A urinary tract infection is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the urinary system. It’s more common in women because their urethra is shorter and closer to the anus. Repeated infections can lead to permanent kidney damage and other problems.
UTIs are usually diagnosed with a urinalysis. Your health care provider will wipe your genital area with special cloths and ask you to pee into a clean-catch urine sample.
Causes
Men can get infections that involve their bladder, urethra, or kidneys. These are called lower tract infections and include cystitis (bladder infection). Men can also get upper tract infections such as pyelonephritis (kidney infection). UTIs are more common in women than in men. But males who use a catheter, have diabetes or other health problems that affect their kidneys, or are taking antibiotics have an increased risk of developing a UTI.
Some UTIs are caused by bacteria from the colon that reach the urethra and bladder. Others are caused by herpes simplex or other sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia. Still others are caused by problems that restrict urine flow, such as an enlarged prostate. Infections that are caused by these problems tend to be considered complicated, and need to be treated with a longer course of antibiotics than those for bladder infections.
Symptoms
Anyone can get a UTI if bacteria make their way to the urethra, bladder or vagina. The symptoms are pain or burning when you urinate, changes in urine color and more frequent trips to the bathroom. Infections can be treated with antibiotics. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the kidneys and cause a life-threatening complication called sepsis. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, can help prevent infections.
Although UTIs are more common in women, men can also get them. The risk increases with age, sexual activity and certain medical conditions. A urinary tract infection in men is more likely to be caused by a problem that restricts the flow of urine, such as an enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). Infections can also occur due to sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia and gonorrhea. A doctor can diagnose a UTI in a man by doing a urinalysis and taking a sample of the urine for a culture to check for bacteria.
Diagnosis
If a man has symptoms of a UTI, he should see his doctor right away. Early treatment can prevent the bacteria from spreading to the kidneys, which could cause a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and do a physical exam. They will also take a sample of your urine for testing. The doctor may refer you to a specialist, such as a urologist, for a closer look at your kidneys, ureters and bladder.
Men can get infections from the same parts of their urinary tract as women, except the part that goes from the opening of the urethra at the tip of the penis to the prostate and then to the scrotum. These infections are more common in older men, or those who have had a hysterectomy or are taking a hormone-lowering drug. These infections are often complicated by other medical conditions, such as diabetes or use of a catheter.
Treatment
Whether it’s caused by bacteria, a virus, fungus, or parasite, a urinary tract infection can be difficult to treat. Men who suffer from UTIs often experience a burning sensation during urination, frequent urges to urinate, urine that smells bad, or pain in the bladder.
Men may also experience a lower backache, headache, or fever. The good news is that most UTIs respond to antibiotics.
A man’s doctor may require a urine sample to check for an infection. He’ll ask him to urinate into a cup and send it to the lab for analysis.
A man with a urinary tract infection should drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to stimulate urination and help flush out the system. He should avoid foods that irritate the bladder, such as coffee, soda, and citrus juices. He should also wear a condom during sex to reduce the risk of infection. Finally, he should avoid smoking or alcohol to prevent an increase in his risk of developing a UTI.
