Bladder infections are more prevalent in women, but they may also affect males. The following are signs and symptoms of a bladder infection (cystitis) in men:
Urination on a regular basis
Urge to urinate is strong and constant (urgency)
During or shortly after urinating, you may get a burning or tingling feeling (dysuria)
Fever of a low intensity
Urine that is cloudy and has a strong odor.
Urine with blood (hematuria)
Having difficulty urinating, particularly if you have a prostate issue
The following factors may increase the risk of bladder infection in men:
Prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH)
Stones in the kidneys
Diabetes
The urethra narrows abnormally (urethral stricture)
Use of a tube to empty your bladder recently (urinary catheter)
Having a process performed in which a device is put into the urethra, the hole at the tip of the penis via which urine exits the body.
The treatment for a bladder infection varies depending on the cause, however antibiotics are usually used.
Urinary Tract Infections in Men
The urinary tract is comprised of the organs and systems in your body that produce urine and transport it out of your body.
These organs include your kidneys and bladder, as well as your ureters and urethra, which are all found in males. Ureters are the two tubes that connect your kidneys to your bladder and transport pee from there. Your urethra is a single tube that connects your bladder to your prostate and then to the tip of your penis. It transports pee from your bladder to your penis.
Infections in the urinary system may occur if harmful bacteria accumulate in any part of the urinary tract. Even though males are more likely than women to have urinary tract infections (UTIs), women are more likely than men to get them.
Urinary Tract Infections Can Be Divided Into Two Types
UTIs are often referred to either “upper tract” or “lower tract” infections by doctors. An infection of the upper urinary tract or kidneys is referred to as an upper-tract infection. A lower-tract infection is a kind of infection that occurs in the bladder, prostate, or urethra, among other places.
Symptoms of a UTI
Depending on where your UTI is located, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:
Having to go to the toilet a lot
Constantly feeling the need to go to the bathroom
A burning sensation or pain during urinating or shortly after peeing
Tenderness or discomfort below your stomach
Having a wet night’s sleep
urine that is cloudy or stinky
You have blood in your pee.
Fever
Nausea
Aches and pains on each side of the upper back
Some guys have no signs or symptoms at all.
Diagnosing a urinary tract infection
Your doctor will inquire as to the nature of your symptoms. They will also inquire about your sexual history, since sex has been shown to increase the chance of developing a UTI.
Urine tests may be used to determine whether or not you have a UTI. If your doctor suspects that the issue is linked to your prostate, you may be asked to have a prostate exam. If your doctor needs a closer look at your urinary system, you may need to have an X-ray or an ultrasound performed on you on occasion.
Treatment for a urinary tract infection
UTIs are often treated with antibiotics that are taken orally by the patient. Depending on the most probable source (such as your bladder) and the bacteria that most frequently causes UTIs, your doctor may likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat your infection. Those antibiotics will almost certainly be started before you get the results of your pee test. It is possible that your doctor may alter your prescription if a test reveals that the bacteria that is causing your UTI is not targeted by your initial antibiotic.
If you have a lower urinary tract infection, you will most likely just need antibiotics for a week or less to get well. You may need to take antibiotics for up to 2 weeks if you have an infection of the upper respiratory tract.
In rare and severe instances, you may be required to receive antibiotics via an IV in a hospital setting.
Causes and risk factors for urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Sexually transmitted diseases are the most frequent cause of a urethral tract infection (UTI). Both chlamydia and gonorrhea are sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) that may result in urinary tract infections (UTI). When it comes to UTIs in younger men, STDs are the most frequent culprits.
UTIs may be caused by a variety of issues, including prostate difficulties. When men become older, they are more likely to have an enlarged prostate (BPH), which may interfere with the flow of urine. This may increase the likelihood of germs accumulating and causing a urinary tract infection (UTI.
In fact, prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate, exhibits many of the same symptoms as urinary tract infections.
It is also possible to develop a UTI if you have diabetes or another medical condition that affects your immune system.
Problems with the urethra
An infection of the lower urinary tract, if left untreated, may progress all the way to the kidneys. In most cases, kidney infections may be treated by a physician. An untreated kidney infection may, in rare instances, progress to chronic renal disease or kidney failure if not treated promptly. It is possible to develop sepsis as a result of a kidney infection, which is life-threatening (an infection in the bloodstream). If this occurs and you get very ill, you may need medical attention in a hospital setting.
UTI may be avoided if you follow these steps.
Even while you can’t avoid all urinary tract infections, you may help reduce their likelihood by taking some precautions. In addition to protecting you against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), using a condom while having sex may reduce your chance of developing a UTI. It is also possible to reduce your chances by treating prostate issues.
Who is at greater risk for urinary tract infections?
A UTI is more likely to occur in those who fall into certain demographic categories:
Increasing prevalence of urinary tract infections in elderly men is due to an increased risk of having an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (BPH). The prostate gland enlarges and coils around the bladder neck in men with BPH, making it more difficult for urine to pass freely through the body. When this occurs, germs that would usually be pushed out by urine may accumulate in the bladder, resulting in an infection of the bladder. Older men are also more prone than younger men to suffer from fecal incontinence, which may substantially raise the risk of getting a urinary tract infection. Urinary catheters are also associated with an increased risk of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI), due to the fact that inserting a catheter may introduce germs into the bladder.
Men in their twenties and thirties who are sexually active: Despite the fact that urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more prevalent in men over 50, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are more likely to cause UTIs in men under 50. In fact, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia and gonorrhea, are the most frequent cause of urinary tract infections in younger men.
Men who engage in anal intercourse include: Anal intercourse may increase the exposure of the urethra to germs, especially bacteria from the rectum, increasing the likelihood of getting a UTI in the future.
Men with diabetes: Because diabetes may impair the function of the immune system, diabetics are at an increased risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Furthermore, increased blood sugar levels may promote the development of infections by creating a more suitable environment for them to thrive in.
Younger guys who are not circumcised: According to certain research, the absence of circumcision increases the incidence of urinary tract infection (UTI) in young men and boys.
The Most Effective Methods of Preventing a UTI
In the urinary system, there are a variety of conditions that may promote bacteria growth and spread. Though urinary tract infections (UTIs) are not always avoidable, some habits, whether in men or women, may assist to reduce the spread of germs and infection:
Practice safe sex: Using a condom may help prevent the transmission of bacterial illnesses that are spread via sexual contact.
Keep yourself hydrated: Drinking lots of fluids throughout the day can assist to promote urination, which will help to remove germs from your urinary system and prevent infection. If it’s very hot outside or if you’ve been exercising, increase your water intake even more.
Don’t try to “keep it together”: When you get the desire to urinate, do so. It is possible to develop a bacteria-filled bladder or urinary tract as a result of holding it in.
Maintain excellent hygiene: After having bowel motions, wipe your hands from front to back and properly wash your hands afterwards.
Urinary Tract Infection Prevention in Men
The majority of the activities that may aid in the prevention of UTIs in women can also aid in the prevention of UTIs in males. Additionally, addressing prostate issues, such as BPH, may help men improve their urine flow and decrease their chance of getting a urinary tract infection (UTI).
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Prevention in Older Adults
Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided by older men with BPH, in addition to addressing their prostate issues. This will improve urine flow and prevent urine from building up in their bladder, which may raise the chance of getting an infection.
Prevention of UTIs in Children
UTI in males may be substantially reduced if they are circumcised when they are young children. When comparing uncircumcised boys versus circumcised boys, one research performed by the American Academy of Pediatrics found an 11-fold increase in the incidence of urinary tract infections (UTIs).
Can You Prevent a UTI If You Have a Feeling That One Is Coming On?
If you are experiencing signs of a urinary tract infection, an infection is most certainly already present. As a result, you should speak with your doctor in order to decide the best course of action. It has not been scientifically proved that home treatments, such as drinking cranberry juice and taking probiotics, may help prevent or cure a urinary tract infection.
When Should You Visit a Doctor?
Any signs of a urinary tract infection, such as frequent or painful urination, should be reported to your primary care physician or urologist immediately. If you are experiencing any signs of a bladder or kidney infection, such as fever, vomiting, or back discomfort, get medical attention right once.
Is it possible for a male UTI to clear up on its own?
No, a urinary tract infection (UTI) will not usually clear up on its own. In some instances, home remedies may be effective in alleviating your symptoms and re-introducing beneficial bacteria into your body; but, in the majority of cases, antibiotics are needed to completely cure the illness.
What is the treatment for a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a man?
UTI in males may be treated with a number of medicines, which can be prescribed by a doctor. This is determined by the location of your illness as well as the findings of your urine sample. The majority of treatment regimens for uncomplicated lower tract infections last five to seven days. You may need to take antibiotics for a period of three weeks or more if your illness is in the upper urinary tract. In rare but severe instances, hospitalization and an intravenous course of antibiotics may be required.
