Sexual Wellbeing and Urinary Tract Infections: A Scoping Review

Whilst sexual activity can increase the occurrence of urinary tract infection (UTI), UTIs themselves can negatively impact the sexual wellbeing of people living with UTI, especially if recurrent. This scoping review aimed to explore the relationship between sexual wellbeing and UTI, focusing on the impact of symptoms and treatment provision for people experiencing UTI.

A scoping review examining papers from 2002 onwards was implemented via PubMed, PsycInfo, and Scopus, following PRISMA-SR and Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology. Following preregistration, initial searches were conducted, with records screened for title and abstracts, before being screened as full texts using Rayyan software.

Initial searches returned 6984 articles, with 33 articles extracted. The key behavioural factors of frequency of intercourse and lack of pre- and post-sex voiding were confirmed as risk factors; however, results also implicated partner hygiene habits in exacerbating risk. Multiple sexual partners and use of spermicide-based contraception were not consistently associated with heightened UTI occurrence. UTIs negatively impacted sexual function and distress, limiting intimate communication.

UTIs are often attributed to risky sexual behaviour; however, this review concluded that safe sexual behaviours also increased risk. Additionally, broader interpersonal issues, such as partner hygiene and difficulties in managing open, UTI-informed intimate conversation, were implicated as detrimental factors. Without adequately targeted psychosexual interventions to enhance sexual wellbeing in this population, sexual distress is likely to remain high. This review is the first step in evidencing the need for enhanced sexual wellbeing support in urological care for individuals and their partners.