When it comes to sexual health, it’s important to clear up some common misconceptions about going to the bathroom before or after sex.

Many people believe that emptying their bladder before sex prevents urinary tract infections (UTIs), while others think that it’s best to wait until after sex to go to the bathroom.

To determine the best approach, we spoke with medical experts and reviewed recent research on this topic. Here’s what they had to say:.

Going to the bathroom before sex

One commonly held belief about going to the bathroom before sex is that it helps prevent UTIs. UTIs are bacterial infections that can occur when bacteria from the rectum or vagina enters the urethra.

Since sex can sometimes cause these bacteria to enter the urethra, many people believe that emptying their bladder beforehand can help flush out any bacteria and prevent infection.

According to Dr. Rebecca K. O’Donnell, an OB-GYN based in Houston, TX, there is some truth to this idea. “It’s not a surefire way to avoid UTIs, but it can help,” she says.

“If you have a full bladder during sex, it can put pressure on your urethra and make it more likely for bacteria to enter and cause an infection.”.

So while going to the bathroom before sex may not completely prevent UTIs, it can certainly lower your risk.

Going to the bathroom after sex

Some people believe that it’s best to wait until after sex to go to the bathroom, but this may not be the most effective way to prevent UTIs.

“While it’s still important to pee after sex, waiting too long could give bacteria more time to settle in and lead to an infection,” says Dr. O’Donnell.

“Ideally, you should pee within 30 minutes of having sex, but the sooner the better.”.

In addition to preventing UTIs, going to the bathroom after sex can also help flush out any sperm that may have entered the urethra, reducing the risk of pregnancy.

Other ways to prevent UTIs

While going to the bathroom before and after sex can help prevent UTIs, there are other steps you can take to lower your risk:.

Wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectum to the urethra
Drink plenty of water and urinate regularly to flush out any bacteria in the urinary tract
Avoid using scented products in the genital area, as they can irritate the urethra and increase your risk of infection
Use condoms or dental dams during sex to reduce your risk of contracting or spreading sexually transmitted infections (STIs), which can also increase your risk of UTIs

By taking these steps, you can lower your risk of developing a UTI and maintain good sexual health.

The bottom line

When it comes to going to the bathroom before or after sex, both can help prevent UTIs, but going after sex is particularly important. Remember to urinate within 30 minutes of having sex and take other preventive measures to stay healthy.