Can Condoms Cause a UTI? 3 Condom Ingredients That Increase the Risk of UTIs

The urgent dash to the bathroom. The burning sensation when you pee. The frustrating feeling that your bladder's never quite empty. If you've ever had a urinary tract infection (UTI), these symptoms are all too familiar. 

While some people only experience an occasional UTI, others get them more often. Many people can point to triggers for their UTIS — including sex. So, you may be wondering if condoms could be the reason you experience UTIs after sex. 

Here, we'll focus on how male (external) condoms might affect your UTI risk.

Do condoms cause a UTI?

No, condoms don’t directly cause a UTI. 

UTIs develop when bacteria enters your urethra and then your bladder and starts to multiply. From there, bacteria can spread to other parts of your urinary tract, like your kidneys and even your bloodstream. UTI treatment lowers the risk of developing these complications. 

But even though condoms don’t cause UTIs, they can increase your risk of developing one. Some types of condoms contain ingredients that may make it easier for bacteria to reach your bladder and cause an infection. 

You may want to avoid the condoms mentioned below if you’re prone to UTIs or you tend to experience UTIs after sex. Here’s what the science says about three common condom ingredients and types and their link to UTIs.

1. Spermicide

Some condoms contain spermicide (a substance that kills sperm), which can help prevent pregnancy. But spermicide can also irritate the urethra and surrounding tissues. The urethra is where bacteria enters the urinary system.

This irritation can make it easier for bacteria to attach to the urethra, increasing the chances of developing a UTI, said Carolyn Ross, MD, Winx Health Medical Advisor and OB-GYN.

Plus, spermicides can kill helpful bacteria called Lactobacillus that naturally live in the vagina. These good bacteria help keep your vagina healthy by maintaining its acidic environment. When their levels decrease, the acidity drops. This shift can allow UTI-causing bacteria to multiply quickly and travel up into the bladder.

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Researchers have noticed a link between spermicide use and higher rates of UTIs for decades. So, if you’re prone to UTIs, try condoms that don’t contain spermicide. You may notice a drop in the number of UTIs you experience.

2. ‘Special’ ingredients

Condoms sometimes have extra ingredients and features that might sound appealing. But they could increase UTI risk for some people. These include: 

• Fragrances

• Flavors

• Colors

• Warming gels

• Lubricants

These additives can cause irritation or inflammation near and around the urethra, said Dr. Ross And this can damage the lining of the urethra, the natural barrier that protects you from infection. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary system and cause infection. 

Studies haven’t pinpointed which condom additives are most likely to increase the risk of developing a UTI. But it’s a good idea to avoid these additives if you’re prone to UTIs. 

3. Unlubricated condoms

Unlubricated condoms might seem like a good way to avoid problematic additives since some lubricants irritate the urethra.

But unlubricated condoms may also increase the chances of experiencing a UTI. During sexual activity, natural movement can push bacteria toward your urethra. Unlubricated condoms can create extra friction during sex. This friction creates tiny tears around your urinary tissues. And this makes it easier for bacteria to get into your bladder and cause a UTI. 

So, it’s important to make sure you have enough lubrication during sex. If you use unlubricated condoms, you can try using a separate lubricant product. Water-based lubes are best to avoid irritation.

Also, not all condom companies use the same kind of lubricant. And you may not experience irritation from all kinds of lubricants. You can try switching condom brands to see if that lowers the number of UTIs you experience. 

What else increases the risk of UTIs?

Condoms aren't the only thing that have been linked to UTIs. Scientists are still learning why some people are more prone to UTIs than others. They’re also trying to pinpoint why some things tend to trigger UTIs in some people but not in others. 

Here are some things that can increase the risk of developing UTIs:

• Holding in urine: Constantly holding in urine for long periods gives bacteria more time to multiply in the bladder, potentially leading to a UTI.

• Sexual activity: During sex, bacteria from your skin and anus can get into your urethra.

• Dehydration: Not drinking enough water means you pee less often. When urine stays in your urinary tract longer, bacteria has more time to grow and cause infection.

• Birth control: Some methods of birth control, like diaphragms, are linked to UTIs.

• Menopause: After menopause, your body makes less estrogen. This can thin and weaken the urinary tract, making it easier to get UTIs.

• Certain health conditions: Diabetes and health conditions that weaken the immune system can increase the risk of a UTI. 

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics can help treat infections. But they can also disrupt the balance of good bacteria in your urinary tract. This makes it easier for harmful bacteria to grow.

• Blocked urine flow: Conditions like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block the flow of urine, giving bacteria more time to grow.

Talk with your healthcare team if you're prone to UTIs. They can help you determine what things, like condoms, could be making it easier for you to develop UTIs. 

They may also recommend prophylactic antibiotics and other treatments that can lower your chances of developing UTIs in the future. Prophylactic antibiotics are antibiotics you take before you develop a UTI. They can be especially helpful if you tend to develop UTIs after sex. 

What else can you do to prevent UTIs?

Beyond choosing the right condom, there are several things you can do to lower your UTI risk:

• Pee before and after sex to help flush out any bacteria that might have entered your urethra.

• Stay hydrated throughout the day. Your urine should be light yellow or clear.

• Empty your bladder completely when you need to go.

• Wear breathable, cotton underwear and avoid tight synthetic clothing that traps moisture.

• Keep the genital area clean and dry. But avoid harsh soaps or douches that can disrupt your natural balance.

• Consider taking a probiotic designed for urinary health if you get frequent UTIs.

If you notice UTI symptoms, don't wait to get help. Seek medical right away for proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Written by:

Maggie Aime, MSN, RN

Maggie's writing brings health topics to life for readers at any stage of life. With over 25 years in healthcare and a passion for education, she creates content that informs, inspires, and empowers.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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