By | May 15, 2025
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How To Avoid Honeymoon Cystitis

Avoiding honeymoon cystitis—a type of urinary tract infection (UTI) that often follows sexual activity—requires good hygiene practices, preventive care, and sometimes medical support. Here’s a detailed guide:

🚫 How to Avoid Honeymoon Cystitis (Post-Coital UTI)

✅ 1. Urinate Before and After Sex

  • Before sex: Helps clear any bacteria already in the urethra.
  • After sex: Flushes out bacteria that may have been introduced during intercourse.

✅ 2. Clean Gently Before and After Sex

  • Wash genital area with warm water (avoid harsh soaps).
  • Both partners should maintain good hygiene.
  • Avoid douching, as it disrupts natural vaginal flora and increases infection risk.

✅ 3. Wipe Front to Back

  • Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet to prevent spreading bacteria from the anus to the urethra.

✅ 4. Stay Hydrated

  • Drink plenty of water daily (6–8 glasses).
  • Helps dilute urine and encourages frequent urination to flush out bacteria.

✅ 5. Use Lubrication

  • Vaginal dryness can cause microtears, increasing UTI risk.
  • Use water-based lubricants if needed to reduce friction during sex.
  • Avoid scented or flavored lubricants—they can be irritating.

✅ 6. Avoid Spermicides

  • Spermicides (especially nonoxynol-9) can irritate the urethra and kill good bacteria.
  • Consider alternative forms of birth control if you’re prone to UTIs.

✅ 7. Wear Breathable, Cotton Underwear

  • Avoid tight clothing and synthetic underwear that can trap moisture and bacteria.

✅ 8. Avoid Prolonged Holding of Urine

  • Don’t “hold it in” for long periods, especially after sex.
  • Go when you feel the urge.

✅ 9. Take Preventive Supplements

Some women benefit from:

  • D-mannose: A sugar that helps prevent E. coli from sticking to the urinary tract.
  • Cranberry extract (not juice): Helps prevent bacterial adhesion.
  • Probiotics (especially vaginal or urinary-specific strains like Lactobacillus): Support healthy flora.

These are generally safe but check with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re on medications.

✅ 10. See a Doctor If UTIs Are Recurrent

  • You may need:
    • A urine culture
    • Antibiotic prophylaxis (a low dose taken after sex or daily)
    • A urologist or gynecologist referral

🚨 See a Doctor If You Experience:

  • Burning during urination
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Lower abdominal or back pain
  • Fever or chills (may indicate kidney infection)