October 31, 2025feminine hygiene
Can You Get a UTI from Oral Sex?
We often hear that UTIs happen only after penetrative sex, but here’s the truth:
Yes, oral sex can also lead to a urinary tract infection.
It’s not super common, but it’s totally possible, and it has everything to do with how bacteria travel between the mouth and the urethra.
How Oral Sex Can Cause a UTI
Even if there’s no penetration, your mouth still has bacteria, both good and bad.
When oral contact happens, these bacteria can reach your urethra or vaginal opening and cause irritation or infection.
Here’s how it can happen:
Mouth bacteria → genitals: bacteria from the mouth or throat can travel during oral sex.
Switching between oral and penetration: if your partner moves between oral and vaginal sex without washing, bacteria transfer easily.
Poor oral hygiene: Unbrushed teeth, gum infections, or sore throats increase bacterial load.
How to Prevent a UTI After Oral Sex
Here’s how to keep things healthy and irritation-free:
Pee after sex (always!), even after oral play.
Clean gently; use pH-balanced wipes instead of harsh soaps.
Brush and rinse beforehand; both partners should practice oral hygiene before play.
Stay hydrated; water helps flush out bacteria.
Avoid switching between oral and penetration without washing first.
Use protection, a dental dam, or a condom if one partner has a sore throat or infection.
The Bottom Line
Yes, you can get a UTI from oral sex, but it’s preventable with basic hygiene and a little awareness.
Your vagina is self-cleaning; it just needs you to support it, not overdo it.
So the next time you get intimate, remember:
rinse, hydrate, pee, and protect.
Your body will thank you later!