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How Can A Male Get A Urinary Tract Infection

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What Are The Causes Of Bladder Infections In Men

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Signs & Symptoms (& Why They Occur)

A bladder infection is also called a UTI or urinary tract infection. This infection occurs due to the retention of urine in the urethral tract which causes irritation and the formation of a narrow track. This blockage leads to an infection.

The cause of Bladder infection is the obstruction of the urinary tract, which can be caused due to various reasons like enlarged prostate gland, injury, or a stone in the kidney.

Some other causes of bladder infections include:

  • Frequent sexual intercourse with same or new partners.
  • Not urinating immediately after sexual intercourse.
  • Chronic diabetes.
  • Changes in the urinary system.
  • Diagnosed with bladder or kidney infection within the past year.

The problems associated with bladder infection are irritation in the urethra, which leads to painful urination, frequent urge to urinate, nausea, and vomiting.

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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 common in women, 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 Are Utis In Men Diagnosed

The diagnosis of male UTIs is similar to it is for women. Preliminary diagnosis requires a laboratory examination using the persons urine culture. But because doctors consider urinary tract infection in men as a complicated condition, additional testing is necessary.

After confirming the diagnosis, your doctor may proceed with a special evaluation to study the cause of your UTI. It also involves several tests to determine the amount of urine you can excrete after a single cycle. You will also need to undergo imaging scans to identify signs of bladder infection or other abnormalities in your kidney.

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Types Of Utis In Children

Common types of UTIs include:

  • Cystitis: this bladder infection is the most common type of UTI. Cystitis occurs when bacteria move up the urethra and into the bladder
  • Urethritis: when bacteria infect the urethra
  • Pyelonephritis: a kidney infection caused by infected urine flowing backward from the bladder into the kidneys or an infection in the bloodstream reaching the kidneys

Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Patients with urinary tract infections often have a burning sensation during urination. This is typically accompanied by an intense urge to urinate that wont go away, along with frequent trips to the bathroom which only result in a small amount of urine being passed. Urine may appear cloudy or have blood mixed in, giving it a pink to brownish color. Sufferers of a urinary tract infection may exhibit flu-like symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and body chills.

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About Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections are common infections that can affect the bladder, the kidneys and the tubes connected to them.

Anyone can get them, but theyre particularly common in women. Some women experience them regularly .

UTIs can be painful and uncomfortable, but usually pass within a few days and can be easily treated with antibiotics.

This page is about UTIs in adults. There is a separate article about UTIs in children.

This page covers:

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What Are Causes Of Urinary Tract Infections

When bacteria enter into the urinary system, this can result in an infection. A urine culture can help isolate the bacteria responsible for a particular UTI.

  • Escherichia coli is the Gram-negative bacteria that causes the vast majority of UTIs.
  • However, other bacterial pathogens can also cause UTIs.

Urinary tract infections are not contagious, and you cant acquire a UTI from someone else.

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Whats The Difference Between A Urinary Tract Infection And Bladder Infection

A urinary tract infection is a more general type of infection. There are many parts of your urinary tract. A UTI is a term for an infection that takes place throughout the urinary tract. A bladder infection, also called cystitis, is a specific infection. In this infection, bacteria makes its way into the bladder and causes inflammation.

Not all urinary tract infections become bladder infections. Preventing the spread of the infection is one of the most important reasons to treat a UTI quickly when you have symptoms. The infection can spread not only to the bladder, but also into your kidneys, which is a more complicated type of infection than a UTI.

Preventing Urinary Tract Infections In Boys

Urinary Tract Infection – Overview (signs and symptoms, pathophysiology, causes and treatment)

Many UTIs can be prevented by changing infants diapers frequently, encouraging kids to practice good hygiene, and instructing kids not to hold it when they have to pee because urine that remains in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow. Here are some tips on how to prevent UTIs in boys:

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Usually A Man With Uti Faces The Following Common Symptoms:

  • Pain and burning sensation while passing urine
  • Sudden and frequent urges to pass the urine
  • Dark brown urine due to the presence of blood

If the urinary infection becomes severe and reaches the kidneys or to the prostate gland, the person can face the below-mentioned symptoms as well.

  • Constant fatigue

These are the severe symptoms of urinary tract infections.

Treatments For Urinary Tract Infections In Men

How do you treat a male UTI? The main mode of treatment for male UTIs is antibiotics, usually delivered over the course of one week or more. Your doctor may also prescribe medication that numbs your bladder and urethra to relieve painful, burning urination. The most common medications prescribed for urinary tract infections in men include:

  • Ampicillin
  • Sulfamethoxazole
  • Amoxicillin

In recent years, doctors have also begun to prescribe a class of drugs called quinolones. These drugs include:

  • Ciproflaxin
  • Trovafloxin

How long does a UTI last in males? Urinary tract infections should be cured within a couple days of the treatment, assuming the infection is not caused by an obstruction or a separate disorder. Always make sure you take the full course of the prescribed medication to ensure elimination of remaining bacteria. The full course often lasts for over a week.

Doctors will prescribe longer term treatment for patients who show signs of prostate or kidney infections and patients with diabetes or structural abnormalities. Doctors also recommend longer treatments for men who have urinary tract infections as a result of mycoplasma or chlamydia. These are often treated with doxycycline, tetracycline, or a mix of trimethoprim and sulfamethoxazole.

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How Does A Male Get A Uti Causes Of Utis In Men

  • How Does a Male Get a UTI? Causes of UTIs in Men Center
  • E. coli

    Urinary tract infections in men are less common, but they can occur when E. coli bacteria enters the urinary tract through the urethra.

    While UTIs are rare in younger men, the risk tends to increase with age. Other factors that increase the risk of UTIs in males include:

    • Prostate problems, such as:
  • Weakened immune system due to HIV or medications
  • Immunosuppressive drugs for other conditions
  • Blockage in the urinary tract due to kidney stones
  • History of UTIs
  • Cancer of the urinary tract, such as prostate cancer
  • Surgery that involves the urinary tract
  • Multiple sex partners or unprotected sex
  • Urethritis or inflammation of the urethra is the most common type of UTI.

    What Is The Prognosis For A Person With A Urinary Tract Infection

    UTI ( Urinary Tract Infection) Causes, Symptoms and Home remedies

    Urinary tract infections typically respond very well to treatment. A UTI can be uncomfortable before you start treatment, but once your healthcare provider identifies the type of bacteria and prescribes the right antibiotic medication, your symptoms should improve quickly. Its important to keep taking your medication for the entire amount of time your healthcare provider prescribed. If you have frequent UTIs or if your symptoms arent improving, your provider may test to see if its an antibiotic-resistant infection. These are more complicated infections to treat and may require intravenous antibiotics or alternative treatments.

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    How Do You Diagnose And Treat A Uti

    To diagnose a UTI, your doctor may ask for a sample of your urine. Theyll use this for a urine culture to determine the levels of germs and bacteria in your urine. In rare cases, your doctor may also do an X-ray or ultrasound to get a more comprehensive look at your urinary tract.

    If a UTI is confirmed, depending on the location and severity of the infection, your doctor will prescribe antibiotics.

    For an uncomplicated lower tract infection, your doctor will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics to be taken over five to seven days.

    If you have an upper tract infection, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics for three weeks or longer.

    In the rare case of a severe infection, your doctor may recommend hospital treatment and a course of intravenous antibiotics.

    Home Remedies For Urinary Tract Infections In Men

    Will a UTI go away on its own? Minor, uncomplicated UTIs may be resolved by the body without additional treatment. Home remedies may help in this process, and can also be used while taking antibiotics. You can take several steps to maintain your comfort and ensure that all the bacteria are eliminated from your body such as:

    • Drink more water. This dilutes your urine and encourages the flushing out of bacteria from your urinary tract.
    • Avoid alcohol, coffee, citrus juice, sugary sodas, and spicy foods. All of these may irritate your bladder and contribute to your frequent, urgent urinating.
    • Use a heating pad or hot water bottle. Using a warm heating pad on your abdomen can help with the pain and discomfort.
    • Quit smoking. Smoking is one of the main contributors to bladder cancer.
    • Drink cranberry juice. Some studies suggest that cranberry juice can help with UTIs by preventing bacteria from sticking to the walls of your urinary tract. Other studies are inconclusive or suggest otherwise, but if you think drinking cranberry juice is helping you, then by all means drink it. Just watch your calorie intake, and avoid drinking cranberry juice if youre taking any blood-thinning medication, like aspirin or warfarin.

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    Diagnosis For A Uti Is Necessary

    A proper diagnosis of the urinary tract infection is necessary to get the right effective treatment. Your urologist will prescribe you some antibiotics depending upon the results of the diagnostics. Also, never choose self-medication go and consult a doctor. Self-medication might provide you only symptomatic temporary relief.

    The risk of side-effects or allergies is also quite high in self-medication. So, only use the antibiotics prescribed by your doctor and follow healthy practices that will keep you safe and away from catching a urinary tract infection.

    How Does A Male Get A Urinary Tract Infection

    Urinary Tract Infection | How To Prevent UTI (2018)

    Urinary tract infections, bacterial in nature are quite common in men and cause a lot of discomforts. The infection can be anywhere in the urinary tract system which consists of urethra, ureters, bladder, and kidney. UTIs are more common in females as compared to males. But that does not mean males dont need to take precautionary measures or be aware of the causes of urinary tract infections.

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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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    You Can Look Out For The Following Symptoms To Confirm A Urinary Tract Infection:

    • Burning like sensation while urinating
    • Foul odor from the urine
    • Very frequent urge to urinate
    • Dark-colored urine
    • Uneasiness because of the incomplete passage of urine out of the body

    To your surprise, the home remedies for urinary tract infections are quite simple to bring in effect. So, lets begin with the best home remedies to use for curing urinary tract infections in males.

    What Is The Urinary Tract

    Causes, Prevention, and Treatment of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs ...

    The urinary tract makes and stores urine, one of the body’s liquid waste products. The urinary tract includes the following parts:

    • Kidneys: These small organs are located on back of your body, just above the hips. They are the filters of your body removing waste and water from your blood. This waste becomes urine.
    • Ureters: The ureters are thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to your bladder.
    • Bladder: A sac-like container, the bladder stores your urine before it leaves the body.
    • Urethra: This tube carries the urine from your bladder to the outside of the body.

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    Acute And Chronic Prostatitis

    In the 1800s, prostatitis was thought to be secondary to excessive alcohol consumption or physical or sexual activity. It was often associated with gonorrhea and could be fatal or lead to abscess formation. By the 1920s, most cases were attributed to microorganisms, and antibiotics combined with prostate massage were standard therapy after World War II. Although the role of bacteria was questioned in the 1950s, it was reemphasized in 1968 when Meares and Stamey described their 4-glass test.

    Acute prostatitis is caused by an acute infection of the entire prostate gland, resulting in fever and localized pain. Microscopically, neutrophilic infiltrates, diffuse edema, and microabscesses may be seen, which may coalesce into larger collections.

    Chronic prostatitis may be caused by inflammatory or noninflammatory diseases. This condition may arise via dysfunctional voiding, intraprostatic reflux, chronic exposure to microorganisms, autoimmune mechanisms, irritative urinary metabolites, and as a variant of neuropathic pain. Chronic bacterial prostatitis often produces few or no symptoms related to the prostate, but it is probably the most common cause of relapsing UTI in men.

    Chronic prostatitis has been subdivided by the National Institutes of Health into the following categories:

    What Are The Symptoms Of A Uti In A Child

    Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child.

    Symptoms in babies can include:

    Symptoms in children can include:

    • Sudden need to urinate
    • Loss of control of urine
    • Pain while urinating
    • Pain above the pubic bone
    • Blood in the urine
    • Pain in the back or side below the ribs

    The symptoms of a UTI can seem like other health conditions. Make sure your child sees his or her healthcare provider for a diagnosis.

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    Causes Of Lower Urinary Tract Infection

    The lower urinary tract consists of the bladder and urethra. The skin around your urethra may have bacteria, such as Escherichia Coli, gonococcus, and Chlamydia trachomatis, which can easily enter the urethra and infect it.Urination usually flushes these bacteria out, but in some cases, they can still persist and cause an inflammation of the urethra, which is known as urethritis.45 If the actual cause of urethritis cannot be determined it is known as non-specific urethritis.

    Bladder infection, cystitis, is caused when bacteria reach the bladder through the urethra.6 They stick to the tread-like structures of the bladder and cause them to get irritated and inflamed. In most of the cases, it is caused by the bacteria E. Coli, but you may get cystitis as a result of the use of certain drugs, sexual intercourse, radiation, and hypersensitivity.

    How Can I Prevent Male Urinary Tract Infection

    Urinary Tract Infections, Animation.

    You cannot prevent all UTIs, but it is possible to make its development less likely. Please take note of the following preventive measures to avoid the risk of acquiring the infection.

    • Do not hold your urine. It is necessary to urinate as soon as you feel the need to go to the bathroom. Holding your urine can initiate the growth of bacteria and multiply as long as you keep your urine.
    • Keep your genitals clean. Carefully washing your genitals is necessary to avoid bacterial growth. If not circumcised, it is crucial to clean the area beneath the foreskin.
    • Wash before and after sex. Cleaning your genitals before and after having intercourse can help remove any bacteria that is present. If possible, urinating after sex also helps to flush out any bacteria you might have acquired during the intercourse.
    • Practice safe sex. Wearing condoms is also necessary to protect you against the transmission of bacteria.
    • Treat prostate problems and bladder infections. These are only some of the underlying issues that may lead to the formation of UTIs. It is essential to talk to your doctor about it to prevent complications.

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