A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common health problem, which is an infection caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Millions of people get UTIs every year, and UTIs can have a variety of causes. In this article we look at whether sex toys can cause UTIs in detail and provide tips on how to use them safely.
What causes UTIs?
A urinary tract infection, as the name suggests, is a condition caused by bacterial infection of the urethra. The urinary tract, which is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, can cause infections when bacteria enter the urethra and up the bladder or kidneys. The common bacteria that cause UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli). Women are more likely to suffer from urinary tract infections in life, and women have a shorter urethra, which makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.
Common risk factors for UTIs include:
UTIs don't necessarily have symptoms. Symptoms, if present, may include:
persistent urge to urinate
burning sensation when urinating
frequent urination
urine looks cloudy
Red, bright pink, or cola-colored urine (this is a sign of blood in the urine)
strong-smelling urine
Pelvic pain in women, especially in the center of the pelvis and around the pubic bone
Complications of UTI may include:
Recurrent infection, which is two or more UTIs within 6 months. Women are especially prone to repeated infections.
Permanent kidney damage from an untreated UTI that causes a kidney infection.
Low birth weight or premature birth due to UTI during pregnancy.
Narrowing of the urethra in men, caused by repeated urinary tract infections.
Sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication of infection. This risk exists, especially if the infection travels up the urethra to the kidneys.
Can Sex Toys Cause Urinary Tract Infections?
There is limited research on whether sex toys cause UTIs, and it is not possible to know for sure whether sex toys cause UTIs. But if not cleaned properly, bacteria can build up on the surface of sex toys, which can lead to urinary tract infections. In addition, sex toys made of certain materials, such as rubber and jelly or porous materials, can also increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Sex toys made of these materials are difficult to clean, so they can easily breed bacteria, which increases the risk of urinary tract infections.
Other possible risk factors for UTIs:
sharing sex toys with others
Using a sex toy anally while masturbating without cleaning and then using it vaginally
Sex Toys Using Porous Materials
Trauma to the urethra or bladder with oversized sex toys
To prevent UTIs from sex toys:
While the risk of UTIs is significant, there are ways to reduce the risk of UTIs from sex toys. Here are some method tricks:
Choose sex toys made of non-hazardous materials: Sex toys made of non-porous materials such as silicone, glass or stainless steel are easy to clean and the surface of the toy is not prone to bacteria.
Clean sex toys thoroughly: Clean them with mild soap and warm water before and after using them. If the toy is made of silicone or other non-porous material, it can also be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in the dishwasher or by boiling for a few minutes.
Use a condom: Condoms protect the user by trapping germs and reducing the risk of infection.
Avoid sharing sex toys: Sharing sex toys increases the risk of STIs and UTIs. Best not to share sex toys. If you do share a sex toy with another person, be sure to clean it thoroughly after use.
Use a lubricant: Using a water-based lubricant can reduce friction and irritation while using sex toys, which can help prevent UTIs.
Use the right size: Using a sex toy that is too large can cause trauma to the urethra or bladder, increasing the risk of UTIs. It's okay to start with a smaller size and work your way up to larger, properly sized sex toys.
Although improper use or cleaning of sex toys can increase the risk of UTIs, you only need to choose sex toys that are harmless to your body and clean them in time to avoid the risk of UTIs. There are also many ways to reduce this risk, so don't be afraid to get a UTI from using sex toys. If you really experience symptoms of urinary tract infection, please seek medical help in time to avoid a greater impact on your life.
