Can Masturbation Trigger Urethritis? the Connection

Q: Can Masturbation Trigger Urethritis? the Connection

Frequent Illness： Hello, drinking 1200cc of water daily seems insufficient. <br>It is generally recommended to drink at least 2500-3000cc of water each day. <br>More accurately, the daily urine output should ideally be between 1000-1500cc. <br>In other words, if you sweat a lot,

Is masturbation a trigger for urethritis?

Due to a previous episode of urethritis, I have been very attentive to my personal urinary hygiene and cleanliness.
I drink at least 1200cc of water daily and take cranberry supplements for maintenance.
However, it's strange that within two months, after a day of intimate contact with my girlfriend while fully clothed, I experienced ejaculation, and two days later, I had to seek medical attention again due to painful urination and was diagnosed with inflammation.
I am quite puzzled—can masturbation also trigger urethritis? I recall that my first episode of urethritis occurred under similar circumstances.

Lao shi sheng bing, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2013/08/07

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology

Frequent Illness: Hello, drinking 1200cc of water daily seems insufficient.
It is generally recommended to drink at least 2500-3000cc of water each day.
More accurately, the daily urine output should ideally be between 1000-1500cc.
In other words, if you sweat a lot, your water intake may need to exceed 5000cc.
Increasing your water intake might help resolve this issue.
Additionally, it is advisable to urinate after ejaculation to reduce the risk of urethritis.
Note: Some physicians recommend drinking a large amount of water (for example, 500cc, depending on individual hydration habits) before sexual activity, and after ejaculation, emptying the bladder to flush the urethra, which can improve symptoms of urethritis.
Masturbation should not be related to urethritis; it may be due to the same reasons mentioned above, primarily insufficient water intake.
Furthermore, engaging in regular moderate-intensity exercise can boost immunity and decrease the likelihood of urethritis.
If there are any unclear points, feel free to ask again for further discussion.
Online responses should only serve as a reference; if necessary, it is important to seek medical attention at a healthcare facility.
This message is from Dr.
Hsu Wei-Kai, Chief of Urology, Taitung Hospital, Department of Health, Executive Yuan.

Reply Date: 2013/08/07

More Info

Masturbation and sexual activity can indeed have a connection to urethritis, particularly if certain hygiene practices are not followed or if there are underlying infections. Urethritis, which is the inflammation of the urethra, can be caused by various factors, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs), bacterial infections, and even irritation from certain products or activities.
In your case, it seems that after engaging in sexual activity, you experienced symptoms of urethritis again. This could be due to several reasons:
1. Bacterial Infection: If the initial episode of urethritis was caused by a bacterial infection, it is possible that the bacteria were not completely eradicated, leading to a recurrence of symptoms. Even with good hygiene practices, bacteria can still be present and cause infection.

2. Irritation: Sexual activity, including masturbation, can sometimes irritate the urethra, especially if there is vigorous movement or if lubrication is insufficient. This irritation can lead to inflammation and mimic the symptoms of urethritis.

3. Hygiene Practices: While you mentioned being attentive to personal hygiene, it is crucial to ensure that both you and your partner maintain good hygiene before and after sexual activity. This includes washing hands and genital areas to minimize the risk of introducing bacteria.

4. Chemical Irritants: Sometimes, products such as soaps, lotions, or lubricants can irritate the urethra. If you are using any new products, consider whether they might be contributing to your symptoms.

5. Underlying Conditions: If you have a history of urinary tract infections or other urological issues, these could predispose you to recurrent urethritis. It may be beneficial to discuss your medical history with a healthcare provider to rule out any underlying conditions.

6. Hydration and Diet: You mentioned drinking plenty of water and taking cranberry supplements, which are generally good practices for urinary health. Cranberries can help prevent certain types of urinary tract infections, but they are not a cure-all. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet and stay hydrated to support your urinary tract health.

Given your symptoms and history, it would be advisable to consult with a healthcare provider. They may recommend a urine culture to identify any specific bacteria causing the infection and determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment. Additionally, they can provide guidance on safe sexual practices and hygiene measures to help prevent future occurrences of urethritis.

In summary, while masturbation itself is not a direct cause of urethritis, the activities surrounding it, along with hygiene practices and potential underlying infections, can contribute to the development of urethritis. It is essential to monitor your symptoms closely and seek medical advice if they persist or worsen.

Similar Q&A

Can Masturbation Cause Urethritis? Understanding the Connection

Recently, I've been masturbating, but suddenly I have pain in my urethra, which seems like urethritis.

Dr. Li Xinyi reply Urology
Excessive self-defense indicates a loss of balance in life, which is generally not good. Additionally, attention to cleanliness is also important.

Impact of Masturbation on Urethritis Recovery: What You Need to Know

Doctor Lin, I visited for a consultation recently, and he mentioned that I might have a urinary tract infection. He prescribed medication for me. During this period, I was unable to control my urges and masturbated a few times. What impact could this have?

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello, old cat: Since a urinary tract inflammation has been diagnosed, it is important to continue follow-up examinations after medication treatment until the condition is completely resolved. Otherwise, the most concerning complication of urethritis is urethral stricture. Mastur...

Does Masturbation Cause Prostate Cancer or Urinary Tract Infections?

If there is inflammation, will it heal on its own without seeing a doctor?

Dr. Lin Hexing reply Urology
Hello, Xiaolin: Masturbation generally does not cause the diseases or symptoms you are concerned about, unless improper technique leads to mechanical injury of the penile skin and foreskin, resulting in inflammation. If not managed properly, this could potentially lead to urinary...

Can You Masturbate During Urethritis Treatment? Expert Insights

Hello, doctor. I was previously diagnosed with urethritis and am currently undergoing treatment. The doctor mentioned that the medication would take about 1 to 2 weeks. It has been almost a week now, and my situation is as follows: 1. I still experience some burning and pain duri...

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology
Hello: 1. During this period, I have been practicing abstinence, but now I find it hard to resist. Is it okay to masturbate? --> It is not recommended. If you can't resist, make sure to drink plenty of water. 2. When masturbating, since semen is expelled through the ureth...