Thursday, March 28, 2024

How Does A Man Get A Urinary Tract Infection

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How Do Men Get Utis

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

But in men, kidney stones and enlarged prostates are common. Both of these can cause a urinary tract infection.

When men have an enlarged prostate, residual urine can stay in the bladder and collect bacteria, Dr. Bajic says. The enlarged prostate presses on the urethra and blocks urine flow so the bladder doesnt completely empty. This increases the chances of bacterial growth that can lead to a UTI.

Dr. Bajic says kidney stones can act as a sponge for bacteria. Even if the urinary tract infection clears up, the stones can act as a reservoir for bacteria to come back and create another infection, he adds. Sometimes the stones need to be removed to prevent infections from returning.

Acute bacterial prostatitis a prostate infection is another less common cause. This can be life threatening if not treated right away.

Men at higher risk include those who:

  • Struggle with kidney stones.

Urine Culture With E Coli: Meaning Results And Treatment

Different microbes such as viruses, fungi, and bacteria can cause a urinary tract infection. Bacteria are the most common culprits even though your body has a natural defense system to throw these bacteria out of your body when they enter your urinary tract. But, sometimes, your natural defense fails, giving bacteria the chance to cause an infection in the urethra , bladder , or kidneys . To confirm your symptoms are due to a urinary tract infection, your doctor will ask for a urine test in which they will look for E. coli.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Utis

If you have a UTI, you may:

  • pass very small amounts of urine
  • feel the need or urge to pass urine frequently
  • feel that the bladder is still full after passing urine
  • feel unwell with nausea and fever
  • experience confusion
  • have pain stinging or a burning feeling when urinating
  • have smelly, cloudy, dark or blood in the urine
  • pain in the lower back or sides or feel uncomfortable in your lower abdomen

Signs of UTIs in children can also include:

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Myth: Utis Are Nothing To Worry About

Fact: Though painful and uncomfortable, you may think of UTIs as a minor, temporary condition. UTIs can go away on their own or be treated with a course of antibiotics, and though you should never ignore them, most are not cause for alarm. However, UTIs can cause serious complications, including for men.

Men are likelier than women to get UTIs from bacteria that is already present in their body, which poses a risk of the infection spreading. Some complicated UTIs can even cause kidney damage. If you have chronic UTIs, men risk the narrowing of their urethra which can create problems with urinating, in turn increasing your risk of further UTIs.

If you have symptoms of a UTI, including painful urination and cloudy urine, it is important to get checked as soon as possible. So make an appointment with Drs. Herman, Kester, and the Urology Center of Florida today for treatment and relief.

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Do I Need To See A Doctor

What is a Urinary Tract Infection?

Yes. Painful urination can be a symptom of a more serious problem. You should tell your doctor about your symptoms and how long youve had them. Tell your doctor about any medical conditions you have, such as diabetes mellitus or AIDS, because these could affect your bodys response to infection. Tell your doctor about any known abnormality in your urinary tract, and if you are or might be pregnant. Tell your doctor if youve had any procedures or surgeries on your urinary tract. He or she also need to know if you were recently hospitalized or stayed in a nursing home.

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Things You Can Do Yourself

To help ease symptoms of a urinary tract infection :

  • takeparacetamolup to 4 times a day to reduce pain and a high temperature for people with a UTI, paracetamol is usually recommended over NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or aspirin
  • you can give childrenliquid paracetamol
  • rest and drink enough fluids so you pass pale urine regularly during the day
  • avoid having sex

Some people take cystitis sachets or cranberry drinks and products every day to prevent UTIs from happening, which may help. However, there’s no evidence they help ease symptoms or treat a UTI if the infection has already started.

Urine Infection In Men

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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.

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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.

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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.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Uti

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

Not surprisingly, some of the symptoms of a UTI involve the frequency and quality of pee. Women suffering from a UTI, whether they get the infection from sex or other ways, can have a strong urge to urinate, have cloudy or red or pink urine, and may experience pain or burning during urination.

You might also get fever, shaking, or chills, and even pain in your upper back, your side, or the pelvic region.

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How Is A Uti Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will ask about your signs and symptoms. Your provider may press on your abdomen, sides, and back to check if you feel pain. You may need any of the following:

  • Urinalysis will show infection and your overall health.
  • Urine cultures may show which germ is causing your infection.

Recognizing Uti Symptoms In Men

Some people dont have any symptoms with a urinary tract infection, which usually entails an inflammation of the bladder and can also involve an infection of the lower or upper urinary tract, and in more serious cases the kidneys. In addition, not every man, woman, or child who gets a UTI has typical UTI symptoms, but most do exhibit at least one or more signs of infection. And when men do get UTIs, their symptoms are generally not too different from those that women experience. Common UTI symptoms include:

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What Is The Treatment For A Urine Infection In Men

  • A short course of antibiotics will usually clear the infection quickly. This is usually for seven days. You should see a doctor if your symptoms are not gone, or nearly gone, after a few days.
  • Paracetamol or ibuprofen will usually ease any pain, discomfort, or high temperature .
  • Have plenty to drink to help prevent a lack of fluid in the body if you have a fever and feel unwell.

How Women Can Prevent Utis

Urinary Tract Infection

Follow the same tips as men, plus do the following:

  • After using the toilet, wipe from front to back to keep bacteria away from your urethra.
  • Talk to your doctor about birth control options. Using lubricated condoms may lead to fewer UTIs.

Complexity, frequency, risk factors and prevention tips may differ by gender, but urinary tract infections are equally uncomfortable for everyone. The better news is that for both men and women most UTIs arent serious and dont cause other problems if you seek medical care right away.

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How Is Uti Treated In Males

Urinary tract infections are usually treated with oral antibiotics. In severe cases, antibiotics may be administered intravenously in a hospital setting. The choice of antibiotic depends on the type of bacteria and location of the infection.

  • Upper UTI: Antibiotics course may last for 2 weeks
  • Lower UTI: Antibiotics course may last for 3-7 days

Urinary Tract Infection In Men

Things work differently for both men and women when it comes to getting urinary tract infections . These infections are far more common in women in fact, one out of five women will become infected at some point in her life, while most men will never develop a UTI. However, it does not mean men cannot develop a urinary tract infection at all. While young men rarely develop one, it is relatively more common in elderly men. Your risk of developing UTIs increases after the age of 50.

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How Can Urinary Tract Infection In Men Be Prevented

The following factors may help prevent Urinary Tract Infections in Men or reduce the risk for an infection:

  • Drinking large amounts of water to increase urination, which can help flush bacteria from the urinary tract
  • Emptying the bladder after intercourse
  • Maintain cleanliness and hygiene, especially before and after sexual activities
  • Having safe sex, such as by using condoms and avoiding multiple partners
  • Avoiding holding-in of the urine regularly: Postponing urination when there is an urge to urinate can cause pooling of urine within the bladder. Such pooling over a prolonged period of time can create an environment for favorable bacterial growth
  • Keeping diabetes under control
  • Sexual partners may also have to be treated for infections
  • Individuals with poor immune system have to be additionally careful as they are higher prone to infections

How Is Uti In Males Diagnosed

Mayo Clinic Minute: Treating Urinary Tract Infections

Urine tests can confirm a diagnosis of UTI, typically a urine culture and sensitivity test to identify the bacteria that has caused the infection.

Further tests are usually not necessary but may be ordered if UTIs keep recurring or if there is a problem in one of the organs of the urinary tract system. Tests may include:

  • Digital rectal examination, which looks for enlargement of the prostate gland or hard prostate
  • Prostate-specific antigen blood test
  • Ultrasound scan of the pelvis
  • X-ray of the pelvis
  • Urodynamic tests

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How Does A Male Get A Urinary Tract Infection

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.

How Are Urinary Tract Infections Diagnosed

Your doctor will review your medical history and do a physical exam. Other tests may include:

  • Urinalysis. Lab testing of urine is done to check for various cells and chemicals, such as red and white blood cells, germs , or a lot of protein.

If UTIs become a repeated problem, other tests may be used to see if the urinary tract is normal. These tests may include:

  • Intravenous pyelogram . This is a series of X-rays of the kidney, ureters , and bladder. It uses a contrast dye injected into a vein. This can be used to find tumors, structural abnormalities, kidney stones, or blockages. It also checks blood flow in the kidneys.
  • Cystoscopy. In this test, a thin, flexible tube and viewing device is put in through the urethra to examine the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. Structural changes or blockages, such as tumors or stones can be found.
  • Kidney and bladder ultrasound. This imaging test uses high-frequency sound waves to make images of the bladder and the kidneys on a computer screen. The test is used to determine the size and shape of the bladder and the kidneys, and check for a mass, kidney stone, cysts, or other blockages or abnormalities.

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What Are The Symptoms Of Uti In Males

The most common symptom of UTI is painful urination. Other symptoms depend on where the UTI has developed.

Doctors classify UTIs into two types depending on the location:

  • Upper UTI: Infection of the urethra, bladder, or ureter
  • Lower UTI: infection of the kidney

Upper UTI symptoms may include:

Lower UTI symptoms may include:

  • Pain and burning when passing urine
  • Increased frequency of passing urine
  • Pain in the lower abdomen
  • Cloudy, bloody or smelly urine

Some men may not have any symptoms at all. Older men may develop confusion or a general feeling of being unwell.

How Can I Prevent A Uti

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The No. 1 way to prevent a UTI is to empty your bladder completely and often. Dr. Slopnick suggests urinating every few hours, whether you feel the need to go or not.

She also recommends these tried-and-true prevention strategies:

  • Drink water regularly. You dont need to overdo it, but drink to thirst. Your goal should be that your pee appears something like the color of pale straw.
  • Practice good genital and urinary hygiene, including wiping front to back and washing your hands.
  • Ask a healthcare provider about low-dose vaginal cream for postmenopausal women. This can help rejuvenate the vaginal skin and support the presence of good bacteria.
  • Consider taking a probiotic to encourage the growth of good bacteria.
  • Try cranberry supplements or 100% cranberry juice. This is recommended in the American Urological Association guidelines for women who experience frequent UTIs.
  • Consider taking D-Mannose, a supplement that sticks to bladder receptors that normally attract E. coli bacteria. Thats the bacteria that are usually responsible for UTIs.
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    How Can I Take Care Of Myself

    • Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment. Take all of the antibiotic that your healthcare provider prescribes, even when you feel better. Do not take medicine left over from previous prescriptions.
    • Drink more fluids, especially water, to help flush bacteria from your system.
    • If you have a fever:
    • Take aspirin or acetaminophen to control the fever. Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
    • Keep a daily record of your temperature.
  • A hot water bottle or an electric heating pad on a low setting can help relieve cramps or lower abdominal or back pain. Keep a cloth between your skin and the hot water bottle or heating pad so that you don’t burn your skin.
  • Soaking in a tub for 20 to 30 minutes may help relieve any back or abdominal pain.
  • Keep your follow-up appointment with your provider, if recommended.
  • How Can You Tell The Difference Between A Uti And Bladder Infection

    Bladder infections are a type of UTI that involves the lower urinary tract, including the bladder. A bladder infection can spread to other parts of your urinary tract or kidneys if left untreated. The symptoms of bladder infections and UTIs can be similar. See a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, such as painful or frequent urination, pain in your central lower abdomen, or blood in your urine.

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    Preventing Urinary Tract Infections In Boys

    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:

    Urinary Tract Infections In Babies And Young Children

    Simple way of how men can treat Urinary tract infection

    Babies and children are at risk of UTIs. These infections always need to be investigated as they may indicate a serious underlying condition, such as urinary reflux. Reflux is caused by a bladder valve problem allowing urine to flow back into the kidneys from the bladder. Reflux can cause the urine to stay inside the body increasing the risk of infection. It may lead to kidney scarring, which in turn leads to high blood pressure and sometimes kidney problems.

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