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Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in Men

A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system but occurs most often in the bladder and prostate in men. While UTIs are relatively rare in younger men, prevalence increases as men age. UTIs cause painful burning during urination, urinary urge, and pelvic discomfort.

 

Types of Urinary Tract Infections in Men

  • Urethritis (infection of the urethra)
  • Epididymitis (infection of epididymis)
  • Prostatitis (inflammation of prostate)
  • Cystitis (inflammation of bladder)
  • Pyelonephritis (inflammation of kidney to due to certain bacterial infection)
man talking to male doctor

Who Is at Risk?

While most men will never experience a UTI, factors that put some men at risk for developing these infections include:

  • UTIs are more common in men over the age of 50
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Diabetes
  • Kidney stones
  • Insertion of a bladder catheter
  • Sexually transmitted diseases

Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection in Men

  • Urinary Urgency: the feeling that you constantly have to urinate even when little or no urine flows out
  • Pain or burning sensation during urination
  • Urine that has a small amount of blood or looks cloudy
  • Foul-smelling urine
  • Discharge of fluid from the penis
  • Lower abdominal or Flank/Lower Back Pain: (if accompanied by a fever or chills should be immediately brought to the attention of a physician)
  • Any combination of these symptoms

Treating and Preventing UTIs

Most urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract. The most common treatment for a UTI in men is a course of antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection. There are things men can do to help prevent UTIs from occurring, including:

  • Practice safe sex by wearing a condom
  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • For uncircumcised men, make sure to clean the area around and underneath the foreskin daily
  • See your MD for any symptoms of a UTI to catch problems early
  • Keep your general health under control since other medical problems (diabetes, heart, vascular, etc.) can affect urinary health