Do Latex Condoms or Underwear Cause UTIs? What You Need to Know About Irritation Down There

Written By The Mr. Fertyl Research & Education Team

UTIs in men are relatively uncommon, but they can still happen. Many guys wonder: can using a latex condom or wearing certain underwear spark a urinary tract infection? Let’s break down the facts. UTIs happen when bacteria enter the urinary tract and cause infection. During sex, it’s easy for bacteria (often from the skin or genital area) to get pushed up the urethra [1]. In fact, a WebMD sex-health guide notes that “during sex, a penis… can give these germs an easy route up the urethra and into your urinary tract,” so the common advice is to urinate after sex to flush them out [1]. But does this mean condoms or underwear are to blame? The short answer is: not directly. It’s usually ingredients and conditions – not latex or fabrics alone – that raise UTI risk.

Latex Condoms: Ingredients Matter More than Rubber

Latex itself isn’t a germ, but condoms often carry additives. Condoms lubricated or coated with spermicide (like nonoxynol-9) are strongly linked to higher UTI risk [2][3]. The Cleveland Clinic warns that urinary infections can arise from “spermicide-lubricated condoms” [2]. Why? Spermicides can kill the healthy bacteria (like Lactobacillus) that normally keep the genital microbiome balanced [4][5]. With that defense down, harmful bacteria (such as Staph. saprophyticus) can flourish. A classic study found women using spermicide-coated condoms had three times the UTI risk of those using plain condoms [3]. Importantly, that excess risk did not occur with uncoated (plain latex) condoms [3]. In other words, plain latex condoms aren’t inherently causing UTIs – it’s the spermicide and other chemicals.

In practice, dermatologists and urologists advise that if you’re prone to post-sex UTIs, switch to condoms without spermicides, flavors, or scents [3][5]. Also use plenty of water-based lube to prevent friction. (Oil-based lubes can damage latex anyway.) And yes, peeing after sex helps rinse away stray bacteria [1].

One more thing: some men have latex allergies. About 4–5% of people are sensitive to latex proteins, which can cause itching, redness or a rash [6]. That’s allergy or irritation – not a UTI. But itching or burning from a latex allergy can feel alarming. The good news is that if latex is the culprit, you can switch to non-latex condoms (polyurethane or nitrile), which will prevent allergic reactions without affecting urine flow or fertility [2][6].

Underwear and Moisture: Debunking Myths

You’ve probably heard that “wearing tight, non-cotton underwear gives you UTIs.” Actually, experts call that mostly a myth. One medical roundup points out that many doctors used to insist on cotton underwear, but now agree that any comfortable, well-fitted underwear is fine – as long as you stay clean and dry [7]. Tight underwear or wet bathing suits aren’t guaranteed to give you a UTI by themselves [7]. UTIs result from bacteria entering the urethra (often during sex) [1], not from clothes per se.

However, fabric breathability does matter for overall genital health. Synthetic underwear (polyester, nylon, etc.) tends to trap heat and moisture. This can create an environment where skin irritation or yeast infections thrive [8]. One review of fabrics notes that synthetic fibers are prone to bacterial and yeast buildup and can cause skin allergies or infections [8]. In theory, sitting in damp underwear could irritate the urethra or encourage skin breakouts, which might indirectly raise infection risk. But again, there’s no strong evidence that modern briefs or boxers directly cause UTIs. The key is to change out of sweaty clothes promptly and wear breathable fabrics.

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Heat, Fertility, and Fabric

For men thinking about fertility, underwear choice takes on extra weight. The testes need to be a few degrees cooler than body temperature to produce healthy sperm. Elevated scrotal heat impairs spermatogenesis [9]. In fact, loose boxers have been associated with better sperm counts than tight briefs. A Harvard study of infertile couples showed that men who mostly wore boxers had about 25% higher sperm concentration and 17% higher total sperm count compared to men who wore tight underwear [9]. Their FSH hormone levels were correspondingly lower, suggesting testicular function was better when the testicles stayed cooler [9].

Wearing polyester or nylon underwear tends to hold heat more than Bamboo Lyocell or cotton. In an old experimental study on dogs, those fitted with polyester underpants for two years had a sharp drop in sperm count and motility (with abnormal sperm forms), which mostly recovered after the pants were removed [10]. (Dogs’ physiology is not human, but this study underscores how heat or static from polyester may harm sperm.)

Bottom line: keep it cool down there. Choose loose-fitting underwear made of natural or breathable fibers. Even if the direct link to UTIs is unproven, trapping heat and moisture in synthetic fabric can irritate skin and disrupt the genital microbiome. Remember, any chronic inflammation or infection in the genital area can negatively affect fertility over time [10][11].

Mr. Fertyl’s Bamboo Lyocell Underwear

One fertility-friendly option is Bamboo Lyocell underwear. Our Mr. Fertyl boxers are made from bamboo fibers processed into lyocell (like TENCEL™). This fabric is naturally soft, silky, and breathable – it wicks moisture away and allows air flow. By keeping the scrotum cooler and drier, Bamboo Lyocell can help protect sperm health (looser, natural fibers are known to benefit sperm production [9]). It’s also inherently hypoallergenic and chemical-free, so it won’t irritate sensitive skin or introduce irritants. Unlike many synthetics, bamboo is renewable and the lyocell process recycles most solvents, making it an eco-conscious choice.

Switching into bamboo underwear is a simple way to prioritize your fertility and comfort. It won’t cure a UTI, but by staying cool and dry, you reduce any risk that warm, damp conditions could invite unwanted bacteria or fungal growth. And because the fabric is gentle, it can help avoid chafing or rashes – so you’ll spend less time worrying about irritation down there.

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Tips to Prevent UTIs and Irritation

  • Use simple condoms: Choose latex condoms that are unscented, additive- and spermicide-free [2][3]. This minimizes chemical irritation.
  • Pee after sex: As experts advise, urinating right after sex flushes out bacteria that might have entered the urethra [1].
  • Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps urine dilute and helps flush the urinary tract routinely.
  • Keep clean and dry: Change out of sweaty gym clothes or wet swim shorts ASAP. Bathe and dry the groin area gently – don’t use harsh soaps that disturb the normal skin flora.
  • Wear breathable underwear: Opt for boxer-style briefs or bamboo blends. Tight polyester briefs can raise scrotal heat and trap moisture, whereas soft bamboo lyocell or cotton allow air and wick sweat [8][9].
  • Check for allergies: If condoms or laundry detergents cause itching/redness, try latex-free condoms or hypoallergenic soaps. An allergic rash can mimic UTI symptoms, but it’s different – avoiding the trigger solves it [6].
  • See a doctor for recurrent UTIs: If you get frequent UTIs, check for underlying issues (like prostate inflammation) or consider talk about prophylactic measures.

Closing Thoughts

Navigating genital health doesn’t have to be taboo. Science shows that latex condoms alone don’t directly cause UTIs – it’s the additives (spermicides, fragrances) and the bacteria introduced during sex that matter [3][5]. Likewise, no fabric can “give” you a UTI on its own; it’s more about overall hygiene and conditions.

That said, staying breathable, clean, and cool down there is a smart move for both comfort and fertility. Selecting simple, additive-free condoms and wearing moisture wicking bamboo underwear from Mr. Fertyl can help keep irritation at bay. And remember: if you suspect a true UTI (burning pee, urgency, cloudy urine), see a doctor promptly. Infections of the genital tract can impact sperm health and fertility if ignored [11], so it’s worth getting ahead of them with healthy habits and the right gear.

By having these conversations openly – about condoms, underwear, UTIs, and fertility – we break the stigma and help everyone stay informed. Your down-there health is important, so treat it with care: choose the right condoms, wear breathable fabrics, and keep that delicate area happy and healthy.

  1. Watson, S. (2024). Love hurts: Common sex injuries and other hazards. WebMD. Source.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Condoms: Birth control, types, how they work & effectiveness. Cleveland Clinic. Source.
  3. Apgar, B. (1998). Spermicide-coated condoms and urinary tract infections. American Family Physician, 58(2), 522. Source.
  4. Aime, M. (2025). Can condoms cause a UTI? 3 condom ingredients that increase the risk of UTIs. GoodRx. Source.
  5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Urinary tract infection basics. CDC. Source.
  6. Eske, J. (2019). Am I allergic to condom latex? Medical News Today. Source.
  7. Moore, S. (2022). Mythbusting: Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs). News-Medical.net. Source.
  8. Broadhead, R., Craeye, L., & Callewaert, C. (2021). The future of functional clothing for an improved skin and textile microbiome relationship. Microorganisms, 9(6), 1192. Source.
  9. Mínguez-Alarcón, L., Gaskins, A. J., Chiu, Y.-H., Messerlian, C., Williams, P. L., Ford, J. B., Souter, I., Hauser, R., & Chavarro, J. E. (2018). Type of underwear worn and markers of testicular function among men attending a fertility center. Human Reproduction, 33(9), 1749–1756. Source.
  10. Shafik, A. (1993). Effect of different types of textile fabric on spermatogenesis: an experimental study. Urological Research, 21(5), 367–370. Source.
  11. Schuppe, H.-C., Pilatz, A., Hossain, H., Diemer, T., Wagenlehner, F., & Weidner, W. (2017). Urogenital infection as a risk factor for male infertility. Deutsches Ärzteblatt International, 114(19), 339–346. Source.