14 February 2024 , 15:07
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Unsurprisingly, Valentine's Day is one of the busiest days for sex in the UK - but there's one bedroom mistake you won't want to be making.
February 14 is a busy day in the nation's bedrooms, with one in five citing this as their top day for sexual intercourse, according to new research by Durex. And while it's perfectly healthy to be intimate with your partner, there are a couple things you need to be aware of - including nasty infections.
Pharmacist Sultan Dajani and advisor to Effercitrate Tablets has warned a common mistake made straight after sex is causing a painful infection called cystitis, a urinary tract infection (UTI) which affects the bladder.
Speaking to The Mirror, Sultan explained: "Cystitis is very common, and up to one in three women will have recurrent cystitis. Sex-induced cystitis is estimated to account for around 60% of recurrent cases of lower UTIs and hence is an increased risk around Valentine's Day.
"As 90% of cystitis is caused by bacteria from the rectum, movements during sex help move these bacteria up the urethra into the bladder. Movement during sex may also cause damage to the urethra and this slight damage can cause bacteria to thrive and infect the urethra and bladder. Sex from behind, in particular, can inflame the urethra."
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But there's one thing you can do straight after sex which can help prevent these painful infections - and it's to pee. Sultan explained: "Cystitis is highly unpleasant causing pain when passing urine, urinary frequency whilst not passing much urine, generally feeling under the weather and sometimes having a fever. In the context of sex the use of spermicide, a new sexual partner in the last year and the use of contraceptive diaphragms increases risk. The risk of cystitis with any sexual activity is increased if you don't pee afterwards.
"Healthy self-care around sex is vital to help prevent bouts of this debilitating condition. Before and after having sex, go to the toilet straight away and empty your bladder."
Sultan also recommends staying hydrated, around sex. He explained: "Drink a large glass of water after having sex as this strengthens the pee stream and stops bacteria sticking inside the urinary tract.
"Wash down below after sex avoiding perfumed products, talc and feminine wipes. Always wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from your anus to your urethra and wear cotton underwear. Eat a healthy diet and drink plenty both if you have cystitis and also to help prevent it."
According to the NHS, cystitis often gets better by itself, but sometimes needs to be treated with antibiotics. Some of the symptoms include pain, burning or stinging when you pee, needing to pee more often than usual, pee that's dark, cloudy or strong smelling, and pain low down in your tummy.
You should speak to your GP if you think you have cystitis and your symptoms don't go away within three days, as you might need antibiotics.