Can Saliva Cause a UTI? Everything You Should Know!

Written by

Victoria Fanslau

Victoria Fanslau is a medical content writer and an experienced nurse with five years of experience working in acute care hospital settings on medical/surgical units and primary care. She is passionate about helping others better understand the complexities of healthcare through her writing. With her knowledge, Victoria can break down complex topics into user-friendly information that is engaging and informative. She has a knack for writing compelling and interesting medical content that resonates with readers.

Medically reviewed by

Amy Dougherty, FNP-BC, AGAC

Amy is a Board Certified Family Health Nurse Practitioner (FNP) with over 15 years of experience working in Hospital Medicine, Urgent Care and Primary Care practices. Amy graduated Thomas Jefferson University with high distinction earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 2008, a Master of Science in Nursing in 2010 and a Post Master's Certificate in Adult Gerontology Acute Care (AGAC) in 2014. She was recognized by the Elite American Nurses Association in 2013 for her dedication, achievements and leadership in the field Nursing. She served as a clinical preceptor for a number of Nurse Practitioner students and enjoys teaching the bright minds of future NPs.

A UTI is an acronym for a urinary tract infection. UTIs can cause great discomfort and if not treated can lead to more serious infections including sepsis. Unfortunately, UTIs can happen to anyone at any time and are very common.

Many healthcare professionals consider them the most common type of infection. This leads people to have a lot of questions about UTI causes and prevention. 

Oftentimes people can be embarrassed by their questions and look to the internet for answers. Don’t be embarrassed by your questions because if you are thinking it, then someone else probably is too. Let’s dive into what a UTI is and whether saliva can cause a UTI.

Table of Contents

• What Is a UTI?
• Can Saliva Cause a UTI?
• Is Spit a Good Lubricant?
• Can Having Sex Cause a UTI?
• How to Avoid UTI After Sex?
• UTI Treatment
• When to See a Doctor?
• Key Takeaways

What Is a UTI?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a general term used to describe an infection anywhere in the urinary system. This could be anywhere from the kidneys, ureter, bladder, or urethra. 

The infection is usually caused by bacteria and sometimes fungi. It is essential that you have UTIs treated by a medical professional because the infection could spread to other parts of the body. 

What Causes UTIs?

UTIs are caused by bacteria and sometimes fungi that have gotten into the urinary system. These invaders usually get into the urinary system by sexual activity, wiping your genital area from back to front, poor hygiene, and urinary structural issues.

UTI Symptoms

Symptoms of a UTI will vary depending on the person. Some people may have no symptoms at all. The most common symptoms include burning pain with urination, frequent urination, urge to urinate, blood in the urine, abdominal/pelvic pain or cramping, cloudy urine, foul-smelling urine, fever, and flank pain. 

Can Saliva Cause a UTI?

Yes, it is possible for saliva to cause a UTI. The mouth and saliva carry a lot of bacteria that can be transferred to the urinary tract and cause an infection. Any method that could transfer bacteria to the urinary tract can cause a UTI.  

Is Spit a Good Lubricant?

No, saliva is not a good lubricant. The mouth and saliva carry bacteria that can cause an infection such as a UTI, bacterial vaginosis, or a yeast infection. Saliva can also spread sexually transmitted infections. It is not medically advisable to use saliva as a lubricant.

Can Having Sex Cause a UTI?

Yes, anything that could introduce bacteria into the urinary tract could cause a UTI, including sex. Anyone can get a UTI but females are especially prone to them due to the anatomy of the female genitalia.

Females have a shorter urethra and it is easier for bacteria to travel up to the bladder. A female’s urethra is also typically closer to the anus than a man’s, which could be a source of bacteria. 

How to Avoid UTI After Sex?

There are a few methods that you can use to aid in stopping bacteria from being introduced to the urinary tract during sex. 

Urinate before and after sex, this will help clear the urethra of any bacteria that could cause a UTI. Remember to wipe front to back. If you wipe back to front, it could introduce the bacteria from the anus to your urinary tract and cause a UTI. 

Don’t have to urinate? Take a shower before and/or after sex, this will help wash bacteria away from the urinary tract. During sex, avoid transferring bacteria from the anus to the urethra. 

UTI Treatment

Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. These cannot be purchased over the counter and must be prescribed by a healthcare professional. UTIs can be difficult to treat sometimes because you need the correct antibiotic to treat the specific bacteria that is causing your infection. 

There are broad-spectrum antibiotics that treat many different types of bacteria but your healthcare professional may request that you get a urine test done so that they can make sure the antibiotic they prescribe will treat your infection. 

When to See a Doctor?

You should see a healthcare provider whenever you have symptoms of a UTI. Do not delay treatment because symptoms can worsen quickly and the infection can spread to other parts of your body.

 Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. These cannot be purchased over the counter and must be prescribed by a healthcare provider. When treating UTIs you need the correct antibiotic to treat the specific bacteria that is causing your infection. Antibiotics will most likely take a couple of days to help relieve your symptoms. Remember to always finish the entire course of antibiotics you are prescribed. 

Get Help From an Online Doctor

Technology has now allowed patients to connect with healthcare providers quicker than ever before. At DrHouse you can connect with a board-certified online doctor in as little as 15 minutes. Who will diagnose you, make a treatment plan, and even write you an online prescription if necessary. 

With DrHouse you could see a doctor in less time than it takes you to cook a meal or take a shower. You won’t even have to leave your house. This will save you time and allow you to get quick treatment for your UTI and other medical concerns.

Key Takeaways

It is possible for saliva to cause a UTI. The mouth and saliva carry a lot of bacteria that can be transferred to the urinary tract and cause an infection. 

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a general term used to describe an infection anywhere in the urinary system. 

The infection is caused by bacteria and sometimes fungi that have gotten into the urinary system. These invaders usually get into the urinary system through sexual activity, wiping your genital area from back to front, poor hygiene, and urinary structural issues. 

You should see a healthcare provider whenever you have symptoms of a UTI. Do not delay treatment because symptoms can worsen and spread. 

Sources:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, October 6). Urinary tract infection. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved July 20, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html