Can Masturbation Cause UTI?

Feb 01, 2024

Table of Contents

Can Masturbation Cause UTI?
UTI in Men
UTI in Women
STDs
What is UTI?
Link Between Masturbation and the Kidneys
When to Call a Doctor
Conclusion
Sources

As someone who loves to masturbate and has had a UTI before, it scares me to think that there’s a connection between masturbation and UTI. Are there any side effects in our bodies if we masturbate? What will happen if I masturbate then something different happens inside my body? Those are the questions that are always racing through my mind whenever I masturbate (leaving me guilty and not fully pleasured).

In this article, we will shed light on the connection between masturbation, UTI, and its effects on our kidneys! Here’s our Masturbation and UTI: The Rundown.

Can Masturbation Cause UTI?

The short answer to this question is that: if you masturbate without proper hygiene (fingers and toys), there’s a high chance that it can trigger a urinary tract infection or UTI.

What is UTI?

Urinary Tract Infection or UTI is an infection in the urinary system – bladder and urethra included. Anyone can be infected by UTI but it is more common in women who have a vulva.

UTI in Men

Even if UTI always occurs in women, men also have a chance that they can get infected with UTI. Sometimes, men get it by having improper hygiene during masturbation or when they are transmitted with sexually transmitted infections or STIs.

As the UTI develops in men, there’s a high chance that it will be more complicated and more likely to spread in the kidneys and upper urinary tract, and sometimes, it requires immediate surgery.

The most common UTI in men is prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland that has two types – acute prostatitis, which is common prostatitis and the symptom is not being able to pee, and chronic prostatitis, which is the more painful and intense prostatitis wherein you won’t be able to pee that lasts for three months.

It is important to note that UTIs in men can be caused by two things: Poor hygiene and the insertion of sex toys that are not properly washed. So remember, bros, always clean yourself and your toys first before pleasuring!

UTI in Women

UTI in Women is pretty common and more or less, the majority of women already experienced having UTI at some point in their lives.

Ever wondered why it’s always women who are usually infected with UTI? The answer is simple: because of our female anatomy. Our urethra is shorter than men’s urethra, making it more open to bacteria entering our body and allowing access to the bladder. Moreover, our urethra opening is also close to bacteria sources from the vagina and anus.

Aside from poor hygiene and inserting sex toys that are not properly maintained, sexual activities can also cause the bacteria to move to the urethra so remember ladies: ALWAYS be hygienic to your body and to your sex toys, and ALWAYS practice safe and responsible sex so that there are little to none bacteria that will enter your urethra.

STDs

Can STDs cause UTI? The answer is: YES.

Gonorrhea and Chlamydia can be the number one causes of UTI if you have unprotected and unsafe sex because it can worsen the bacteria that enter your urethra.

If you feel like you have Sexually Transmitted Diseases such as Gonorrhea or Chlamydia and you have UTI, please consult your doctor to avoid the UTI worsening.

Symptoms of UTI

If you have…

A frequent need to pee
Burning sensation when peeing
Bad-smelling and cloudy urine
Cramps in your lower belly, back, or sides
Pain in the mid-back (to the right or left spine)
Fever
Chills
Nausea
Vomiting
Tiredness

…it is most likely that you have a UTI and must be treated IMMEDIATELY.

Activities and Conditions that increase the risks of getting UTI

Female Anatomy
Sexual Activity
Using of a certain type of Birth Control such as spermicidal agents
Menopause
Urinary Tract Problems
Blockages in the Urinary Tract
Pregnancy
Previous UTI
A weak immune system
Catheter use
Recent urinary procedure

If you recently have had these activities or conditions, please be mindful of your body and health because it can trigger UTI.

Treatment

Regular use of Antibiotics
Regular consultation with your doctor
Vaginal Estrogen Therapy if you’re menopausal
If severe UTI, you might need IV Antibiotics in the hospital

Prevention

Proper hygiene when masturbating such as clean hands, fingers, and sex toys
Drinking of water regularly
Wipe from front to back after taking a poop to avoid the bacteria entering your urinary system
Empty your bladder after having sex
Change birth control method (avoid using birth control contraceptives that have spermicidal agents because it can contribute to the bacterial growth)

What happens if UTI is untreated?

If your UTI is left untreated, it will progress into a more severe and complicated infection. So if you have had symptoms of a UTI, consult your doctor immediately because prevention is better than cure!

Link Between Masturbation and The Kidneys

Are there any links between masturbation and our kidneys? The answer is HELL NO. There is no scientific research or basis that masturbation can harm your kidneys.

There is a myth that a loss of nutrients and protein through semen can lead to kidney damage but there’s no basis for this! One research suggests that in 100 milliliters of semen, there’s an average of 5.04 grams, and the equivalent of it is about 0.25 grams in one ejaculation of semen. The way to replenish this is by drinking ½ tablespoon of milk!

So don’t be scared when masturbating, folks! It is completely fine and WILL NOT HARM your kidneys!

Myth of the effects of Masturbation and Kidney

Masturbation affects your kidney

Again, there is no scientific basis for this! The origin of this myth may have been originated from a concept in Traditional Chinese Medicine!

Masturbation and Kidney Stones

There’s a study research that states that masturbation dispels kidney stones. In this study, masturbating 3 to 4 times a week can drop 5- to 10- 10-millimeter kidney stones.

The researchers found out that masturbation, along with medical therapies is effective!

When to Call a Doctor

If you’re experiencing symptoms that are listed in the “What is UTI?” section, it is best to call a doctor because it might be a UTI.

Conclusion

Masturbation is one of the healthy sexual things to do that can also help your body. Without proper hygiene and without safe masturbation procedures, this might lead to UTI.

Remember girls and guys, the key to a sexually healthy you is to be hygienic, knowledgable, and to fully understand your body.

Happy masturbating!