Thursday, March 28, 2024

What Can Cause A Urinary Tract Infection In Men

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Who Is Most At Risk

Simple way of how men can treat Urinary tract infection

In addition to the causes mentioned above, there are some things that can increase your risk of developing urinary incontinence without directly being the cause of the problem. These are known as risk factors.

Some of the main risk factors for urinary incontinence include:

  • family history there may be a genetic link to urinary incontinence, so you may be more at risk if other people in your family have experienced the problem
  • increasing age urinary incontinence becomes more common as you reach middle age and is particularly common in people over 80
  • having lower urinary tract symptoms a range of symptoms that affect the bladder and urethra

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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.

How Utis In Men Are Diagnosed

A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract. In fact, according to the National Kidney Foundation, one particular bacteria, E. coli, causes 80 to 90 percent of all UTI cases.

Diagnosing a urinary tract infection in men is initially the same as it is for women, consisting of a urine culture. But because a UTI in a man is often considered complicated, according to Dr. Trost, additional testing is usually necessary to determine why he got a UTI.

This typically includes not only a urinary culture to confirm an infection, but also a special study to evaluate how much urine he leaves behind after urinating, and an imaging study, such as a CT scan, to evaluate for kidney stones or other anatomic abnormalities that may be causing this, he explains.

If a man has recurrent infections or infections with the same organism, or UTI-like symptoms without a positive urine culture, then further testing may be necessary.

Any man who suspects he may have a UTI should see his doctor right away so that he can begin treatment as soon as possible.

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Key Points About Utis

  • Urine infections are rare in men aged under 50 years. They become more common in older men.
  • Symptoms of a UTI include burning or pain when peeing, and needing to pee more often and more urgently.
  • All symptoms of a UTI should be checked by a doctor.
  • In rare cases, the infection can spread to your kidneys. This is known as pyelonephritis and needs urgent medical care.
  • UTIs can be treated with antibiotics.
  • See other pages for UTIs in pregnancy, UTIs in women, and UTIs in children.

    A Urinary Tract Infection Can Spread To Other Parts Of The Body

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Overview and More

    First, a little primer on how UTIs happen: Bacteria gets into the urinary system, which includes the kidneys and the bladder. This typically happens through the urethra . The bacteria then begins to multiply once in the system, according to the Mayo Clinic.

    The infection is most often seen or located in the bladder, but it can happen in any part of the urinary tract.

    In some cases particularly if left untreated the infection can spread to the kidneys or other parts of the body, and sometimes make its way into the bloodstream. Complications from this can include permanent kidney damage. It can also lead to sepsis, a potentially life-threatening complication. As part of the process of responding to an infection, the body releases chemicals into the blood stream to fight it off. Sepsis can occur when the bodys response to those chemicals becomes out of balance, according to the Mayo Clinic. This can result in damage to your organs.

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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.

    Burning Sensation You May Have A Uti

    A urinary tract infection or UTI happens in millions of Americans each year. A UTI can cause pain during urination and more commonly affects women. Several signs show the severity of the infection. These include intense back pain. Understanding whats happening during a UTI can help people get the right treatment right away.

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    Uti In Men: Symptoms Causes Treatment & Prevention

    Though urinary tract infections are more common in women, they can also occur in men.

    In this article, Ill describe the two main types of UTIs in men as well as their symptoms and potential causes. Ill also review how doctors diagnose and treat UTIs in men. Finally, Ill address who is most at risk for getting a UTI, how it can affect older adults and children differently, and which behaviors may help prevent a UTI.

    In most cases, UTIs are easy to treat, but they do not go away on their own. Knowing how to recognize the symptoms of a UTI will help you determine when its important to see a healthcare professional for treatment.

    Older Adults Dont Need Powerful Antibiotics For Utis

    Urinary Tract Infection Causes

    Treatment for UTIs should begin with narrow-spectrum antibiotics, say Dr. Lathia and Dr. Goldman.

    These drugs are less likely to lead to antibiotic resistance and problematic side effects than broad-spectrum antibiotics.

    Today, amoxicillin is commonly prescribed as first-line treatment for UTIs in older adults.

    Other common narrow-spectrum must be used with caution when patients have chronic kidney disease or take blood pressure medication, as many older adults do or because their side effects can be serious in older adults.

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    Types Of Kidney Infection

    Kidney infections can be acute or chronic.

    An acute kidney infection is one that goes away after treatment.

    A chronic infection comes and goes, or may never go away properly. This type of infection can damage the kidneys. It usually occurs if there is a problem that causes urine to flow backwards from the bladder and up into the kidneys.

    Whos Most Likely To Get A Kidney Infection

    Women and children are most at risk of developing a kidney infection, as well as other urinary tract infections such as cystitis.

    Other factors can also put you more at risk of developing a kidney infection, including:

    • having a condition that blocks, or obstructs, your urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate children with constipation can also be at an increased risk
    • being born with an abnormality in your urinary tract
    • having a condition that prevents you emptying your bladder fully, such as an injury to your spinal cord this can allow bacteria in your bladder to multiply and spread
    • having a weakened immune system for example, due to type 2 diabetes or as a side effect of chemotherapy
    • having an infection of the prostate gland called prostatitis the infection can spread from the prostate gland into the kidneys
    • having a urinary catheter
    • being female and sexually active sexual intercourse can irritate the urethra and allow bacteria to travel into your bladder
    • being pregnant this can cause physical changes that slow the flow of urine out of your body and make it easier for bacteria to spread to the kidneys
    • having undergone female genital mutilation an illegal practice where a womans genitals are deliberately cut or changed for cultural, religious and social reasons

    Read Also: E Coli In Urinary Tract

    Is It Possible To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections With Diet And Supplements

    It is possible to reduce the chance that a UTI will develop with dietary methods and some supplements but prevention of all UTIs is unlikely with these methods. Supplements such as eating cranberries, taking vitamin C tablets, and eating yogurt and other substances also may reduce the chance that a UTI will develop . However, as stated in the prevention section, changes in a persons lifestyle may reduce the chance getting a UTI as good as, if not better than, any diet or supplement.

    What Causes A Bladder Infection

    5 Phases to Heal UTIs Naturally (Without Drugs!)

    Bacteria that enter through the urethra and move into the bladder can cause infections. Typically, the body removes the bacteria by flushing them out during urination.

    Bacteria can sometimes attach to the walls of your bladder and multiply quickly. This overwhelms the bodys ability to destroy them, resulting in a bladder infection.

    Most bladder infections are caused by Escherichia coli. This type of bacteria is naturally present in the large intestines.

    • a frequent sensation of having to urinate, which is called urgency
    • cramping or pressure in your lower abdomen or lower back

    When bladder infections spread, they can also cause mid-back pain. This pain is associated with an infection in the kidneys. Unlike muscular back pain, this pain will be persistent regardless of your position or activity.

    A kidney infection will often cause:

    Youll typically feel quite ill. Kidney infections are more serious than bladder infections and require urgent medical attention.

    Anyone can get bladder infections, but there are different risks for women and men.

    Read Also: What Can You Do For A Bladder Infection

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    How Urinary Tract Infections Are Treated In Men

    Whether an infection affects a man or a woman, the treatment is the same: a round of antibiotics to kill the bacteria and get rid of UTI symptoms. For an uncomplicated infection, a woman typically needs to take an antibiotic for one to three days. For men, a longer course of at least seven days of antibiotics is required, says Trost.

    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
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    How Do I Know If My Child Has A Urinary Tract Infection

    UTIs are sometimes hard to diagnose in babies and young children, because they canât tell us how theyâre feeling. Therefore, urine should be tested in a baby or a young child who has an unexplained fever for three days. A UTI may be the cause of the fever. Fever might be the only symptom in a baby with pyelonephritis.

    An older child might be able to tell you that it hurts to urinate. Children who have a sudden need to urinate and who hold themselves or squat to keep from urinating might have a UTI. If your child has a kidney infection, you may be able to tell that he or she is sick. Your child may act tired, or have a fever, or have nausea and vomiting.

    Of course, babies and children can get a fever from many other illnesses, such as colds, ear infections and the flu. Also, other things can cause pain with urination or loss of urine control. Irritation at the opening of the urethra may cause pain with urination. Bubble baths can irritate the tender skin around the urethra and make urination hurt. Dirty diapers or underpants can irritate the skin around the genital area and cause pain. .

    If you think your child has a UTI, call your doctor.

    Top Ways To Prevent A Uti

    Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Symptoms, Causes & Risk Factors

    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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    Prostatitis Epididymitis Urethritis And Orchitis

    In contrast to UTI, prostatitis affects men of all ages and, from 1990-1994, accounted for almost 2 million office visits per year in the United States. Prostatitis syndromes account for 25% of male office visits for genitourinary complaints, 8% of visits to urologists, and 1% of visits to primary care physicians. Of these men, 5% have bacterial prostatitis, 64% have nonbacterial prostatitis, and 31% have prostatodynia. Digital examination of the prostate in the setting of probable or possible UTI should be avoided to prevent the risk of inciting bacteremia.

    Epididymitis has a bimodal distribution, corresponding to different age groups and pathogens. Most cases in men younger than 35 years are due to sexually transmitted pathogens. Older patients are more likely to have obstructive prostatism or a history of instrumentation or catheterization.

    Gonococcal urethritis is more common in ethnic minorities, lower socioeconomic groups, and persons living in urban centers. The risk to a male having intercourse with an infected female is 17%. Some of these associations may be limited by confounding. The peak age for urethritis is 20-24 years.

    Mumps orchitis occurs in 18% of postpubertal boys infected with the mumps virus.

    John L Brusch, MD, FACP Corresponding Faculty Member, Harvard Medical SchoolJohn L Brusch, MD, FACP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, Infectious Diseases Society of AmericaDisclosure: Nothing to disclose.

    Diagnosis Of Urinary Incontinence

    The first step in treating incontinence is to see a doctor. He or she will give you a physical exam and take your medical history. The doctor will ask about your symptoms and the medicines you use. He or she will want to know if you have been sick recently or had surgery. Your doctor also may do a number of tests. These might include:

    • Urine and blood tests
    • Tests that measure how well you empty your bladder

    In addition, your doctor may ask you to keep a daily diary of when you urinate and when you leak urine. Your family doctor may also send you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in urinary tract problems.

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    Youve Got A Cold The Flu Or Allergies

    You may be tempted to curse your seasonal sneezes, a cold, or the dreaded flu for making your life even more miserable with a UTI, but these ailments arent the cause. The meds you take to manage symptoms could be.

    Though theyre the bomb at keeping your runny or stuffy nose in check, antihistamines and decongestants might make you go less by causing urinary retention. And see No. 6 that may lead to a UTI.

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    How To Prevent Urinary Tract Infection In Men

    9 Causes of UTI

    Most cases of urinary tract infections in men cannot be prevented. Having safe sex using a condom will help prevent sexually transmitted infections.

    In men with benign prostatic enlargement, reducing the use of caffeine and alcohol or taking certain prescription medications can help improve urine flow and prevent urine buildup in the bladder. Therefore, these measures reduce the possibility of infection.

    Many men with a urinary infection due to an enlarged prostate gland need surgery to remove part of the gland. This surgery can help prevent infections as it can improve urine flow.

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