Sexpert: March 7, 2013

Dear Sexpert,

I became sexually active with my boyfriend this year, and we use a diaphragm for contraceptive purposes. We don’t use condoms because I have a latex allergy. However, for the past few months I have been experiencing a burning feeling when I urinate, and a number of frequent and intense urges to urinate, even though not a lot comes out when I do. Have I contracted an STI? Should I stop having sex with my boyfriend?

—Tired of Always Having to Pee

Dear Tired,

Ouch! It sounds like you might have a urinary tract infection. UTIs are usually caused by bacteria (most often E. coli, which live in the colon and rectum) entering the urethra. The good news is that UTIs are treatable and symptoms should improve quickly if you seek medical care promptly. Another reason to seek care as soon as possible is to prevent the UTI from becoming a kidney infection.

A couple of STIs, trichomoniasis and chlamydia, can cause UTIs, as can a suppressed immune system, stress or a poor diet, among other things. So yes, it is possible you have an STI. Additionally, herpes lesions can also cause burning with urination. The only way to know for sure is to get diagnosed by a medical professional and get tested for STIs. You can make an appointment at Sexual Health and Wellness (SHAW) at University Health Services or a different health care professional for an official diagnosis.

It is relatively easy to contract a UTI. Anything that brings bacteria into contact with the vulva and/or urethra can cause a UTI, such as when tiny particles of fecal waste enter the urethra during foreplay or even when water from the toilet splashes. More serious UTIs spread from the urethra up to the bladder.

Diaphragm use can contribute to UTIs because the spermicide used in conjunction with diaphragms can change the pH in the vagina, increasing the growth of bacteria that leads to UTIs. Experts recommend that women who have trouble with frequent urinary tract infections while using a diaphragm try a new form of birth control. Due to your latex allergy, you might want to try latex-free lubricated condoms without spermicide or latex-free condoms with a non-spermidical lubricant. SHAW can also help you with your birth control options.

If you do not have an STI, your boyfriend will not contract an infection from you. However, it is not recommended that you engage in sexual intercourse until the infection has been treated. The infection will most likely cause discomfort during intercourse, which can further irritate the infected area, increasing the amount of time required to treat it. If your UTI is caused by an STI, you should not engage in sexual intercourse with your boyfriend until the infection is gone in order to reduce the risk that he will contract the STI.

There are a number of other precautions you can take to prevent UTIs in the future. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, because it helps dilute urine and increases the frequency of urination, ensuring that bacteria is regularly flushed from the urinary tract before an infection can develop. Wipe from front to back to help prevent the transfer of bacteria. Avoid using feminine products, such as deodorant sprays, douches and powders, as these can irritate the genital area. An irritated urethra is more susceptible to infection.

I hope you are better soon, and remember that while you are recovering there are plenty of other ways for you and your boyfriend to enjoy each other’s company!

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—The Sexpert

Interested in Sexual Health? The Sexpert is always looking for members of the community to join the team of sexual health educators who, along with fact-checking from University health professionals, help write these columns. Email sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com for more information and questions about sexual health. Don’t be shy!