A common misconception is that a woman’s sexual partner may be responsible for her bladder infection, which is a typical type of urinary tract infection (UTI). However, the bacteria that cause UTIs, predominantly Escherichia coli, are not sexually transmitted. They originate in a person’s own intestinal system and can lead to an infection when transferred from the rectum to the urethra. Women are more susceptible to UTIs due to their shorter urethras, which allow bacteria easier access to the bladder. Risk factors for UTIs can differ with age.
It is clear that bacteria causing bladder infections are not passed from one sexual partner to another. Instead, these infections usually start with bacteria from the individual’s large intestine. The bacteria can migrate outside of the bowel, harmlessly attaching to the skin in the genital area, and potentially enter the urethra to cause an infection.
Bladder infections can become complicated if they are accompanied by symptoms such as fever, flank pain, chills, or fatigue, which indicate that the infection may have spread beyond the bladder. In men, a bladder infection can present with pain in the perineum—the area between the genitals and anus—signifying a potentially complicated infection. Such infections cause inflammation of the bladder and urethra, leading to a series of uncomfortable symptoms.
UTIs can also be responsible for sudden urine leakage, with common symptoms including pain during urination, urgency, frequency, and passing only small amounts of urine. These symptoms are indicative of bacteria that have entered the bladder, which is confirmed through a combination of reported symptoms and urine tests.
Infections in the urinary tract can occur in the bladder or the urethra, but they can also affect the kidneys, which filter waste from the blood to create urine. Infections can be prompted by sexual activity, catheter use, or other factors.
For more in-depth information, readers can refer to the articles on the Harvard Health website: Harvard Health, Harvard Health, Harvard Health, Harvard Health, and the UCI Urology Department’s insights on urinary incontinence: UCI Urology.
