Can You Get a UTI Without Sex? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

If you're one of the many people who find themselves dealing with a urinary tract infection (UTI) after having sex, it can be incredibly frustrating (and confusing) to get one even when you haven't done the deed. The reality is that while sex is often highlighted as a risk factor, UTIs happen even if you’re not having sex. 

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system — most commonly the bladder and urethra — caused by bacteria, typically Escherichia coli (E. coli), that naturally live in the gut. These bacteria can travel from the gastrointestinal tract to the urinary tract, even without any sexual activity.

Sex can introduce bacteria into the urethra, but other factors like hygiene, hormonal changes, certain medical conditions, and sheer bad luck can also increase the likelihood of developing a UTI. 

Below, we explain how UTIs can develop without sex, the symptoms to watch for, and how you can prevent them. 

What is a UTI, and how does it develop?

A UTI is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract and start multiplying. The urinary tract includes your urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body), your bladder (where urine is stored), and the kidneys (which filter blood to produce urine). When bacteria move up the urethra into the bladder, they can cause irritation and inflammation, leading to a UTI.

While sexual intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract, it’s far from the only way UTIs develop. Everyday factors such as wiping incorrectly, chronic constipation, not fully emptying your bladder, being dehydrated, and certain medical conditions can all increase your risk of developing a urinary infection. In fact, bacteria that cause UTIs usually come from the gut and can colonize the area around the urethra even without sexual contact.

For some people, genetic predispositions, previous history of UTIs, diabetes, and hormonal shifts (especially after menopause) can also increase the risk. 

Essentially, UTIs occur when bacteria get the opportunity to multiply in the urinary tract, and sex is just one of many possible triggers.

Why UTIs are so common in people with a vagina

People with a vagina are more susceptible to UTIs because of the shorter length of the urethra compared to those with a penis. This shorter distance allows bacteria to reach the bladder more easily. Additionally, the urethral opening is located near(ish) the anus, which increases the risk of gut bacteria migrating into the urinary tract. Sex can sometimes lead to UTIs, but it’s not needed for bacteria to enter the bladder and cause an infection. 

Other factors, such as hormones, personal hygiene habits, and health conditions, can also make someone more likely to get a UTI. This mix of body structure and function explains why UTIs are more common in women than in men, even if you haven't had sex.

Common causes of UTIs that aren’t related to sex

UTIs can develop without sexual contact, and understanding the non-sexual causes is crucial for prevention and treatment. Several factors can overlap, making recurrent infections more likely.

Everyday habits and hygiene 

Daily habits and hygiene practices can influence UTI risk. Wiping from back to front, for example, can transfer bacteria from the anus to the urethra. 

Use of certain products like scented soaps or douches may irritate the urinary tract and disrupt the natural microbiome, making it easier for bacteria to colonize. Holding your pee in for long periods can also allow bacteria to multiply in the bladder. 

Dehydration, constipation, and bladder emptying

Proper hydration helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, so not drinking enough water can make infections more likely. Chronic constipation can increase UTI risk because a full bowel can put pressure on the bladder and urethra, potentially slowing urine flow and allowing bacteria to accumulate. Similarly, incomplete bladder emptying — whether due to anatomical issues, pelvic floor dysfunction, or neurological conditions — can contribute to recurrent infections.

Hormonal changes, menopause, and other medical conditions

Hormonal fluctuations, particularly the loss of estrogen during menopause, can affect the vaginal and bladder microbiomes and weaken natural defenses against bacteria. Certain medical conditions, like diabetes, a weakened immune system, urinary incontinence, and previous surgeries in the genitourinary area, can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

In older adults or those in care facilities, using catheters, having decreased physical ability, and taking antibiotics can raise the UTI risk even more. Behavioral factors, such as regularly delaying bathroom trips, can also make someone more vulnerable to infections.

Symptoms of a UTI vs other causes of urinary discomfort

Lower urinary tract infections commonly cause symptoms such as:

• A burning sensation when you pee
• Frequent urges to go to the bathroom
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Mild pelvic discomfort. 

More severe infections involving the kidneys can include fever, back or flank pain, and nausea or vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, it’s really important that you seek medical care right away. 

However, UTIs aren’t the only source of urinary discomfort. Vaginal infections, kidney stones, interstitial cystitis, and some sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause similar symptoms. This overlap means that it’s important to get proper testing to confirm a UTI rather than assume every urinary symptom is due to infection.

How UTIs can be mistaken for other conditions

Some conditions can mimic UTI symptoms even if urine cultures are negative. These include:

• Interstitial cystitis: This is a chronic bladder condition that causes bladder pain, urgency, and frequent urination. Unlike a UTI, it's not caused by bacterial growth, so antibiotics are ineffective. The bladder lining becomes irritated, leading to persistent discomfort that can resemble an infection.
• Pelvic floor dysfunction: When the pelvic floor muscles are too tight or not functioning properly, it can create the sensation of incomplete bladder emptying or pressure in the bladder. This can mimic UTI symptoms like urgency and frequent urination, even without bacterial infection.
• Vaginal infections: Bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast infections, and cytolytic vaginosis can all cause burning, itching, and discomfort that can be mistaken for a urinary tract infection. These infections affect the vaginal microbiome and can irritate the urethra, producing urinary-like symptoms. Sometimes, the discomfort comes from the vagina, but it can feel like it’s coming from the urethra. 
• Sexually transmitted infections: Certain STIs, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, may cause burning, discharge, and urinary urgency. Because these symptoms overlap with UTIs, testing is important to identify the correct cause and guide proper treatment.
• Kidney stones: Kidney stones can block urine flow and irritate the urinary lining, leading to pain, burning, and sometimes blood in the urine. The discomfort can closely resemble a urinary tract infection, though cultures may show no infection.

It's really important to get the right treatment for different conditions, which is why diagnostic testing plays such a crucial role — especially when sex isn't involved.

How UTIs are diagnosed and treated when sex isn’t the cause

The diagnosis and treatment of UTIs follow the same principles, whether or not you have sex: confirming infection and choosing the right treatment.

Urine tests and culture

Doctors typically start with a urinalysis and urine culture to identify bacteria. This confirms whether an infection is present and determines which antibiotics will be most effective. When recurrent UTIs occur in someone who isn’t sexually active, doctors may also evaluate bowel habits, hydration, hormone levels, and any anatomical or functional abnormalities in the urinary tract.

Antibiotics and other treatment options

Once a urinary tract infection is confirmed, antibiotics are the first-line treatment because they directly target and eliminate the bacteria causing the infection. Prompt use of antibiotics helps relieve symptoms quickly, prevents the infection from spreading to the kidneys, and reduces the risk of complications or recurrent infections.

In addition to antibiotics, several strategies can help manage and prevent urinary tract infections, especially for those with recurrent infections unrelated to sex:

• Topical vaginal estrogen: For postmenopausal women, estrogen can help restore the protective vaginal microbiome and strengthen the urinary tract’s natural defenses.
• Staying hydrated: While it won’t treat UTIs, drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, which can speed up recovery.
• D-Mannose: These supplements may help prevent bacteria from adhering to the bladder lining, though evidence is mixed.
• Probiotics: Supplements like Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic support contain clinically studied Lactobacillus strains proven to support a healthy vaginal and urinary microbiome, which may lower the risk of recurrent infections.
• Addressing underlying conditions: Correcting issues like incomplete bladder emptying, pelvic floor dysfunction, or anatomical abnormalities can prevent UTIs from coming back.

These strategies can be used alongside antibiotics or as preventive measures for long-term urinary tract health, depending on individual risk factors and clinician recommendations.

How to prevent urinary tract infections when you’re not sexually active

Even if you’re not having sex, you can take steps to reduce your risk of UTIs. Simple lifestyle and hygiene practices can make a big difference.

Everyday habits that support urinary tract health

• Drink plenty of water daily to help flush bacteria from the urinary tract.
• Practice front-to-back wiping to prevent fecal bacterial transfer from the anus. 
• Avoid the unnecessary use of scented soaps or douches. 
• Empty your bladder fully and regularly.
• Consider probiotic supplementation, such as Evvy Women’s Complete Probiotic, to support a healthy vaginal and urinary microbiome.
• Manage constipation and bowel health to reduce bladder pressure.
• Use topical vaginal estrogen if recommended for postmenopausal women.
• Address underlying anatomical issues like cystocele or urinary incontinence. 
• Don’t neglect pelvic floor health.

When to talk to your healthcare provider about UTIs 

Seek medical attention if: 

• You experience a first-time UTI
• Have recurrent infections
• Symptoms don’t improve after a few days of treatment
• Have fever, back pain, blood in the urine, or severe discomfort. 

If you experience frequent UTIs and aren’t having sex, you should get a thorough check-up. A healthcare provider can evaluate your anatomy, hormones, medical conditions, and urinary habits. 

Taking the next step with Evvy

If you experience recurrent UTIs or persistent urinary symptoms despite treatment, understanding which microbes are present in your urinary and vaginal microbiome can help guide more targeted care. 

The Evvy UTI+ Test is a comprehensive at-home urine test that screens for 12 key uropathogens and antibiotic resistance, helping you get the right treatment the first time. Unlike standard urine cultures, which can take days and may miss up to 70% of pathogens, UTI+ Test detects bacteria that other tests often overlook — and delivers results in just one business day. If you’re eligible, you can also receive prescription treatment the same day, making it easy to get fast, targeted relief tailored to your test results. 

For people with recurrent UTIs, Evvy can also assess whether the vaginal microbiome is contributing to ongoing infections. Among users who reported a recent UTI, Evvy identified UTI-related bacteria in the vaginal microbiome in 47% of cases, highlighting an often-overlooked factor in UTI recurrence. Understanding both urinary and vaginal microbial contributors can guide more personalized care and help prevent future infections.

FAQs about getting a UTI without sex

Can you get a UTI without sex?

Yes. While sex is a known risk factor, it’s hardly the only one. Bacteria from the gut can enter the urinary tract through other means, leading to infection. Factors like hydration, hygiene, estrogen levels, and medical conditions also play a significant role in your likelihood of developing a UTI.

Why did I get a UTI out of nowhere without having sex?

Sex isn’t the only trigger for a urinary tract infection, and UTIs can occur “out of nowhere” for a few reasons. Having a history of UTIs, dealing with constipation, not fully emptying your bladder, or even some genetic factors can play a role. Other factors, like diabetes and hormonal shifts, can also contribute. 

How do you get a UTI without being sexually active?

You can develop a urinary tract infection even if you’re not having sex because bacteria don’t need sexual contact to reach your urinary tract. The most common culprit, E. Coli, normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract and can migrate to the urethra, where it can ascend into the bladder and cause infection. Several everyday factors can make it easier for bacteria to take hold and multiply. Poor hygiene, such as wiping from back to front, can transfer bacteria from the anus to the urethra. Not drinking enough fluids can reduce urine flow, which normally helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract, while holding urine for long periods or not fully emptying the bladder gives bacteria more time to multiply. Underlying medical conditions like diabetes, incontinence, constipation, and pelvic floor dysfunction can also increase susceptibility. Even without having sex, these factors can create an environment where bacteria thrive, making UTIs relatively common. 

How are UTIs diagnosed and treated when sexual transmission is not suspected?

UTIs are diagnosed in the same way, whether or not you have sex. The first step is usually a urinalysis and urine culture, which confirm the presence of infection and identify the specific bacteria involved. This allows clinicians to select targeted antibiotics that are most likely to be effective. Treatment typically focuses on relieving symptoms quickly to prevent a kidney infection. Even when sex isn’t a factor, doctors often evaluate other potential contributors, such as hydration levels, hormone status, bladder function, bowel habits, and any underlying medical conditions, to help prevent recurrent infections. The main difference for sexually active women is that they are usually advised to abstain from sexual activity until the infection has cleared. Otherwise, diagnosis and treatment follow the same evidence-based approach for everyone.

What is the difference between a UTI and a sexually transmitted infection?

A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that affects the urinary system, most commonly the bladder and urethra. UTIs are typically caused by bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract and aren’t transmitted through sexual contact. Sexually transmitted infections, on the other hand, are caused by pathogens that are spread through sex, including bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and can affect various parts of the reproductive system. The symptoms of UTIs and some STIs can often overlap. For example, both can cause a burning sensation when you pee, the frequent urge to pee, or pelvic discomfort. It can be hard to tell the cause of these symptoms since they’re so similar, which is why getting the right diagnosis is very important. Evvy’s UTI+ Test and Vaginal Health Test can help clarify what’s causing your symptoms. These at-home tests detect bacteria and fungi responsible for UTIs, vaginal infections, and four of the most common STIs, giving you a clear picture of what’s happening in your urinary and vaginal microbiome. With these insights, you and your healthcare provider can take targeted action, helping you get to the bottom of your symptoms and find the right treatment faster.