This is one of the most common questions I hear from UTI patients, and the answer brings relief to many couples: UTIs themselves are not contagious. You cannot “catch” a UTI from your partner the way you’d catch a cold or the flu.
UTIs are caused by bacteria that normally live in your own body—primarily E. coli from your intestinal tract. The infection occurs when these bacteria travel from the intestines to the urinary tract, typically through the urethra. This is an internal process unique to each individual.
However, sexual activity can increase UTI risk for some people, particularly women.
Here’s why this causes confusion about “contagiousness”:
- Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract
- Certain sexual practices may transfer bacteria between partners
- Some people develop UTIs consistently after sexual activity
This doesn’t mean the UTI is being transmitted—rather, the sexual activity itself can facilitate bacterial movement in susceptible individuals.
There’s one important exception: if both partners have UTIs simultaneously, it might suggest an underlying sexually transmitted infection (STI) rather than typical UTIs. STIs like chlamydia or gonorrhea can cause symptoms similar to UTIs and are indeed contagious.
To reduce UTI risk related to sexual activity:
- Urinate before and after intercourse
- Stay well-hydrated
- Practice good hygiene
- Avoid harsh soaps or douches
- Consider different sexual positions if UTIs occur frequently
You don’t need to avoid intimacy or isolate yourself when you have a UTI. However, UTI symptoms like pelvic pain might make sexual activity uncomfortable, so listen to your body.
If you’re experiencing recurrent UTIs or your partner also has urinary symptoms, ChatRx can help determine whether you need individual UTI treatment or testing for STIs.
