UTI in Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Several things can cause UTIs in men:

• Anatomy: Men have a longer urethra than women, which makes UTIs less common but sometimes harder to treat when they happen. The urethra is close to the prostate and anus, which can affect infection risk.

• Prostate problems: Conditions like an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH) or prostatitis (prostate inflammation) can block the flow of urine, making it easier for bacteria to grow.

• Sexual activity: Sex, especially anal sex, can introduce bacteria into the urinary tract. Not practicing good hygiene increases the risk.

• Other risk factors: Diabetes, which affects the immune system and causes more sugar in the urine, raises the risk of UTIs. Using a catheter or having kidney stones can also make UTIs more likely.

Symptoms of UTIs in Men

UTI symptoms in men can be different, but there are some common signs:

• Common symptoms: Burning or pain when peeing, needing to pee often (even if only a little comes out), cloudy or bad-smelling urine, and sometimes blood in the urine.

• Symptoms specific to men: Pain in the lower back, lower belly, or groin. There might also be pain in the penis or testicles, or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area.

• When to get help right away: If you have a high fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or severe pain in your lower back or side, see a doctor immediately. These could mean the infection has spread to your kidneys and needs urgent treatment.

Doctors use several steps to find out if a man has a UTI:

• Medical history and physical exam: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, sexual activity, recent medical procedures, and other health problems. They may check your lower belly for tenderness.

• Urine tests: A urine sample is tested for bacteria and white blood cells. Sometimes, a urine culture is done to find out which bacteria are causing the infection and which antibiotics will work best.

• Imaging and other tests: If UTIs keep coming back or are very serious, you might need an ultrasound or CT scan to check for kidney stones or an enlarged prostate. Sometimes, a cystoscopy (a camera inserted into the urethra and bladder) is used to look for problems inside the urinary tract.

Treatment Options for UTIs in Men

• Antibiotics: The main treatment is antibiotics. The type depends on which bacteria are causing the infection. Common antibiotics include ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Always finish all the medicine, even if you feel better before it’s gone.

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with pain, but they don’t treat the infection itself.

• Treating underlying problems: If an enlarged prostate or kidney stones are causing the UTI, those problems need to be treated too.

• Follow-up care: After finishing antibiotics, you might need another urine test to make sure the infection is gone.

• Good hygiene: Wash the genital area with mild soap and water. Always wipe from front to back after using the toilet. If you use a catheter, keep it clean.

• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water—about eight glasses a day—to help flush out bacteria.

• Safe sex: Use condoms and pee after sex to help clear out any bacteria that might have entered the urethra.

• Regular check-ups: If you have health problems like diabetes or prostate issues, see your doctor regularly.

• Avoid irritants: Stay away from harsh soaps, powders, and other products that might irritate the urethra.

Complications of UTIs in Men

• Recurrent UTIs: Getting UTIs often can mean there’s an underlying problem, like a blockage or an enlarged prostate.

• Prostate issues: UTIs can be linked to prostate problems, which may need special treatment.

• Kidney damage: If a UTI spreads to the kidneys and isn’t treated, it can cause lasting damage.

• Sepsis: In rare cases, a severe UTI can lead to sepsis, a dangerous infection in the blood. Signs include high fever, fast heartbeat, confusion, and trouble breathing—get help right away if you notice these.

• Urinary blockage: Ongoing UTIs or other problems can block urine flow, causing pain and possible kidney damage.

• Severe symptoms: Go to the doctor right away if you have a high fever, chills, severe pain in your lower back or sides, nausea, vomiting, or trouble peeing.

• Frequent infections: If you keep getting UTIs, see a doctor to find out why.

• Other health problems: If you have diabetes or prostate issues and get UTI symptoms, get checked out.

• Symptoms not improving: If you don’t feel better after starting treatment, or if symptoms get worse, see your doctor.

• Pregnant partners: If your partner is pregnant and has UTI symptoms, she should see a doctor as well.

Getting medical help quickly can prevent serious problems and help you recover faster.