Answer:
by Sandra Welner: ()
One commonly asked question and one challenging
question. I will do my best.
UTIs after sexual activity are very common in all women.
For SCI women, it can be even more of a problem. They can
self-cath immediately after sex. Also, if they have recurrent
UTIs after sex, they may want to talk to their doctor about
urinary antiseptics, which are not the same things as an
antibiotic. These agents can suppress bacterial growth, but
if there is a rampant infection, they're not used to treat
that. I don't want to give examples of these agents because I
don't want anybody to start taking these medications
without a physician's knowledge. But there are at least two
of them that are currently marketed. Also, the usual anti-UTI
measures might be beneficial, such as cranberry juice or
pills, vitamin C, and other measures that would acidify the
urine. These measures might also help the woman on dialysis
who has little or no urine output.
Condoms may not really do very much for this; although
it is possible that the penis has bacteria that could be thrust
into the urethra during intercourse and the condom would
cover and shield that. I'm just speaking theoretically; I have
not seen this anywhere. I do know there are some studies
that show nonoxinyl-9 may be linked with UTIs, but that has
been more reported in diaphragm and cervical cap use. But
nonoxinyl-9 is important for HIV infection protection.
(There's always some good in the bad and bad in the good.)
You really need to address these issues with your
gynecologist or urologist to get a better feel for what is
useful in your individual situation.
Hope this is helpful. Best wishes.
Reviewed by: Kathleen VanKirk DHS
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