60% of Women Feel the Urge to Pee During Sex - Here's What to Do about It

Photo credit: Westend61 - Getty Images
Photo credit: Westend61 - Getty Images

From Women's Health

One minute you're getting down, the next, the urge to pee strikes. It makes zero sense that you should need to interrupt intimate time with the distinctly unsexy business of going to the loo (well – unsexy for most, but you do you), so, what gives?

Well, it's a pretty standard thing. 'It can be completely normal to feel the urge to pee during sexual intercourse. In fact around 60% of women feel the urge to pee during sex,' says Dr Sherry A. Ross, a gynaecologist and author of she-ology. The Definitive Guide to Women’s Intimate Health. Period

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Here's everything you need to know about bladder control during sexy time, including what you can do to fix it.


Make sure you pee before and after sex

You’ve probably heard the (somewhat) common advice to pee after sex in order to prevent cystitis. While this information is absolutely correct, you should also be sure to pee before sex as well.

The urethra and bladder are adjacent to the vaginal canal. When the bladder is full, sex can make urgency more apparent - and even cause it.

'Since the bladder sits directly on top of the vagina, the act of a penis or dildo going in and out of the vagina creates the sensation of the urge to pee,' says Ross.

As you move during intercourse, the bladder gets, well, bumped around a bit. Your sexual organs are all quite close to one another.

'It's not uncommon that people feel [like you need to pee] because of the pressure being applied to the bladder through vaginal insertion of a toy/penis or the position they're in during sex,' explains Kristine D'Angelo, a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist.

Make a pit stop to the bathroom before sex to ensure this doesn’t happen to you. If anything, it will give you peace of mind to know you’re not squishing an overly full bladder before getting busy.

Vaginal dryness might be the culprit

If you always feel the need to pee during sex, the easiest solution could be investing in some reliable lube. Vaginal dryness can lead to irritation of the urethral canal, resulting in a sense of urgency during sex.

'Prevent vaginal dryness or irritation by using proper lubrication. This could help eliminate vaginal tissue from becoming inflamed, affecting the urethral tube which could make you feel like you have to pee,' D’Angelo says.

There are tons of lubes to choose from. We recommend opting for a reliable water-based product that is free of parabens and glycerine.

The mucus-rich tissue of the vagina and vulva are some of the most highly absorbent in the human body. Don’t use low-grade ingredients.

Tips: when it comes to sexual play of any kind, you should be using lube. The more lube the better. Even if you think you get wet enough, lube makes everything better. You’ll have better sex and more orgasms.

Is needing to pee linked to the G-spot orgasm?

The G-spot is located within the first few inches inside of the vaginal canal. To locate it, insert one or two fingers into the vagina and hook up toward the belly button. It should feel like a walnut textured patch.

This spot is less of a 'spot' and more of a G-spot 'area.' It is the backend of the clitoris. This area lives in close proximity to the urethral sponge and Skene’s Glands - the glands responsible for female ejaculation.

When the G-spot is activated, it can simultaneously stimulate the urethral sponge and urethra, causing the sensation to urinate.

Additionally, when the Skene’s Glands fill with fluid, it can add further pressure to the urethra. So chances are you don’t really need to pee, it just feels that way.

'When the G-spot, which is connected to the clitoral network, is massaged or experiences friction it begins to swell with prostatic fluids, when ejaculated through the urethra it can be confused with peeing but actually it's got a small amount of urea present,' D’Angelo explains. Needing to pee is often the preface for squirting.

When to see a doctor

Needing to pee during sex is usually normal but there are times when you should consult your doctor or gynaecologist.

For instance, if the urgency is accompanied by pain, this could indicate an infection of the bladder or a UTI. You should always talk to your doctor if you’re experiencing pain during intercourse.

Another reason this might be happening? Weak pelvic floor muscles.

'If you have any problems with pelvic floor weakness from a vaginal birth, chronic coughing, sneezing, constipation or regular high-impact exercises this can also lead to an urge to pee during sex,' Ross explains.

The best way to strengthen the pelvic floor is by doing Kegel exercises. But, before you try anything new, always consult your doctor.

Now you know about needing to pee when you have sex, find out what you need to know about sex during periods.

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