It is important to pee after intercourse primarily to help flush bacteria out of the urethra, which can reduce the risk of developing urinary tract infections (UTIs). During sex, bacteria can enter the urethra, and urinating afterward helps to wash these bacteria away before they travel up to the bladder, especially in individuals with shorter urethras, such as women. Although it is not absolutely necessary, peeing within about 30 minutes after sex is considered beneficial for preventing infections and maintaining urinary health.

UTI Prevention

• UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and reach the bladder.
• Sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urethra.
• Urinating after intercourse helps flush out bacteria and lowers UTI risk, especially for those with vulvas due to the shorter distance between the urethra and vagina.

Who Benefits Most

• Women and people assigned female at birth benefit the most because their urethras are short and close to the vaginal and anal openings, making it easier for bacteria to ascend.
• For men and people assigned male at birth, whose urethras are longer, peeing after sex is less critical but still a good hygiene practice.

Additional Points

• While peeing after sex is helpful, it does not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• It is generally recommended to urinate as soon as possible but within about 30 minutes after intercourse to optimize benefits for infection prevention.

In summary, peeing after intercourse is an important and simple hygienic practice that mainly helps reduce the risk of urinary tract infections by flushing out bacteria introduced during sexual activity.