gonorrhea or chlamydia. Treatment varies based on the cause and severity.
Safer sex practices, which include the consistent use of condoms, are always the best plan for reducing the risk of these and other STIs.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Urinary tract infections require treatment with antibiotics. Even if a UTI is relatively mild, your healthcare provider will likely recommend a one- to three-day course of antibiotics.
If a UTI is causing dyspareunia, it is typically due to frequent or recurrent UTIs that require more extensive treatment. In some cases, a daily, low-dose antibiotic may be prescribed for six months or longer. In postmenopausal women, estrogen replacement therapy may be advised.
If a kidney infection (pyelonephritis) develops, you need to seek prompt medical attention. If left untreated, pyelonephritis can lead to kidney failure and sepsis.
When to Seek Urgent Care
- Back or side (flank) pain
- High fever
- Chills
- Vomiting
Frequently Asked Questions
When bacteria enters the urinary tract, it can cause a urinary tract infection (UTI) to develop in women and men. Women are more susceptible to contracting a UTI due to their shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder. Most UTIs are caused by E. coli, a type of bacteria that normally lives in the bowel.
Recurrent UTIs are caused by bacterial persistence or reinfection. Bacterial persistence refers to a UTI that is still present two weeks after treatment. Bacterial reinfection is when a UTI is caused by a different organism, or in some cases, from the same organism as the original UTI after two weeks.
Sex is generally not advised until the UTI has completely cleared as it can further irritate already inflamed tissues and introduce new bacteria into the urinary tract. If this occurs, it can lead to a second UTI and an even longer recovery time.
Studies show that a UTI is likely to begin within 24 hours of sexual intercourse. When introduced into the urinary tract, E. coli will adhere to the walls of the urethra and begin to multiply almost immediately.
Birth control does not directly cause a UTI, but some methods can increase the chance of contracting one. Diaphragms, unlubricated condoms, and spermicide can increase the chances of a bladder infection. An alternative method of birth control may help people with a recurrent UTI, such as lubricated condoms without spermicide.