Peeing after sex: Does it reduce chances of pregnancy?

Why should you pee after sex?

Our urinary tracts play a crucial role in health. It's our body's natural system for removing urine, which contains waste and water [1]. Not only that, peeing can also help flush out bacteria [2], which can prevent infections.

Benefits of peeing after sex

One of the most common reasons why healthcare experts recommend peeing after sex is to help prevent UTIs. It's a relatively common occurrence, especially in women – research shows that up to 60% of women in the United States will develop one in their lifetime, and 5% to 20% of those experience recurrent UTIs [3]. While the number of men who experience UTIs is smaller, it's still a possibility [1].

Research shows that the frequency of intercourse is the strongest risk factor for women getting a UTI, followed by the use of spermicides, a new partner in the last 12 months, and having a family history of frequent UTIs [4]. However, the same studies did not find a clear correlation between UTIs and peeing either before or after sex. While research is still ongoing, peeing after sex remains recommended by many healthcare providers when it comes to preventing UTIs, especially for women who have recurrent UTIs [2, 5, 6].

How soon after sex should you urinate?

Official guidelines recommend peeing as soon as possible after sex to try to minimize the chances of UTIs [5]. 

What should I do if I experience pain while peeing after sex?

First of all, know that experiencing pain and discomfort while peeing after sex is a fairly common experience, but that doesn’t mean it should be ignored. It could happen due to a number of reasons:

• Lack of lubrication: If, during intercourse, there was a buildup of excessive friction without sufficient lubrication, the sensitive genital skin may be irritated after sex, which may cause discomfort or even pain when you pee. Try adding lube or spend more time warming up with foreplay before intercourse to prevent this [7].
• Rough sex: Sometimes rough action during intercourse, even with enough lubrication, can make the sensitive genital skin irritated, which may cause burning while you pee after sex.
• UTIs: Pain while peeing is one of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) [2].
• STIs: It's also a symptom of several sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Other symptoms may include unusual discharge, an unpleasant smell, itching, redness, and skin swelling [8].

If you experience pain while peeing after sex with any of the additional unpleasant symptoms, such as smell, itching, or swelling, you may want to consult with your healthcare provider. They can run some tests to try to determine the cause of the pain, as well as prescribe potential treatment options.

Why does it burn when I pee after sex?

If you experience burning when peeing after sex, it could be a sign that you have a UTI [3]. The burning sensation while peeing could be the only thing you experience, or you may notice other symptoms such as:

• Urge to pee, but nothing comes out
• Pressure in your lower abdominal area
• Strange-smelling urine that looks cloudy or milky
• Blood in your urine
• Having a fever
• Feeling tired, shaky, or weak [2]

If you experience any of these symptoms, consult your healthcare provider so they can conduct tests to determine if you have a UTI and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

Why am I peeing a lot after sex?

The urge to pee often, or the urge to pee often when nothing comes out once you're in the bathroom, is one of the symptoms of a UTI in women [2]. If you notice it persisting and possibly accompanied by other symptoms, contact your doctor.

Can peeing after sex prevent STIs?

Despite what some people may believe, peeing after sex is not listed as an effective way to prevent STIs [9]. To minimize your chances of getting an STI [9, 10]:

• Use barrier methods, such as a male condom
• Discuss your sexual history with your partners
• Get regularly tested, particularly when changing sexual partners
• When having oral sex, use a dental dam 
• Practice good sex toy hygiene, especially when sharing sex toys with partners

Should I pee after sex if trying to get pregnant?

Whether you choose to pee after sex or not is completely up to you, but if you are prone to UTIs, you may want to do it, even if you’re trying to get pregnant. Peeing after sex will not affect your chances of getting pregnant. Pee exits the body through the urethra, which is a separate part of our anatomy from the vagina, where sperm enter the body during penetrative sex [11].

For many years, one could hear that people who are trying to conceive should lie still after intercourse or get into certain positions to help sperm reach the egg more easily. However, there's no scientific evidence that lying still after sex increases the chances of conception [12]. So, if you want to, go ahead and pee!

Will peeing after sex kill sperm?

No. Peeing after sex won't kill sperm or help prevent pregnancy [13]. Human urine is composed of approximately 95% water with the remaining 5% containing urea, creatine, uric acid, and various minerals [14]. None of these elements is known to kill sperm.

If you're trying to prevent a pregnancy, the best way to stay protected is to find a birth control method that works for you. Long-acting options like IUDs and implants can be a great option for those looking for a highly effective method that they don't have to think about. On the other hand, some people prefer a less invasive solution, in which case opting for a daily contraceptive pill, or using a non-hormonal method like Natural Cycles, or condoms, may suit them best. Learn more about switching birth control methods and talk to your healthcare provider for advice.

Fact vs fiction: conception myths explained

There's a ton of advice out there on how to improve your chances of conception. When it's something you're hoping for, it's normal to want to do everything in your power to bolster your chances of getting pregnant. However, it's important to distinguish between facts and myths to avoid the stress of overthinking every little detail and the pressure of trying to do things that don’t actually work. So, let's address some of the most common myths.

Can an orgasm increase the chance of pregnancy?

While orgasms are great, female orgasms have most likely little to do with our fertility [15]. While a male orgasm clearly contributes to conception by releasing sperm during climax, female orgasm doesn't play a role in the fertilization of the egg.

There is some debate in the scientific community about whether female orgasms may increase the chances of conception, for example, due to the uterine contractions that happen during an orgasm [16]. What we do know is that orgasms feel good, and there's no harm in experiencing them, whether or not you're trying to conceive.

Does keeping my legs up increase my chances of conception?

Another popular myth is that women should keep their hips and legs up after intercourse to help sperm reach the egg. However, there's no scientific evidence that supports getting into a specific position post sex helps sperm travel to the egg [12].

Does lying down after sex increase the chance of pregnancy?

Another popular myth suggests women should lie still for a couple of minutes up to 15 minutes after sex to increase the chances of conception. Just like it doesn't matter whether or not you keep your legs up, there's no scientific evidence that lying still after intercourse can help sperm reach and fertilize the egg [12].

Feel empowered on your fertility journey

Thanks for reading! Whether you’re on your journey to starting a family, trying to understand your cycle, or looking to prevent pregnancy, the Natural Cycles app can help you understand your cycle better and empower you to learn more about your body along the way. Natural Cycles supports your goals by measuring body temperature, tracking ovulation, and highlighting your fertile and non-fertile days. Wherever you are in your journey, find out how Natural Cycles can work for you.