Dear Mrsdbrooks,

Your boyfriend can't "catch" a urinary tract infection (UTI) from you. But you could have something to do with it. Bacteria from the rectum that comes in contact with the urethra causes most UTIs. Anything, from sex play to toilet bowl water backsplash, can make that happen. Sexually transmitted infections can cause UTIs, too.

Sex is also an easy way to get foreign bacteria into the urethral opening. Any kind of sex play that brings fecal material into contact with the vagina and urethra can cause a UTI. It's easy to accidentally transfer fecal bacteria to the urethral opening, especially in sex that involves vaginal and anal play or oral and anal play. That's why it's very important to clean up after anal sex play, especially if other sexual contact will be made.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.