What Causes A Man To Have A Urinary Tract Infection

Causes Of Utis In Men

Urinary Tract Infection Causes

As we mentioned, UTIs happen when bacteria get into the urinary system. Normally the one-way flow of urine out of the body helps prevent this from happening. Additionally, fluid from the prostate has antibacterial properties. If you have a prostate, this can help to prevent UTIs.

Sometimes, though, bacteria do find a way in.

Here are some conditions that can make a man more likely to get a UTI, regardless of what types of reproductive organs they have.

Urinary Tract Infection In Men

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 5, 2022.

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A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria that get inside your urinary tract. Most bacteria that enter your urinary tract come out when you urinate. If the bacteria stay in your urinary tract, you may get an infection. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urine is made in your kidneys, and it flows from the ureters to the bladder. Urine leaves the bladder through the urethra. A UTI is more common in your lower urinary tract, which includes your bladder and urethra.

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.

Urinary Infections In Children

A urinary infection in a child needs to be investigated as it may indicate a more serious condition.

The most common urinary system condition is urinary reflux. With this condition, the bladder valve isnt working properly and allows urine to flow back to the kidneys, increasing the risk of a kidney infection.

Urinary reflux and the associated infections can scar or permanently damage the kidney, and can also lead to:

high blood pressure
toxaemia in pregnancy
kidney failure.

Urinary reflux tends to run in families, so its important to screen children as early as possible if a close relative is known to have the problem.

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.

How Is It Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You may have lab tests of your urine and discharge from the urethra and prostate gland.

For serious or repeated infections, you may need:

An intravenous pyelogram . An IVP is a special type of X-ray of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder.
An ultrasound scan to look at the urinary tract.
A cystoscopy. This is an exam of the inside of the urethra and bladder with a small lighted instrument. It is usually done by a specialist called a urologist.

How To Diagnose An Urinary Tract Infection In Men

Urinary Tract Infections in Men 1 The Two Types of Urinary Tract Infection. Doctors usually refer to UTIs as either upper tract or lower tract. An upper-tract infection is one that happens in the ureters or 2 UTI Symptoms. Some men dont have any symptoms at all. 3 Diagnosing a UTI. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms.

Can I Become Immune To The Antibiotics Used To Treat A Uti

Your body can actually get used to the antibiotics typically used to treat a urinary tract infection . This happens in people who have very frequent infections. With each UTI and use of antibiotics to treat it, the infection adapts and becomes harder to fight. This is called an antibiotic-resistant infection. Because of this, your healthcare provider may suggest alternative treatments if you have frequent UTIs. These could include:

Waiting: Your provider may suggest that you watch your symptoms and wait. During this time, you may be encouraged to drink plenty of fluids in an effort to flush out your system.
Intravenous treatment: In some very complicated cases, where the UTI is resistant to antibiotics or the infection has moved to your kidneys, you may need to be treated in the hospital. The medicine will be given to you directly in your vein . Once youre home, you will be prescribed antibiotics for a period of time to fully get rid of the infection.

Understanding Urinary Tract Infections In Men

Simple way of how men can treat Urinary tract infection

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.

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

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.

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 Are The Causes Of Urinary Tract Infection In Men

Urinary Tract Infections in Men are usually caused due to infection by bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, or Staphylococcus
The infection can spread from the urethra through the urinary tract and reach the bloodstream from the kidneys
Rarely, fungus and other parasites can also cause UTI in Men

Things You Can Do Yourself

To help ease pain:

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, especially during hot weather

It’s important to follow the instructions on the packet so you know how much paracetamol you or your child can take, and how often.

It may also help to avoid having sex until you feel better.

You cannot pass a UTI on to your partner, but sex may be uncomfortable.

Taking cystitis sachets or cranberry products has not been shown to help ease symptoms of UTIs.

Also Check: Diabetes And Urinary Tract Infections

Should I Drink Cranberry Juice For A Uti

For those who are wondering, does drinking cranberry juice really help UTIs go away? few studies show any proof.

Cranberry juice may stop bacteria from clinging to your bladder wall, Dr. Bajic says. But because its acidic it will aggravate your urge to urinate. You can drink it if you want but cranberry juice doesnt work on UTIs as well as antibiotics and proper UTI prevention.

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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Rare And Unusual Testicular Swelling Causes

The following, although possible, are the least likely causes of swollen testicles.

Rare parasitic worms which can migrate into the scrotum: Especially in third-world countries.
Tumor or other abnormal growths: Either benign or malignant

This list does not constitute medical advice and may not accurately represent what you have.

How Are Utis Treated

URINARY TRACT INFECTION SYMPTOMS IN MEN

Treatment for a UTI depends on its severity, its symptoms and if its a repeated occurrence. In most cases, your doctor will prescribe antibiotic medication to treat your UTI. You should also continue to drink plenty of fluid, even if it hurts to urinate. This is the only way to flush the bacteria out of your system.

You should begin to feel better within two to three days. Even so, finish taking your medication to ensure that all bacteria are eliminated.

If you are experiencing pain or trouble with urination, schedule a visit with one of the top specialists in the world at the USC Institute of Urology at Keck Medicine of USC. If you are in the Los Angeles area, make an appointment by calling or visiting

Preventing Male Urinary Tract Infections

As rare as urinary tract infections are in men, make sure you take the right steps to ensure you never have to worry about one:

Pee when you need to. Dont hold your pee, and always try to empty your bladder fully.
Wear cotton underwear and loose fitting clothing. Tight pants and non-cotton underwear tend to trap moisture, making for a great environment where bacteria can grow.
Wash your genital area after sex.
If youre uncircumcised, wash your foreskin regularly.
Urinate soon after sex to flush out any bacteria that may have entered your urethra.
Practice safe sex in general.
Take showers instead of baths.

Most importantly, make sure you go to your doctor regularly, especially if you suspect something is wrong. Urinary tract infections may point to more serious underlying issues. The best thing you can do is act early. Remember to get tested for sexually transmitted diseases if you are sexually active. And if kidney stones become a common issue, consult your doctor for help with changes in your lifestyle or diet.

If you experience any symptoms of UTI or STD, to set up a phone appointment with a top U.S. doctor today.

Check If It’s A Urinary Tract Infection

Symptoms of a UTI may include:

pain or a burning sensation when peeing
needing to pee more often than usual during the night
pee that looks cloudy
needing to pee suddenly or more urgently than usual
needing to pee more often than usual
lower tummy pain or pain in your back, just under the ribs
a high temperature, or feeling hot and shivery
a very low temperature below 36C

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Older Adults Dont Need Powerful Antibiotics For Utis

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.

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

15 of Symptoms of a Bladder Infection Never to Ignore

A UTI is caused by bacteria that get inside your urinary tract. Most bacteria that enter your urinary tract come out when you urinate. If the bacteria stay in your urinary tract, you may get an infection. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Urine is made in your kidneys, and it flows from the ureters to the bladder. Urine leaves the bladder through the urethra. A UTI is more common in your lower urinary tract, which includes your bladder and urethra.

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What Are The Symptoms Of A Urine Infection

Infection in the bladder usually causes pain when you pass urine, and you pass urine more frequently. You may also have pain in your lower tummy . Your urine may become cloudy, bloody or smelly. You may have a high temperature .
Infection in the kidneys may cause pain in a loin and a high temperature . It may cause you to feel sick or be sick . You may feel generally unwell.

In some elderly men, the only symptoms may be a recent onset of confusion or just feeling generally unwell, even without any actual urinary symptoms.

The Other Two Reasons That Are Not So Common For Urinary Infections Men Are As Follows:

Diabetes- Men who are diabetic have poor blood circulation that increases the risk of developing urinary infections. Also, of course, high blood sugar levels contribute majorly to developing UTIs in men. It is because while passing urine, some remnants of urine remain on the penis, the high sugar content allows the bacteria to thrive and result in a urinary tract infection.
Indulging in anal sex, – Especially, the E. coli bacteria found in the anus, when enters the urinary system makes a person prone to developing a urinary infection.

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.

What Are The Symptoms Of A Uti In An Elderly Person

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

In some elderly people, mental changes and confusion may be the only signs of a UTI. Older adults with a UTI are more likely to be tired, shaky, and weak and have muscle aches and abdominal pain. Symptoms of a UTI in the bladder may include: Some people may have bacteria in the bladder or urinary tract, but not feel any symptoms.

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Can I Prevent A Urinary Tract Infection

You can usually prevent a urinary tract infection with lifestyle changes. These tips can include:

In some post-menopausal women, a healthcare provider may suggest an estrogen-containing vaginal cream. This may reduce the risk of developing a UTI by changing the pH of the vagina. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have recurrent UTIs and have already gone through menopause.

Over-the-counter supplements are also available for UTIs. These are sometimes recommended for people who have frequent UTIs as another way to prevent them. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting any supplements and ask if these could be a good choice for you.

Can Urinary Tract Infections Be Prevented

These steps may help reduce the chance of getting UTIs:

Drink plenty of water every day.
Drink cranberry juice. Large amounts of vitamin C limit the growth of some bacteria by acidifying the urine. Vitamin C supplements have the same effect.
Urinate when you feel the need. Do not wait.
Females, wipe from front to back to keep bacteria around the anus from going in the vagina or urethra.
Take showers instead of tub baths.
Clean the genital area before and after sex, and urinate shortly after sex.
Women should not use feminine hygiene sprays or scented douches.
Cotton underwear and loose fitting clothes help keep the area around the urethra dry. Tight clothes and nylon underwear trap moisture. This can help bacteria grow.
Repeated bouts of urinary tract infections can be treated with small doses of regular antibiotics.

Please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns you may have about UTIs.

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