A UTI occurs when bacteria from the gut infect parts of the urinary tract, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys. UTIs are not contagious. However, the bacteria responsible for UTIs can travel between people during sex.
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) include:
- frequent need to urinate
- pain or burning while urinating
- cloudy and foul-smelling urine
- pink, red, or orange urine, indicating the presence of blood
- pressure or tenderness in the lower abdomen, lower back, and sides
- fatigue
- fever
- nausea or vomiting
Although a UTI is not technically a sexually transmitted infection (STI) or a contagious infection, having sex can increase a person’s risk of developing a UTI. Also, some STIs, such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis, can affect the urinary tract and cause symptoms that mimic a UTI.
In this article, we examine whether UTIs are contagious. We also discuss their causes and risk factors and provide tips on how to prevent them.
Are UTIs contagious?
The bacteria responsible for UTIs can travel between people. However, the infection itself is not contagious.
UTIs arise when germs present in a person’s gut relocate and grow in the urinary tract. Upper UTIs affect the ureters and kidneys, while lower UTIs involve the urethra and bladder.
Having sex can increase the risk of developing a UTI. Escherichia coli bacteria, which typically live in the bowels, can travel from the anus to the urethra or the opening of the penis during anal sex. Vaginal sex can push bacteria on the skin into the urethral opening, which may increase the risk of a UTI.
Causes
Most UTIs occur when bacteria, such as E. Coli, enter the urinary tract. A UTI can develop in the bladder, urethra, or ureters. If a person does not receive treatment, the infection can move up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys.
STIs can produce symptoms that are similar to those of a UTI. Gonorrhea, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis can infect the urethra, causing swelling and resulting in a condition called urethritis.
Symptoms of an STI include:
- itching, burning, or soreness of the genitals
- pain or discomfort during urination or ejaculation
- unusual vaginal or penile discharge