You may have heard that peeing after sex is a good idea because it can reduce the likelihood of getting a urinary tract infection (aka a UTI, which, if you’ve had one before, you know is a major bummer). The reasoning behind the recommendation is that sex spreads bacteria, and using the bathroom after sex flushes out any pathogens that may have gotten into your urinary tract during the fun.
Unfortunately, people with vaginas are more likely to get UTIs because the urethra (the part of the body where urine comes out) is closer to the anus than it is in people with penises. This means bacteria doesn’t have to travel very far to reach the urethra and then make its way into the bladder, where it causes a UTI. Of course, UTIs are very treatable with antibiotics. But if you can avoid it just by making a quick trip to the bathroom after sex why not save yourself from the pain and inconvenience?
However, there are some things peeing after sex won’t do, like prevent pregnancy or the spread of STIs. The only thing that can reduce your chances of getting an STI and pregnant at the same time is a barrier method of contraception, such as the internal condom or condom. There are, of course, many other methods of birth control that can prevent pregnancy (and all of them are available for free or at a low-cost at your nearest The Right Time health center). And yes, you can use two methods together for added protection.