How To Treat Urinary Tract Infection In Men
Doctors treat urinary tract infections with a variety of antibiotics. The results of laboratory tests on your urine can help your doctor choose the best antibiotic for your infection.
In general, most uncomplicated subsystem infections will go away completely with five to seven days of treatment. After youve finished taking the antibiotics, your doctor may request another urine sample to check that the bacteria are gone. If you are diagnosed with an upper tract infection or prostate infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics that you can take for three weeks or longer.
Men with severe upper tract infections may be hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics. This is especially true It is valid in cases where nausea, vomiting and high fever increase the risk of dehydration and prevent the use of oral antibiotics.
How Are Utis Treated
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics to treat your bacterial infection, remember to take the full course even if you are feeling better.
Urinary alkalinisers can help relieve discomfort when passing urine, and improve symptoms such as stinging. You can make your own by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda or bicarbonate of soda in water, or ask your pharmacist if you prefer to buy one ready made. Please check with your doctor or pharmacist if you can use them together with other medicines you take.
Can Men Get Utis From Women
Men can get UTIs from women during sex, by getting the bacteria from a woman with the infection. However, this is unlikely.
Typically, the infection arises from bacteria that are already present in the mans body.
A doctor can diagnose a UTI by carrying out a physical examination, taking a medical history, and through laboratory tests.
Physical examination
The doctor may perform a physical examination that includes:
- checking the vital signs
- checking the abdomen, bladder area, sides, and back for pain or swelling
- examining the genitals
Medical history
The doctor may ask if the person has had other UTIs in the past, or a family history of UTIs.
They may also question the person about their symptoms.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests are required to diagnose the infection as the symptoms of a UTI can be common to other diseases.
A urine sample is usually needed to look for the presence of pus and the bacteria causing the infection.
Men may be asked to give a urine sample. A man will need to start the urine stream to clean the urethra, and then collect a midstream sample in a cup. As bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature, this urine sample is either sent to the laboratory immediately or kept refrigerated until later.
The doctor may also ask for a urine test strip, also known as a urine dipstick test. This is a quick test in which a plastic or paper ribbon is dipped into the urine sample and then removed. If the person has a UTI, the ribbon will turn a particular color.
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Other Ways To Prevent Recurring Utis
If you have more than 3 UTIs in 1 year, or 2 UTIs in 6 months, there are other things that may help prevent UTIs.
There is some evidence that women under 65 years old who keep getting UTIs may find it helpful to take:
- a supplement called D-mannose this is not recommended for pregnant women
- cranberry products, such as juice or tablets
Speak to your doctor before taking any of these during pregnancy.
Be aware that D-mannose and cranberry products can contain a lot of sugar.
Page last reviewed: 18 November 2020 Next review due: 18 November 2023
Top Ways To Prevent A Uti
Several factors can encourage bacteria to grow and spread within the urinary tract. Though UTIs arent always preventable, some behaviors may help protect against bacterial spread and infection in both men and women:
- Practice safe sex:Condom use can help prevent bacterial infections that are transmitted through sexual contact.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day will help encourage urination, which works to flush out bacteria from your urinary tract. If its hot out or if youve been exercising, be sure to drink even more water.
- Dont hold it in: Urinate when you feel the urge. Holding it in can lead to a collection of bacteria in the bladder or urinary tract.
- Use good hygiene: Wipe from front to back after bowel movements, and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
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How Long Will The Effects Last
For most UTIs, the symptoms go away within 24 hours after you begin treatment. Take all of the medicine your healthcare provider prescribes, even after the symptoms go away. If you stop taking your medicine before the scheduled end of treatment, the infection may come back.
Without treatment, the infection can last a long time. If it is not treated, the infection can permanently damage the bladder and kidneys, or it may spread to the blood. If the infection spreads to the blood, it can be fatal.
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What Is The Long
UTIs become more serious the further the infection spreads, so seeking prompt medical treatment is essential to a positive outlook.
UTIs can be prevented by staying hydrated each day and not holding urine in for long periods of time. You can also reduce the risk by regularly including cranberries in your diet.
Most UTIs will go away after treatment, but some can become recurrent. The same bacteria are usually the cause of recurrent infections, but in most cases, you can get rid of recurring infections too.
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Recovery And Management Of Utis In Cats
Most cats will fully recover within 7-10 days of developing a urinary tract infection, but they may need to remain on a canned diet for longer. Your vet may check a urine sample after treatment to determine if all the bacteria are gone.
Occasionally, cats will develop repeated urinary tract infections. Cats with recurring UTIs often require more testing to determine the underlying cause.
Are Any Tests Needed
A urine sample can confirm the diagnosis and identify the germ causing the infection. Further tests are not usually necessary if you are otherwise well and have a one-off infection. However, your doctor may advise tests of your kidney, prostate gland, or bladder if an underlying problem is suspected.
An underlying problem is more likely if the infection does not clear with an antibiotic medicine, or if you have:
- Symptoms that suggest a kidney is infected .
- Recurring urine infections. For example, two or more in a three-month period.
- Had problems with your kidney in the past, such as kidney stones or a damaged kidney.
- Symptoms that suggest an obstruction to the flow of urine.
- Blood-stained urine which persists after treatment with antibiotics.
Tests may include:
- An examination of your prostate gland by examination of your back passage .
- Tests to see how well your bladder is working, called urodynamic tests.
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Men And Urinary Tract Infections
Q. What causes urinary tract infections and are men at risk for getting them?
A. Although urinary tract infections are more , men can get them, too. They occur when bacteria build up somewhere along your urinary tract. In men, UTIs can develop in the urethra , the bladder, the prostate, or the kidney.
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How To Prevent From Getting Urinary Tract Infection
Here are a few ways in which you can prevent getting the UTI.
- You can start by emptying your bladder often
- It is very important to drinking plenty of liquids, especially during summer season
- Be very careful while cleaning the area under the foreskin after showering if you are not circumcised
- Be very careful in cleaning your genitals before and after intercourse, to make sure there is no bacterial invasion
- It is very essential to wear a condom during intercourse
- It is essential to urinate after sex, to remove any bacteria
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Symptoms Of A Urinary Tract Infection Include:
- Burning with urination
- Strong, constant urge to urinate
- Blood in the urine
If you are experiencing symptoms of a urinary tract infection, see your doctor right away. If left untreated, this condition can lead to kidney infections and cause permanent damage to the kidneys. A urinary tract infection can usually be treated with antibiotics.
How Does It Occur
Normally the urinary tract does not have any bacteria or other organisms in it. Bacteria that cause UTI often spread from the rectum to the urethra and then to the bladder or kidneys. Sometimes bacteria spread from another part of the body through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection is less common in men than in women because the male urethra is long, making it difficult for bacteria to spread to the bladder.
Urinary tract infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes a stone in the urinary tract blocks the flow of urine and causes an infection. In older men, an enlarged prostate can cause a urinary tract infection by keeping urine from draining out of the bladder completely. Infection might also be caused by the use of a catheter used to drain the bladder or by urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra by scar tissue from previous infections or surgical procedures.
You may be more likely to have a UTI if you have diabetes or another medical problem that affects the immune system.
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Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection
UTIs can be caused by a bacterial transmission and can become a risk factor for older men. Mild UTI can still be monitored and can be easily treated whereas a severe case may complicate things and can also lead to surgery.
Here are some of the common causes of UTI:
- Can be caused because of being immobile for long periods
- Can be caused by not drinking enough fluids
- Can be caused by recent urinary tract surgery
- Can be caused by diabetes
- Can be caused by being uncircumcised
- Can be caused by Sexual intercourse
Youre Using Certain Methods Of Birth Control
When it comes to UTI prevention, not all birth control methods are created equal. Luckily, only one method is associated with UTIs: a diaphragm.
Because of where the diaphragm sits, it puts pressure on the urethra, which might lead to an increased risk, says Minkin. The good news? There are plenty of other great birth control options.
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Urinary Tract Infection Diagnosis
Your doctor will review your symptoms with you first and conduct a physical exam.
A urine sample is then taken to test for microbes. It is important to use a clean-catch sample for testing, which is done midstream rather than at the beginning. This helps to eliminate bacteria or yeast from your skin.
A large number of white blood cells in your urine indicate an infection, and a urine culture will help identify the specific microbe causing the infection.
Special testing is required if a viral infection is suspected, but they are rare causes of UTIs. Viral UTIs are more common in those with weakened immune systems or those who have had organ transplants.
If your doctor thinks you may have an upper tract infection, a blood count and culture is necessary to make sure the infection has not yet spread to your bloodstream through infected kidneys.
Some individuals have recurring UTIs, and these involve additional testing to identify possible abnormalities in the tract that could be the cause.
Causes Of A Uti In Men
How does a man get a UTI? E. coli accounts for about 90 percent of all urinary tract infections, but men can also get UTIs from other bacteria, like chlamydia and mycoplasma.
These bacteria are sexually transmitted, requiring treatment for both partners involved. These infections are limited to the urethra and reproductive system.
Urinary systems are designed to keep infections at bay. The bladder and ureters prevent urine from backing up, while the simple act of urinating is supposed to flush bacteria out of your system. In men particularly, prostate glands are supposed to secrete fluids that slow down bacterial growth.
For these reasons, urinary tract infections often point to more serious causes. Benign prostate hyperplasia can obstruct the bladder, making it difficult to completely empty the bladder. Prostatitisan inflammation of the prostateor other enlarging of the prostate can lead to similar issues with bladder emptying, increasing the risk of infection. An enlarged prostate is more common in older men. Kidney stones can also block the urinary tract.
People with suppressed immune systems are also more susceptible to bacterial infections. This can include disorders like diabetes and HIV/AIDS as well as certain immunosuppressant medications, like chemotherapy for cancer.
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Key Points About Utis
See other pages for UTIs in pregnancy, UTIs in women, and UTIs in children.
Urgent Advice: Ask For An Urgent Gp Appointment Or Get Help From Nhs 111 If:
You think you, your child or someone you care for may have a urinary tract infection and:
- a very high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
- a very low temperature below 36C
- are confused, drowsy or have difficulty speaking
- have not been for a pee all day
- have pain in the lower tummy or in the back, just under the ribs
- can see blood in their pee
These symptoms could mean you have a kidney infection, which can be serious if it’s not treated as it could cause .
You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.
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What Is Prognosis Of Urinary Tract Infection In Men
- In general, the prognosis for Urinary Tract Infections in Men is excellent, if treatment is begun immediately on onset of symptoms
- UTI symptoms typically disappear after 48 hours, however if the infection is localized to the kidneys, it make take up to a week to become better
- In some rare cases without proper treatment, UTI can spread, causing fatal kidney damage and blood infections
- In some cases, the condition resolves on its own without any treatment
Uti Causes And Risk Factors
The most common cause of a UTI in the urethra is a sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two STDs that can cause a UTI. STDs are also the most common cause of UTIs in younger men.
Prostate problems can also cause UTIs. An enlarged prostate is common in older men and can block the flow of urine. This can increase the odds that bacteria will build up and cause a UTI.
Prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate, shares many of the same symptoms as UTIs.
Diabetes and other medical issues that affect your immune system can also make you more likely to get a UTI.
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How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections In Men
Younger men cant do too much in terms of preventing a UTI, according to Trost. But older men can take a few steps to lower their risk. One of the best defense mechanisms against UTIs is to completely empty the bladder every time you urinate, says urologist Howard B. Goldman MD, professor and institute vice chairman for quality at the Glickman Urologic and Kidney Institute at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio.
Its also important to drink lots of fluids, especially water, every day. If you already have a UTI, drinking plenty of fluids can help push the bacteria out of the urinary tract and in some very mild UTI cases, that could be enough to treat it. But if you notice any of the signs of a UTI, it’s still very important to head to your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment recommendation.
Without proper UTI treatment, the infection can quickly spread and become a serious and sometimes even fatal threat. So don’t brush off symptoms like frequent urination or a burning sensation when you urinate, and don’t assume that you can’t get a UTI just because you’re a man. Its important that you get these symptoms checked out promptly, too.
What Is A Uti
A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, which can include the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The infection is most commonly caused by the bacterium escherichia coli , which is naturally present in the body.
The most common symptom of UTIs in men is urinary frequency, or experiencing a frequent urge to urinate. Some men may also experience a painful or burning sensation while urinating. Additional symptoms can also present depending on where your infection is located, and some men may experience no symptoms at all.
Generally, doctors refer to two types of UTIs:
- Upper tract: An upper tract infectionrefers to a UTI that is found in the ureters or has spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection can occur when bacteria have traveled upward in the urinary tract from the bladder to the kidney or because bacteria carried in the bloodstream have collected in the kidney. Symptoms of an upper tract UTI or kidney infection can include pain in the upper back or side, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea, or vomiting.
Though its not always possible for a doctor to distinguish between a lower or upper tract infection, it can be helpful when determining the length of antibiotic treatment.
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