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Did you know that some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) mimic the symptoms of food poisoning or a common upset stomach? Partaking in any sexual activity without adequate safety measures puts you at risk for ingesting bacteria that can harm your gut, including the common gram-negative bacteria, Shigella flexneri. 

So, what is Shigella flexneri? Below, we explain everything you need to know about this bacterial infection. If you think you might have a sexually transmitted disease (STD), order a rapid STD test online or visit a local Rapid STD Testing clinic to speak with a doctor. 

Shigella Flexneri Symptoms and Sources

Shigella bacteria spread by directly ingesting an infected individual’s stool, making the infection highly contagious. While it may not be an STD, unsafe sexual activities are one of the leading causes of spreading Shigella. You can get sick with Shigella by:

• Not washing your hands after touching something contaminated: If you’ve just changed a diaper and forgot to wash your hands before touching your mouth, you could accidentally ingest the bacteria. 
• Eating contaminated food: Eating food from unsanitary or unsafe sources could result in an infection. 
• Drinking water with sewage in it: Sometimes, unsafe water sources might have sewage contamination.
• Ingesting bodily fluids or waste during sexual activities: One of the most common ways people contract Shigella is through sexual contact. Men who have sex with men have an increased risk of accidentally consuming contaminated fecal matter, making Shigella a sexually transmitted enteric infection. 

Symptoms typically begin within a day or two of ingesting the bacteria. Shigella flexneri symptoms include:

• Mild diarrhea 
• Bloody diarrhea 
• Fever
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea 
• Vomiting

How long does Shigella last? You should expect the symptoms to continue for around five to seven days, though your fecal matter remains contagious for a few weeks. 

What Disease Is Caused by Shigella Flexneri?

The Shigella bacteria cause a disease called shigellosis, which invades the intestinal epithelial layer of cells, causing a severe inflammatory response within your organs. As your immune system’s white blood cells attempt to fight the bacteria, you typically experience severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea, stomach pain, vomiting, and fever. 

When answering the question, “what is Shigella flexneri?” keep in mind that the infection is more than just a stomach ache. While the symptoms might mimic food poisoning, the long-term effects and contagious nature make this bacteria increasingly dangerous. 

While the illness should resolve by itself within a week, many people experience mild symptoms for months as their digestive system recovers. The most severe cases risk developing the following complications:

• Dehydration: Dehydration is common among all gastrointestinal infections. Diarrhea and vomiting make it difficult for your body to retain the water it needs. You should seek medical attention if you notice the common dehydration clinical symptoms, like dark urine, dizziness, dry mouth, and infrequent urination. 
• Seizures: While not common, some children who run high fevers from Shigella suffer seizures. Adults without fevers could also experience this reaction, though it’s rarer.
• Prolapsed anus: Severe diarrhea and inflammation could irritate the bowels so much that a portion of the intestinal lining slips through the rectum and out the anus. Prolapsed anuses are uncommon for healthy individuals who only get sick for a few days. 
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome: In rare cases, shigellosis decreases red blood cell and platelet counts, potentially causing kidney failure. 
• Toxic megacolon: Extreme inflammatory cases could cause colon paralysis, which inhibits the ability to pass stool. If the colon becomes too backed up, it could rupture, causing a fatal infection. 
• Reactive arthritis: Infections can cause joint pain and inflammation, though usually, this symptom is temporary. 
• Sepsis: If the bacteria damage the intestinal lining, they could enter the bloodstream. Bloodstream infections, or sepsis, are often fatal. 

To prevent your infection from developing into these dangerous ailments, contact your doctor if you notice blood in your stool or any dehydration symptoms. If you’re unsure what’s wrong, order a 10-panel STD test from Rapid STD Testing.  

Who Are the Most at Risk of Shigellosis

The most at-risk group of people for catching shigellosis are men having sex with men. Common activities that spread the bacteria include:

• Oral sex
• Touching the anal region and not washing hands after
• Anal sex
• Handling an infected condom
• Using contaminated sex toys (learn more about sex toys, STD, and STI correlations) 

Many assume they would never intentionally ingest fecal matter during sex, though consuming just a small amount of bacteria could lead to infection. Usually, the bacteria remain undetected to the naked eye, so people can’t see how they’re infecting themselves. 

Aside from men who have sex with men, the following groups also have high risks of contracting Shigella:

• Children under five: Kids have a habit of putting their fingers and dirty objects in their mouths. Young children don’t understand the ramifications of ingesting dangerous bacteria and might get their hands on an infected item before a parent can sanitize it. 
• People living in large groups: Anyone in jail, group houses, community centers, public pools, nursing homes, military facilities, child care centers, or other groups have an increased risk of touching infected items. 
• Travelers in underdeveloped countries: Some areas lack adequate sanitation devices and water filtration systems, so when outsiders visit, their bodies cannot fight off the bacteria. 
• People with a weakened immune response: Anyone with a pre-existing condition that inhibits the immune system’s functions has a higher risk of getting Shigella since their body can’t adequately kill off the bacteria. 

What Is the Treatment for Shigella Flexneri?

Prevention is the best way to avoid Shigella. Now that you’ve learned, “what is Shigella flexneri?” you’ve already taken your first step. Avoid the infection by adhering to the following recommendations:

• Wash your hands before and after sex.
• Wash your hands during intercourse if you touch any anal regions before continuing.
• Avoid oral contact with the anal area.
• Use separate condoms for anal sex and oral sex.
• Wear gloves when handling anal areas.
• Don’t share sex toys.
• Dispose of soiled diapers adequately.
• Disinfect the diaper changing station.
• Don’t ingest water from untreated sources (lakes, ponds, creeks, etc.).
• If you get sick, avoid swimming or preparing food for others.

Mild cases of Shigella flexneri typically don’t require medications and resolve themselves within a week. Infected individuals with severe symptoms might need treatment to prevent their condition from worsening. 

Usually, doctors recommend an antimicrobial treatment to help your body fight the bacteria using antibiotics. While this medication is usually extremely effective, you must consider the antibiotic resistance risks. When you take an antibiotic too frequently or for long periods, bacteria and other illnesses learn how to fight the medication, meaning you might not be able to treat the ailment as easily in the future. 

Testing yourself regularly for STDs is a great way to stay ahead of medical treatments, reduce the spread, and keep yourself safe. Rapid STD Testing offers discreet same-day STD testing so you can get results in an instant. 

Do Your Part to Reduce the Spread by Getting Tested Today! 

If you searched online for “what is Shigella flexneri?” you’ve already taken the first step toward becoming more educated and aware of sexually transmitted infections. Order STD tests online today at a local clinic or call (866) 872-1888 to speak with one of our professionals at Rapid STD Testing today for more information!

Have you noticed white bumps around your genitals or mouth and felt alarmed that it might be an STD? The issue could be Fordyce spots, which look similar to common STD symptoms. 

So, what are Fordyce spots? Fordyce spots are harmless white papules, or bumps, on the external surface of your skin. 

Since these bumps mimic the symptoms of other dangerous diseases, you must understand the key differences and get tested if you think you might have an STD. Below, our team at Rapid STD Testing discusses everything you need to know about Fordyce spots, common risk factors, misconceptions, and treatment options. 

Are Fordyce Spots Normal? Why Fordyce Spots Occur

Fordyce bumps are visible ectopic sebaceous glands (oil glands) without hair follicles around one to five millimeters in size with an opaque yellow or white appearance. You might have one bump, though usually, they cluster together in larger groups of 50 to 100. You can see the spots easier by stretching your skin. 

The bumps typically appear in the following locations:

• Inner cheeks
• Lips
• Esophagus
• Penis shaft and head
• Foreskin
• Labia 
• Vulva
• Vagina
• Areola

Are Fordyce spots normal? Yes, 80% of adults have Fordyce spots, many of which form at birth and become more present after puberty. 

Fordyce penile papules are incredibly common, especially around the foreskin. The bumps are normal variants in your skin’s texture and anatomy.

When considering why Fordyce spots occur, you should first know that usually, oil glands connect to a hair follicle, which often makes the gland less noticeable. Without the hair follicle, the harmless bump appears more noticeable. 

Misconceptions About Fordyce Spots and STDs

Dermatologist John Fordyce discovered Fordyce spots. Bumps might sit flat against your skin or raise slightly. Sometimes they secrete a thick substance when squeezed, though dermatologists advise against picking at them to prevent scarring and infections. 

If you’ve had the same bumps all your life, more often than not, they’re Fordyce spots, though if they only recently appeared, you might have a different issue. Aside from STDs, bumps could also indicate the following conditions:

• Milia: This condition is a build-up of unwanted tissue causing small pimples or cysts on the skin. Milia is most common in babies. 
• Folliculitis: Frequently called ingrown hairs, folliculitis is an inflammatory skin condition that happens from a build-up of bacteria inside the hair follicles. 
• Basal cell carcinoma: This form of skin cancer usually develops around areas of your skin that experience high sun exposure. 

Skin cancer is a severe and often fatal condition that requires intensive treatment. You should see a doctor immediately anytime you notice bumps that weren’t there. Your medical advisor will examine the area, diagnose the issue, and offer a review of treatment options so you can resolve any problems before they progress.

The online search traffic for the query, “what are Fordyce spots?” displays how many people frequently confuse this common ailment with infectious warts, STDs, or other illnesses. Luckily, Fordyce spots are not contagious and don’t cause any irritating symptoms or medical concerns.

Conditions like HPV and herpes might create similar bumps, though most people also experience itching, pain, burning sensations while urinating, redness, inflammation, and other uncomfortable reactions. If you notice any of those symptoms along with your bumps, you should order a rapid STD test from Rapid STD Testing or visit a local clinic. 

The bumps occasionally appear similar to genital warts (HPV), herpes, molluscum contagiosum, and syphilis.

HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a widespread STD that typically presents as genital warts on affected individuals. The more common type of HPV leaves patients with painful and itchy sores that occasionally flare up at random points during their lives. The virus has no cure, though you can receive a vaccination against the most dangerous strain that can develop into cervical cancer.  

Herpes

Herpes also causes irritating sores that begin small but can develop into large scabs over time. The bumps usually appear around the genital region or mouth, depending on where you got infected. Bodily fluids spread the virus, meaning you can contract it through sex or simply sharing a straw with a friend. 

Molluscum Contagiosum

This viral skin infection causes benign, small, hard bumps that usually don’t hurt but may itch. Molluscum contagiosum spreads through any skin-to-skin contact, including sex. Usually, the symptoms resolve on their own without medical treatment. 

Syphilis

This bacterial infection begins as a painless bump before developing into a rash. Untreated syphilis eventually attacks the individual’s nervous system, eyes, heart, and brain. With proper diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, you can treat syphilis before developing severe and fatal symptoms.

Ways to Get Rid of Fordyce Spots

Now that we’ve answered “what are Fordyce spots,” let’s discuss how to get rid of them. Fordyce spots aren’t infectious and don’t cause you harm, though many still choose to remove them for aesthetic purposes.

You must first visit your doctor to confirm your diagnosis. Usually, your dermatologist can identify the condition without needing a biopsy, though, with larger or discolored bumps, they may need to test you for other possible complications. After diagnosis, patients typically have the following options:

• Laser resurfacing: CO2 lasers remove the outermost layers of skin with carbon dioxide to reduce the appearance of stretch marks, scars, acne, and Fordyce spots. You might experience swelling, redness, and sun sensitivity for a few weeks after the procedure. 
• Pulsed dye lasers: If your glands become too enlarged, causing you to develop sebaceous gland hyperplasia, your doctor might recommend pulsed dye lasers. This treatment costs more but leaves less noticeable scarring. 
• Isotretinoin: Isotretinoin, commonly called Accutane, is a strong prescription medication used to treat severe acne. The vitamin A retinol reduces skin inflammation, which can help dissolve Fordyce spots, though this drug has a few severe side effects. 
• Micro-punch surgery: This procedure involves using a pen-like tool to punch out the individual bumps from affected areas. Micro-punch surgery is the most painful option and usually requires anesthesia, which comes with added risks. 

Can Fordyce Spots Just Disappear?

No, Fordyce spots won’t go away on their own. If you’re concerned about their appearance, consult your doctor about the options above. 

Many people struggle with a lack of confidence and poor self-image, and pimples on the penis, mouth, or other genital areas might feel embarrassing. Resolving Fordyce spots could help ease anxiety during sex and restore a positive self-image. 

If unsure of the cause of your bumps, order a 10-panel STD test online or visit a local clinic to rule out some of the more dangerous possibilities. 

How To Know if You Have Fordyce Spots: Get Tested Today 

Not sure whether you have Fordyce bumps or an STD? Learn how to know if you have Fordyce spots by visiting a local clinic. 

Our team at Rapid STD Testing aims to answer your questions, like “what are Fordyce spots, and how do I get rid of them?” To understand the cause of your bumps, schedule an appointment for same-day STD testing at a Rapid STD Testing clinic near you.

You’ve likely heard of meningococcal meningitis, but do you know what causes it? Neisseria meningitidis is the bacterium behind meningitis, though recently, it’s evolved to become a cause of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Because of the long-term medical treatments and severe effects associated with meningitis, this contagious development warrants serious concerns among medical professionals and the general public. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about Neisseria meningitidis from our professional team at Rapid STD Testing, including what it is, how you could contract it, who has the highest risks, and how to prevent the spread. 

What Is Neisseria Meningitidis?

What is Neisseria meningitidis? Neisseria meningitidis is a bacterium that causes meningococcal disease, different meningitidis strains (serotypes), sepsis, and, recently, sexually transmitted infections. The diseases caused by Neisseria meningitidis are severe and often fatal. 

Neisseria meningitidis evolved to become a cause of STDs by shedding their outer capsule coatings to stick better to different mucosal surfaces. The bacteria also developed stronger enzymes to grow in environments with low oxygen levels. 

Approximately 5 to 10% of people can carry Neisseria meningitidis in their throats without symptoms. The bacteria spreads through saliva contact, which may happen from coughing, kissing, touching, living together, sharing drinks, and more. When the bacteria enter other body parts and develop into meningitis, they infect the spinal cord, brain, and bloodstream. 

In 2015, over 100 people in Columbus, Ohio, began reporting painful urination, which doctors presumed was gonorrhea (continue learning about the origins of gonorrhea). The outbreaks initially remained undetected during blood sampling due to the evolved capsule bacteria. Similar to the pneumococcal serotypes, the designation of serotypes for Neisseria meningitidis usually relies on examining the capsule. 

Meningococcal disease symptoms typically begin after three or four days and include the following:

• Sudden fever spikes
• Headaches
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea 
• Vomiting
• Rashes
• Exhaustion and weakness
• Light sensitivity

If the bacteria spread into critical body parts, developing into meningitis, infected individuals risk permanent hearing, kidney, and brain damage. Some surviving patients may also need limb amputations. Out of all meningococcal disease sufferers, 10 to 15% die of the disease. 

How Do You Get Neisseria Meningitidis?

The bacteria can spread from person to person in several ways, making meningitis and other associated infections highly contagious. People spread the bacteria through saliva. 

When droplets of spit move through the air, you might inhale the bacteria. While one in ten people might feel fine walking around with Neisseria meningitidis in their nasal cavity, the other nine suffer an extreme risk due to the proximity to their spinal cord, brain, and other vital regions. 

Common causes of Neisseria meningitidis include:

• Being near an infected individual who coughs or sneezes
• Sharing drinks with someone who has Neisseria meningitidis
• Engaging in sexual activities with an infected person
• Kissing, touching, or being near someone who’s sick. 

Time is critical when treating this infection. An early diagnosis of meningitis can save your life. If you think you might have it, contact your doctor immediately.

If unsure what you have, we recommend ordering a 10-panel STD test from Rapid STD Testing and visiting a local clinic to speak with a medical professional about your action plan. We offer discreet and fast results so you can get ahead on treatment. 

Who Is at Risk of Catching Neisseria Meningitidis?

Anyone, regardless of age, gender, or location, can get Neisseria meningitidis, though certain groups of people have increased risks, including:

• Anyone who lives in sub-Saharan Africa: Also known as the “meningitis belt,” the sub-Saharan section of Africa has the highest number of reported meningococcal disease cases worldwide. Anyone who lives in this region or travels to it must practice extreme caution and receive the necessary vaccines. The bacteria becomes most dangerous from December to June, known as the “dry season.”
• Teenagers: Teens frequently spend more time in high-risk areas like schools, gyms, sporting facilities, pools, etc. Make sure your teen knows not to share their straw with friends. 
• Infants: Babies under one don’t have fully developed immune systems and cannot fight off certain bacteria. Most infants can’t receive the proper vaccines to ward off these illnesses until they’re older. Mothers at risk for meningitis should quarantine their children to keep them safe. 
• People who live in group settings: Anyone who lives with a large group comes in contact with more bacteria and foreign bodily fluids daily. Group settings might include prisons, camps, boarding schools, daycares, nursing homes, college dorms, military housing, and more. 
• Sickle cell disease patients: Anyone with sickle cell disease or a damaged spleen experiences a greater risk of meningitis. 
• Immuno-compromised people: If you have conditions that suppress your immune system’s ability to fight off bacteria, you should practice extra caution to avoid Neisseria meningitis complications.
• Anyone who experienced a potential exposure: If you were around an infected person, watch out for the initial symptoms and contact your doctor if you notice any. 
• Sexually active adults: Anyone who practices unsafe sex could contract meningitis through sexual activities. 

Doctors often have difficulty diagnosing meningitis since it mimics the symptoms of other illnesses. A confirmed diagnosis requires a blood test.

Management and Prevention

If you visit the hospital soon enough after getting meningitis, you could achieve a full recovery. Treatment usually begins with antibiotics, though depending on the severity, patients frequently need additional support mechanisms. Sometimes symptom management includes:

• Breathing support
• Blood pressure medications
• Dead tissue removal surgery
• Wound and damaged skin treatments

The best way to survive Neisseria meningitidis is to avoid it altogether. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all 11- to 12-year-olds receive the Meningococcal ACWY vaccine (MenACWY), which includes the necessary bactericidal antibodies. At 16, they should receive a booster for the same vaccine.

The CDC also recommends that anyone ages 16 to 18 receive the Serogroup B meningococcal vaccine (MenB). Depending on travel plans and risks, younger kids or older adults might also need one of these vaccines or a booster. You should consult with your doctor about the best plan for your needs. 

Total country engagement in these vaccines could also reduce the spread of the bacteria and help keep the population safe. Even if you don’t live in or travel to high-risk areas, you should receive the proper vaccinations so that you don’t accidentally infect others with meningitis. 

Another way to reduce the spread of common diseases is receiving regular STD tests. You can order online same-day STD testing from Rapid STD Testing or visit a local clinic. Learning about your condition helps you avoid giving it to a partner by accident.  

Learn More About Neisseria Meningitidis Bacteria

Neisseria meningitidis bacteria are incredibly dangerous and contagious. Learning how Neisseria meningitidis evolve and spread helps you avoid contracting the illness. To prevent spreading harmful bacterial infections, practice safe sex and stay informed by ordering a rapid STD test from Rapid STD Testing today at one of our STD testing centers across the US.

To answer the question, “Are UTIs sexually transmitted?” we must understand the difference between a UTI and an STI. UTI stands for urinary tract infection, a bacterial infection within the urinary tract. STI stands for sexually transmitted infection, which are bacterial or viral infections passed through sexual activity. 

Although these infections differ, people sometimes confuse one for the other because they both affect the genital area and may cause similar symptoms. This article explores what a UTI is, how it differs from an STI, common misconceptions about UTIs, and tips for preventing these infections from coming back. 

Are UTIs Sexually Transmitted?

Can a UTI Be Sexually Transmitted?

In short, no, a UTI is not a sexually transmitted infection. The physical act of sexual intercourse can cause a UTI by pushing gastrointestinal bacteria on the skin into the urinary tract, but the infection-causing bacteria live inside the body. 

If you’re fighting a UTI, you have no need for embarrassment. More than 150 million people get these infections every year, and UTIs are easily treatable.

What Is a Urinary Tract Infection?

We know that UTIs are not sexually transmitted, but how do UTIs occur? People contract urinary tract infections when bacteria from their digestive tract enter their urinary tract, which consists of the urethra (pee hole), bladder, ureters (tubes that run from the kidneys to the bladder), and kidneys. Most UTIs occur in the bladder, which is why many people refer to UTIs as bladder infections or cystitis. 

Besides intercourse, several activities and circumstances can make you susceptible to UTIs, including douching, dehydration, “holding it” when you need to urinate, menopause, and diabetes. If you think you may have a UTI, visit your doctor for a urinalysis. They can diagnose your UTI and provide you with a treatment prescription.  

Women tend to get UTIs more often than men because they have much shorter urethras that open closer to the rectum (a source of bacteria). Still, people with both male and female genitalia periodically deal with these infections.

Male UTI Symptoms

Men don’t suffer from UTIs as often as women because male urethras are longer, so bacteria must travel much farther to reach the bladder. Male UTI symptoms include the following:

• Frequent urination
• Constantly feeling the urge to urinate
• Odorous and cloudy urine 
• Burning while urinating or afterward
• Difficulty urinating
• Minor fever
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)

Female UTI Symptoms

The most common symptoms for women with UTIs include:

• Painful urination or burning sensation
• Consistent urge to urinate
• Odorous or milky urine
• Hematuria (blood in urine)
• Pressure in the lower abdomen
• Fatigue or shakiness (especially in older women)
• Fever (may indicate a kidney infection)

If you experience any of the symptoms above and suspect you have a UTI, visit your doctor or a nearby urgent care center. UTIs are very treatable but can cause severe conditions like a kidney infection if left untreated.

UTIs, STIs, and Sex

The type of bacteria indicates the primary difference between UTIs and STIs. The bacteria that cause UTIs already live in the body’s gastrointestinal tract and are often located around the rectum. You can pass the bacteria on to your sexual partner but not the infection itself. 

STIs, on the other hand, pass from person to person through sexual contact because the infection lives in the person’s skin, saliva, sperm, or other bodily fluids. STIs can present with very different symptoms than UTIs. If you’re dealing with any of the following symptoms, seek same-day STD testing at a Rapid STD Testing lab:

• Rash, blisters, or lumps in the genital area
• Abnormal penile or vaginal discharge
• Pelvic pain or itchiness
• Spotting or unusually heavy menstruation

The above symptoms do not commonly occur with UTIs but can indicate an STI. Get same-day STD testing through Rapid STD Testing.

Some UTI symptoms can indicate an STI. Learn more about frequent urination and STDs. 

Can a UTI Be Passed Sexually?

As discussed above, you cannot pass a UTI to your partner during sexual intercourse, but that is not to say that UTIs don’t sometimes occur after sex. Intercourse can introduce rectal bacteria into the urethra that can then travel to the bladder and begin to multiply, causing bacterial growth. Certain things may put you at greater risk of infection, including using a diaphragm or having sex with a new partner, but UTIs are not contagious. 

So, is a UTI a sexually transmitted infection? No, but sex may contribute to a UTI, and you can pass on the infection-causing bacteria to your sexual partner. Keep yourself and your partners safe by following the preventative tips found farther below.

Are UTIs Caused by STDs?

The answer to this question is the same as the answer to “Is a UTI sexually transmitted?” No, although some STIs can infect the urinary tract, such as trichomonas, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. STIs in the urinary tract can resemble UTIs but are caused by different bacteria.

Can a UTI Cause STD?

No, although you can suffer from both types of genital infections simultaneously. If you need help determining whether an STI or UTI is causing your urinary symptoms, get a rapid STD test from Rapid STD Testing.

Other Misconceptions About UTIs

Many misconceptions about UTIs exist, so let’s clear up some confusion by looking at the most common UTI myths:

Only Unclean People Get UTIs

This misconception stems from the fact that bacteria from the rectum causes UTIs, but having a UTI doesn’t mean you have poor personal hygiene. In fact, the direction in which you wipe has more to do with UTIs than any other aspect of hygiene. If you wipe back to front, you may be pushing gastrointestinal bacteria towards your urethra. 

Otherwise, personal hygiene does not affect a person’s risk of UTIs. If anything, using too many soaps and chemicals in your genital area can disrupt healthy bacteria, causing yeast infections and vaginosis in women. Click here to learn more about the differences between UTIs and yeast infections. 

My UTI Will Go Away By Itself

UTIs may resolve on their own, but untreated UTIs may lead to more serious issues like a kidney infection. It’s always best to seek medical treatment.

If you receive an antibiotic prescription, be sure to take it for as long as the doctor instructs. Stopping antibiotic treatment too early may result in the UTI coming back.

Preventing UTIs From Coming Back

Once you have your UTI under control, keep the following tips in mind to prevent it from returning: 

Don’t Hold Back Your Urine

If you need to urinate, stop what you’re doing and find a bathroom. Holding your pee can increase your chance of getting a UTI and worsen existing mild infections. This tip may seem obvious, but we understand that it’s easy to ignore the urge to urinate if you have a busy schedule.

Urinate Immediately After Sex

We know couples in romantic movies always cuddle right after sex, but one of the best ways to prevent UTIs is flushing out the urinary tract right after intercourse. You can cuddle with your partner after you pee. 

Don’t Mix Vaginal and Anal Sex

Going back and forth between the vagina and anus during penetrative sex may spread gastrointestinal bacteria into the urethra. 

UTI or STI? Find Out What’s Causing Your Symptoms

We hope we satisfactorily answered the question, “Are UTIs sexually transmitted?” We understand how uncomfortable urinary symptoms can be, so we offer fast and confidential STI testing at facilities throughout the U.S.

Find out if an STI is causing your urinary symptoms with a 10-panel STD test. Contact us today to find a Rapid STD Testing center near you.