Shortly after becoming sexually active, most young ladies hear that it's wise to take a tinkle after a romp in between the sheets since urinating can help prevent urinary tract infections. But is there any truth to these much-repeated words? Or is it an old wives' tale akin to the "you can't wash your hair during your period" myth? Well, according to Dr. Lissa Rankin, author of What's Up Down There? Questions You'd Only Ask Your Gynecologist If She Was Your Best Friend, peeing after sex is, indeed, an excellent preventative health strategy.
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Why exactly is it helpful to urinate after sex? Well, according to Dr. Rankin, bacteria can enter the urethra during sex and, if left there to thrive, it could potentially result in a urinary tract infection. Peeing shortly after intercourse flushes out the unwanted bacteria lurking in the urethra, thereby lessening the chances of a painful UTI ensuing.
Even the tiniest bit of urine will do the trick, so it's perfectly fine if you don't have the urge to release a Niagara Falls-esque stream. And if you don't ever feel the desire to pee after sex? Well, in that case, Dr. Rankin suggests increasing your overall fluid intake since such a scenario could indicate dehydration.
When it comes to avoiding UTIs, then, peeing is believing!
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