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Ask Dr. Meg

Got a burning question about UTIs, vaginal health, or intimate wellness?

Your questions, answered by Our CEO + Chief Medical Officer. Dr. Meg answers the questions you've been too embarrassed to ask your doctor.

burning questions

Answers to the stuff you're Googling at 2am.

UTI Basics

What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

A UTI is a bacterial infection in any part of the urinary system, which can include the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. The most effective treatment for a UTI is an antibiotic. UTI's can be quite uncomfortable and the ability to get a same-day doctor appointment for prescription medication can be challenging.

What are the signs of a UTI?

A UTI is quite painful, and it's easy to recognize the signs, which can include one or all of the following:

  • Urine that has a strong or foul order
  • An increased urgency to urinate, yet a small amount comes out
  • A burning sensation when you urinate
  • Urine that appears cloudy
  • Possible blood in the urine
  • Fever and/or chills
  • Body aches
  • Nausea
  • Suprapubic pain or pressure

If you are exhibiting any of these symptoms and think you may have a UTI, call your doctor or go to an Urgent Care.

Is a UTI common?

Yes, UTIs are very common, especially for women. UTIs are the second most common type of infection in the body. About 10 in 25 women and 3 in 25 men will have symptoms in their lifetime.

Will a UTI go away on its own?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can sometimes go away on its own, but it is not guaranteed, and it is best to see a doctor because untreated UTIs can lead to serious complications like kidney infections or even sepsis. Antibiotics are the standard treatment for most UTIs and can quickly relieve symptoms. If you have symptoms of a UTI, such as burning with urination, increased urgency to urinate, or lower abdominal pain, you should contact a healthcare provider for advice and treatment. 

Symptoms & Signals

Why does peeing feel like the burning of 1000 suns?

A burning sensation when urinating with a UTI is primarily due toinflammation and irritation of the bladder and urethra lining caused by the bacterial infection.The bacteria irritate the delicate lining, causing it to become red and inflamed.This inflammation leads to pain and a burning feeling as urine passes through the urethra.

Why do I need to pee all the time and nothing comes out?

UTIs are caused when bacteria — most commonly E. coli — spread to the genitalia from the anal region. This bacterial infection causes cystitis, an inflammation of the bladder, and is responsible for the urge to pee regardless of whether or not you have anything in your bladder to excrete. Doctors call this urgency and dysuria.

Why does my pee smell bad and look cloudy?

UTIs are caused by bacteria that adhere to the wall of the bladder and multiply. Bacteria and the biproducts they secrete cause a foul smell in urine. Urine looks cloudy when it contains bacteria and white blood cells.

When you get an infection your body produces white blood cells which are released into the bladder. Both white blood cells and bacteria in your urine can make it look cloudy.

Sex & UTIs

Is it normal to get UTIs from sex?

Yes, this is very common.

What causes a post-coital UTI?

Friction during intercourse can push bacteria into the urethra. This is especially common in women due to anatomy.

I went to the bathroom before and after sex and still got a UTI. WTF?

Getting a UTI despite taking preventive measures like urinating before and after sex is common and medically explainable. Sexual activity can still introduce bacteria into the urinary tract despite proper bathroom hygiene. This happens because:

Physical contact can mechanically push bacteria toward the urethra. Your anatomy plays a significant role - women have shorter urethras than men, making bacterial migration easier

Hormonal changes can alter vaginal pH and bacterial balance Personal microbiome factors may create higher susceptibility in some individuals Bacteria can remain viable for hours after intercourse despite urination

Even with perfect hygiene habits, approximately 80% of UTIs in women are associated with sexual activity. This is why additional preventive measures like UTI Biome Shield can be beneficial - it creates an environment where bacteria struggle to adhere to the urinary tract lining, providing protection beyond what urination alone can accomplish.

How can I stop UTIs caused by sex without antibiotics?

UTI Biome Shield  Is a clinically proven UTI prevention in one revolutionary purple pill.

Multi-action defense system powered by our exclusive PACphenol™ and BioBlocD3™, engineered to stop UTIs before they start. Unlike antibiotics that disrupt your microbiome, our physician-developed formula supports beneficial bacteria, neutralizes E. coli introduced during intimate moments, and addresses the gut reservoir of UTI-causing bacteria, one of the main root causes of recurrence.

DETAILS: Our clinically proven formula combines PACphenol™ (38mg soluble PACs and polyphenols) with BioBlocD3™ (d-mannose complexed with vitamin D3 and zinc) for complete UTI defense. Our formula doesn't just fight bacteria—prebiotics restore your microbiome's natural balance, bioactives heal damaged bladder tissue and strengthen your immune response.

Can I give a UTI to someone else?

Yes and no, UTIs are not contagious but sometimes partners share the same bacteria.

The Uncomfortable Questions

Does semen cause UTIs?

Semen, pre-ejaculate, and sperm are sterile. The vast majority of UTIs come from E. coli in our own GI tract. For lack of a better term, the grinding that happens with sex can push bacteria into the urethra, increasing your chances of getting an infection. That said, while semen is not a direct cause of UTIs, it can alter vaginal pH, making it less acidic and less hospitable to beneficial Lactobacillus bacteria in the urogenital tract.

Do condoms prevent UTIs?

Not directly, but they can help reduce bacteria transfer.

Are sex toys causing my UTIs?

Generally speaking, no. But if toys or hands are contaminated, lets say from anal play, they may introduce bacteria into the urogenital tract. Also some women have a sensitivity or allergic reaction to toys made of latex or plastic and do better with glass.

Does anal play cause UTIs?

For women, the risk of UTIs is always greater, regardless of the style of sex we’re engaging in. Because our urethra is shorter, so is the distance bacteria have to travel to get to the bladder.

Ground Rules for Anal Sex to Reduce the Risk of UTI

Discard your condom after anal sex, and obviously, do not use the same condom for vaginal penetration. Use different hands for anal and vaginal play. Reserve one hand for anal play only. Use a lube that doesn’t contain sorbitol or glycerin.

Body & Biology

Where is my urethra, anyway?

The urethra is a very small opening behind the clitoris and anterior to the vagina. It is much shorter in women (just 1.5 inches as apposed to 8 inches in a man) accounting for the much higher incidence of UTIs in women.

Is there something wrong with my hygiene?

General hygiene tips like wiping front to back and showering are certainly helpful. But the truth is that it is good to have bacteria living on and in our body; call it our flora, biome, or microbiome, bacteria support immunity, cognitive function, digestion and hormonal balance. Sex stirs things up and may end up introducing bacteria into the urinary tract that aren't supposed to be there. That's just how it is. Showering or even using baby wipes to prep before you have sex could diminish the bacteria present on your skin, but ultimately, if you are having sex, some bacteria are going to get moved around and may cause a UTI. It's not you.

Is my pH off? What does that even mean?

The pH in your vagina is relatively acidic in the range 3.8 and 5. An acidic pH can protect the vaginal mucosa from pathogenic organisms like E. coli that thrive in a pH of 7.4 to 7.9. This is in stark contrast to healthy Lactobacillus species that prefer a pH between 4.5 and 6.5. Anything you put in your vagina will alter your pH.

Is it common to get a UTI after your period?

Your period is not likely to cause a UTI. However, hygiene is essential, including regularly changing your menstrual pads and tampons and adequately washing your menstrual cups to avoid introducing bacteria near the urethra.

Treatment & Prevention

Do I need a prescription to treat a UTI?

Yes, the most effective treatment for a UTI is a prescription antibiotic from a medical professional, which is not available over the counter. If you are experiencing signs of a UTI, a U.S.-licensed provider can prescribe antibiotics and send them to your local pharmacy.

What is the best antibiotic for a bladder infection?

The answer depends on your specific UTI symptoms and health history. Certain antibiotics are recommended for simple versus complicated UTIs that may have underlying factors contributing to the origin of the infection. Your assigned medical provider will determine if you are a candidate for UTI treatment and, if so, what antibiotics make sense for you. If you require complicated UTI treatment, your provider may suggest you visit your local doctor's office or clinic.

I'm chugging cranberry juice and my UTI isn't going away. Help!

Drinking cranberry juice isn't an effective treatment for UTIs. The PAC concentration is drastically insufficient, and the high sugar content can actually feed bacteria and worsen your infection, potentially leading to more severe complications.

If you already have a UTI, see a doctor immediately - antibiotics are the only effective treatment for an active infection. Delaying proper medical care can lead to kidney infections and more serious health risks. 

UTI Biome Shield is designed for prevention, not treatment. When taken regularly, its concentrated PACs (equivalent to 7 gallons of cranberry juice without any sugar) create a powerful bacterial barrier that prevents pathogens from adhering to urinary tract walls before infection can establish.

What supplement works best for post-sex UTIs?

UTI Biome Shield  Is a clinically proven UTI prevention in one revolutionary purple pill.

Multi-action defense system powered by our exclusive PACphenol™ and BioBlocD3™, engineered to stop UTIs before they start. Unlike antibiotics that disrupt your microbiome, our physician-developed formula supports beneficial bacteria, neutralizes E. coli introduced during intimate moments, and addresses the gut reservoir of UTI-causing bacteria, one of the main root causes of recurrence.

DETAILS: Our clinically proven formula combines PACphenol™ (38mg soluble PACs and polyphenols) with BioBlocD3™ (d-mannose complexed with vitamin D3 and zinc) for complete UTI defense. Our formula doesn't just fight bacteria—prebiotics restore your microbiome's natural balance, bioactives heal damaged bladder tissue and strengthen your immune response.

Recurrent UTIs

What's wrong with me? I keep getting UTIs.

Short answer: there is nothing wrong with you. UTIs are incredibly common in women especially after sex, given all of the secretions, touching, rubbing, etc. that having sex entails. While sex hygiene is important you may still get UTIs, even if you are a fastidiously clean person, always urinate after sex and wipe front to back.

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Long-term Protection

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