Friday, April 26, 2024

How Does A Male Get Urinary Tract Infection

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How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed

Simple way of how men can treat Urinary tract infection

Your doctor will use the following tests to diagnose a urinary tract infection:

  • Urinalysis: This test will examine the urine for red blood cells, white blood cells and bacteria. The number of white and red blood cells found in your urine can actually indicate an infection.
  • Urine culture: A urine culture is used to determine the type of bacteria in your urine. This is an important test because it helps determine the appropriate treatment.

If your infection does not respond to treatment or if you keep getting infections over and over again, your doctor may use the following tests to examine your urinary tract for disease or injury:

  • Ultrasound: In this test, sound waves create an image of the internal organs. This test is done on top of your skin, is painless and doesnt typically need any preparation.
  • Cystoscopy: This test uses a special instrument fitted with a lens and a light source to see inside the bladder from the urethra.
  • CT scan: Another imaging test, a CT scan is a type of X-ray that takes cross sections of the body . This test is much more precise than typical X-rays.

Myth: Male Utis Are Caused By Poor Hygiene

Fact: Many of the differences between male and female UTIs are anatomical. Poor hygiene, namely wiping from back to front, is a common UTI risk factor for women, as this can easily spread bacteria into the urinary tract. Men are more likely to get a UTI from a medical issue that traps bacteria or interferes with fighting infections, such as a suppressed immune system or a urinary tract blockage.

Though rare, it is still possible for men to get a UTI when external bacteria enters the urinary tract. Men who use urinary catheters may be at increased risk. Hygiene, while important, is rarely the culprit.

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections In Men

Can a man get a urinary tract infection? A surprising number of people assume that only women can get a UTI. While the chance of women getting a UTI is highabout 1 in 2 women will get a urinary tract infection at some point in their livesmen can still contract urinary tract infections.

Urinary tract infections lead to an estimated 8.3 million doctor visits each year. About 20 percent of those cases are from men.

Urinary tract infections are rare in men younger than 50 years old, but the chances of contracting a UTI increase as men get older. Lets take a closer look at urinary tract infections in men, what causes them, symptoms, and how you can treat and prevent them.

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Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection In Men

Dubai, United Arab Emirates Can men get urinary tract infections?

This is one of the messages Dr. Jamin Brahmbhat, MD, a urologist and robotic surgeon at Orlando Health and president of the Florida Urological Association, received in the past 24 hours. His answer was, Yes, men get urinary tract infections. Thats true news.

Brahmbat said that President Bill Clintons hospitalization with a urinary tract infection that entered the bloodstream this week has caused an uproar about it.

He added: I heard the news when I was seeing a patient, a man, who had a urinary tract infection twice in a row, recently. This patient is one of the hundreds I see every year. They send them to me to help detect this type of infection and how to prevent it. Of which.

To shed light on this topic that has intrigued many as a result of the recent news, Brahmbat provides us with 10 facts about urinary tract infections:

When Should I Call My Healthcare Provider

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
  • Fever.
  • Back pain.
  • Vomiting.

If you have any of these symptoms, or your other symptoms continue after treatment, call your healthcare provider. A UTI can spread throughout your urinary tract and into other parts of your body. However, treatment is very effective and can quickly relieve your symptoms.

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Vitamin C Kills Harmful Bacteria

Foods and fruits rich in vitamin C boosts immunity and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria in the urinary tract. It also makes the urine acidic enough to kill the infection-cause. So, any man who is already suffering from urinary tract infection must have foods that are enriched with vitamin C. Mango, papaya, strawberries, watermelon, kiwi, grapefruit, orange, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe are some of the fruits that are the rich sources of vitamin C. Other than these, you should also make broccoli, bell peppers, cauliflower, and tomatoes integral to your regular diet. This way, you will keep yourself safe from the troubles of urinary tract infections.

How E Coli Enters The Urinary Tract

Urine is mostly made up of water, salt, chemicals, and other waste. While researchers used to think of urine as sterile, its now known that even a healthy urinary tract can host a variety of bacteria. But one type of bacteria not normally found in the urinary tract is E. coli.

E. coli often gains entry into the urinary tract via stool. Women are particularly at risk for UTIs because their urethra sits close to the anus, where E. coli is present. Its also shorter than a mans, giving the bacteria easier access to the bladder, where the majority of UTIs occur, and the rest of the urinary tract.

E. coli can spread to the urinary tract in a variety of ways. Common ways include:

  • Improper wiping after using the bathroom. Wiping back to front can carry E. coli from the anus to the urethra.
  • Sex. The mechanical action of sex can move E. coli-infected stool from the anus into the urethra and up the urinary tract.
  • Birth control. Contraceptives that use spermicides, including diaphragms and spermicidal condoms, can kill the healthy bacteria in your body that protect you from bacteria like E. coli. This bacterial imbalance can make you more susceptible to a UTI.
  • Pregnancy. Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect the growth of certain bacteria. Some experts also think that the weight of a growing fetus can shift your bladder, making it easier for E. coli to gain access.

Diagnosing a UTI can involve a two-part process.

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An Adult Man May Need Or Want To Get Circumcised For Several Reasons But Medical Necessity Is The Most Common

If youre considering circumcision, there are several reasons why an adult man might need or want to get circumcised, but medical necessity is the most common one. Circumcision can be advised for men with phimosis , balanitis and recurrent urinary tract infections. However, it should be noted that some physical complications are associated with circumcisions, such as bleeding, infection and swelling. Psychological complications include anxiety and depression.

How Does It Occur

How do you get a UTI (urinary tract infection)?

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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Urine Infection In Men

In this series

Most urine infections are caused by germs which come from your own bowel. They cause no harm in your bowel but can cause infection if they get into other parts of your body. Some bacteria lie around your back passage after you pass a stool . These bacteria sometimes travel to the tube which passes urine from your bladder and into your bladder. Some bacteria thrive in urine and multiply quickly to cause infection.

A urine infection is often called a urinary tract infection by doctors. When the infection is just in the bladder and urethra, this is called a lower UTI. If it travels up to affect one or both kidneys as well then it is called an upper UTI. This can be more serious than lower UTIs, as the kidneys can become damaged by the infection.

In this article

In other cases the infection occurs for no apparent reason. There is no problem with the bladder, kidney, prostate gland, or defence system that can be identified.

In the average adult patient there should be a urine output of: 0.5-1 ml/kg/hr. This means that an average 70 kg man should produce 35-70 mls an hour.

Urine output decreases in older patients and the target urine output should be 0.25-0.5 ml/kg/hr. This means that a 70 kg man who is aged over 65 years should produce 17.5-35mls per hour.

What Is Urinary Tract Infection In Men

  • A Urinary Tract Infection in Men is an infection that occurs within the urinary tract system, which consists of the urethra, bladder, ureter, and kidneys, as well as the prostate and testicles
  • The infection is named after the location in the urinary tract, where it occurs:
  • Infection of the ureter is urethritis
  • Infection of the bladder is cystitis
  • Infection of the prostate is prostatitis
  • Infection of the testicles is orchitis
  • Infection of the epididymis is epididymitis
  • Infection of the kidneys is pyelonephritis
  • Urinary Tract Infection is generally caused by a microbe, such as bacteria. Men are at a decreased risk of developing a UTI than women, because of the anatomical structure of the male urinary system
  • The infection can occur more frequently with increasing age, due to a blockage in the urinary tract, having a bladder catheter, or with a decreased immune system
  • The signs and symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Men include fever, frequent urination, and a burning sensation while urinating. A diagnosis for the condition can include a complete physical exam with urine and blood tests
  • Urinary Tract Infections in Men are commonly treated with antibiotics , which can bring about positive outcomes within 48 hours
  • However, severe complications can occur if the condition is left untreated such as the spread of the infection to the kidneys or to the bloodstream
  • Read Also: Urinary Urgency Treatment Home Remedies

    Why Do Women Get Urinary Tract Infections More Often Than Men

    Women tend to get urinary tract infections more often than men because bacteria can reach the bladder more easily in women. The urethra is shorter in women than in men, so bacteria have a shorter distance to travel.

    The urethra is located near the rectum in women. Bacteria from the rectum can easily travel up the urethra and cause infections. Bacteria from the rectum is more likely to get into the urethra if you wipe from back to front after a bowel movement. Be sure to teach children how to wipe correctly.

    Having sex may also cause urinary tract infections in women because bacteria can be pushed into the urethra. Using a diaphragm can lead to infections because diaphragms push against the urethra and make it harder to completely empty your bladder. The urine that stays in the bladder is more likely to grow bacteria and cause infections.

    Frequent urinary tract infections may be caused by changes in the bacteria in the vagina. Antibacterial vaginal douches, spermicides, and certain oral antibiotics may cause changes in vaginal bacteria. Avoid using these items, if possible. Menopause can also cause changes in vaginal bacteria that increase your risk for urinary tract infection. Taking estrogen usually corrects this problem but may not be for everyone.

    How Can I Prevent Male Urinary Tract Infection

    Urinary tract infection â should have been concerned before

    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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    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.

    Drink Lots Of Water And Healthy Juices

    The more fluid you consume, the more you enable your body to pass out the harmful bacteria. It is a well-established fact that low intake of healthy fluids and irregular urination makes a person more prone to urinary tract infections. So, there is no doubt that keeping the body hydrated will save you from a lot of urinary infections. Also, drink lots of fresh fruit and vegetable juices that will keep the entire digestive and urinary system healthy. Just make sure that you prefer fresh juices that have no artificial sweeteners.

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    Symptoms Of Urinary Tract Infections In Male Dogs

    Sometimes urinary tract infections in male dogs produce no obvious symptoms until they have become quite severe. This is one reason that it is a good idea to include a urinalysis in the routine lab work for your dog every year or twice yearly depending on your dogs age and overall health.

    The most common signs of a urinary tract infection are difficulty urinating or straining to urinate, frequent urges to urinate with a small quantity of urine produced, urine with a strange color or odor, blood in the urine and accidents in the house.

    These symptoms can indicate something other than a bacterial cystitis so it is important for your veterinarian to do a full workup to determine other underlying causes.

    What Are The Causes Of Bladder Infections In Men

    Urinary Tract Infections, Animation.

    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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    When To Call A Professional

    If you are approaching age 50, call your doctor if you notice any of the following: a decrease in the force of your urine stream, difficulty in beginning urination, dribbling after you urinate, or a feeling that your bladder isnt totally empty after you finish urinating. These could be symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a problem that can be treated effectively before it triggers a urinary tract infection.

    Signs Of A Kidney Infection To Know And When To Go To The Hospital

    Youre probably not constantly on the lookout for signs of a kidney infection. But getting a urinary tract infection can open you up to also getting an infection in one or both kidneys, which means this is an illness that should be on your radar. Yep, its an unfortunate truth: A urinary tract infection can lead to a kidney infection, which is medically known as pyelonephritis and can be incredibly serious. So if youre experiencing symptoms of a UTI and thinking, Eh, I can wait a few more days to get those antibiotics, think again. Heres what you need to know about the signs of a kidney infection, its underlying causes, why its so important to get treatment as soon as you can, and more.

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