Skip to main content
Go to homepage

Print Page

Why Am I Getting Urinary Tract Infections?

Ever since I started having sex I get urinary tract infections a lot. Does that mean there could be something else wrong?
Mandy*

If you have burning or pain when you pee, it could be a number of things. One possibility is a urinary tract infection (UTI), but others include a sexually transmitted disease (STD), such as chlamydia, or chemical irritation from a spermicide (a chemical that kills sperm). It’s hard to tell the difference without seeing a doctor or nurse practitioner .

Urinary tract infections tend to be more common in girls who have sex. Often, they happen because bacteria entered the urethra (the tube that pee comes out of).

Follow these steps to help decrease your chances of getting UTIs:

  • Don't touch your vagina with anything that has been in contact with your anus (the hole poop comes out of). This includes condoms, toilet paper, fingers, etc. Do not go from anal to vaginal sex.
  • Wipe front to back after going to the bathroom.
  • Pee right before and after sex.
  • Drink plenty of liquids, especially water.

STDs can cause symptoms similar to those of a UTI, such as burning, vaginal discharge, belly pain, and irregular bleeding.

Many times, though, STDs have few symptoms, which is why it is important for anyone who has had sex to be tested at least once a year. And always use condoms with any type of sex to help prevent STDs.

In any case, the best thing to do is get checked out ASAP by a health care provider who can look for the reason you're having symptoms. It's really important to get the right diagnosis and treatment!

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.

Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: Sep 8, 2020

What next?

Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
There are 10 nurses in the picture.

And we have many more pediatric primary care providers in Northeast Ohio. You can meet some of them here.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The five differences are:
– Phone color
– Coat pocket
– Stethoscope earpiece color
– Stethoscope bell dot
– Clipboard paper color

Need help finding a doctor, choosing a location or getting a general question about Akron Children's answered? Call us or fill out the form and we'll help in any way we can.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The two matching doctors are 9 and 14.

With virtual visits, you can see our pediatric experts from the comfort of home or wherever you are.
Summit Mall Play Area
Answer Key:
Click to expand
The correct path:
The Correct Path
We offer many ways to get pediatric care all over Northeast Ohio. Use this page to find the right kind of care and the most convenient location for you.