A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a common infection that can affect anyone, but it is more common in women. Men can also get UTIs, and when they do, they may have questions about how to treat the infection and what steps to take to prevent it from happening again. This blog post will address some of the most common questions that men have about UTIs.
How do men get a UTI?
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply. The most common symptom of a UTI is a burning sensation when you urinate. Other symptoms may include cloudy or bloody urine, strong-smelling urine, and pain in the lower abdomen or back.
Men are more likely to develop UTIs if they have an enlarged prostate gland or a condition that blocks the flow of urine from the bladder. Externally, if a man has trauma to his urethra (the longitudinal passage connecting the bladder, or by frequent un-sterile catheterization, this can lead to bacteria being introduced into the tract.
Men with underlying conditions such as obesity, diabetes and other chronic illnesses may be more susceptible to UTIs too.
What is the main cause of UTI in males?
There are many different causes of UTI in males, but the most common is bacteria. This can be caused by sexual activity, not properly cleaning the genital area, or holding in urine for too long. Other possible causes include a structural problem in the urinary tract, an enlarged prostate, diabetes, and certain medications.
Can a man get a UTI from a woman?
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract through the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body. These bacteria can be transferred from person to person, so it’s possible for a man to get a UTI from a woman. UTIs are more common in women than in men, but they can occur in either sex. If you have sex with a new partner, you may be more likely to develop a UTI. Other factors that increase your risk of developing a UTI include:
– Having multiple sexual partners
– Douching
– Having diabetes
– Having a condition that affects the nervous system, such as spinal cord injury or multiple sclerosis
– Use of unsterile catheters
How do you tell if a male has a UTI?
There are several ways to tell if a male has a UTI. One way is to look for symptoms like pain or burning during urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and an urgent need to urinate even when the bladder is empty. UTIs can also cause fever, chills, and body aches. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away so that the infection can be treated before it becomes serious.
Another way to tell if a male has a UTI is to test their urine for bacteria. This can be done with a simple dipstick test at your doctor’s office. If bacteria are present in the urine, it’s likely that you have a UTI.
Symptoms of UTI in men
UTI symptoms in men can include:
– A strong, persistent urge to urinate
– A burning sensation when urinating
– Passing frequent, small amounts of urine
– Urine that appears cloudy or bloody
– Strong-smelling urine
– Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or groin
– Fever or chills (a sign that the infection may have spread to the kidneys)
If you experience any of these UTI symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away. UTI can cause serious kidney damage if left untreated, so prompt treatment is essential.
What causes Recurrent UTI in men?
There are many possible causes of recurrent UTI in men, including:
-Anatomic abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as a blockage or narrowing (stricture) of the urethra
-Incomplete emptying of the bladder
-Immune system deficiency
-Urinary tract stones
-Diabetes
-Enlarged prostate
-Kidney problems
-Frequent Unprotected Sexual intercourse
-Certain sexual behaviors (eg. anal intercourse)
-History of UTI
-Use of a urinary catheter
-Family history of UTI
-Certain medical conditions, such as spinal cord injury or neurogenic bladder (a condition that affects the nerves that control the bladder)
How do men get rid of a UTI?
There are a few ways that men can get rid of a UTI, but the most important thing is to see a doctor as soon as possible. The earlier you start treatment, the better your chances are of avoiding serious complications.
Your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics to clear the infection. Make sure you take all of the antibiotics prescribed, even if you start to feel better before you finish them. Stopping too early can allow the infection to come back stronger.
In addition to taking antibiotics, you can also:
– Drink plenty of fluids, including water, cranberry juice, and unsweetened tea, to help flush out the bacteria causing the infection.
– Empty your bladder frequently and completely to help keep bacteria from growing.
– Avoid irritants such as alcohol, caffeine, and spicy foods that can aggravate your UTI symptoms.
If you have a history of UTIs, your doctor may also recommend taking preventive measures such as:
– Drinking cranberry juice daily.
– Taking a low-dose antibiotic after sexual intercourse.
– Wiping from front to back after using the restroom.
– Avoid tight-fitting underwear and clothing.
With prompt treatment, most UTIs can be cleared up within a week or two. However, some UTIs can come back multiple times and may require long-term treatment to prevent a recurrence.
Antibiotics for UTI in Men
UTIs are more common in women, but men can get them, too. UTIs in men are usually caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract through the urethra. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for UTIs in both men and women.
If you have a UTI, your doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics. It’s important to take all of the antibiotics prescribed to you, even if you start feeling better. Otherwise, the infection could come back and be harder to treat.
There are a few different types of antibiotics that can be used to treat UTIs in men. The most common include:
Fluoroquinolones
These drugs include ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin). They’re typically reserved for more serious UTIs.
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
This drug is also known as TMP-SMX or co-trimoxazole. It’s often used to treat UTIs that are resistant to other antibiotics.
Beta-lactams
These drugs include amoxicillin and cephalosporins. They’re usually the first choice for treating UTIs in men.
Depending on the severity of your infection, you may need to take antibiotics for 7 to 14 days. You should start feeling better within a few days of starting the medication.
If you’re still having symptoms after finishing your course of antibiotics, make an appointment with your doctor. You may need a different type of antibiotic or a longer course of treatment.
In some cases, UTIs can lead to serious kidney infections. Signs and symptoms of a kidney infection include:
-Fever
-Chills
-Back pain
-Nausea
-Vomiting
If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away. Kidney infections can be life-threatening if they’re not treated promptly.
Is cranberry juice effective for UTI in males?
There is no definitive answer to this question as there is limited research on the subject. Some studies suggest that cranberry juice may be effective in preventing UTIs in men, while other studies are less conclusive.
Cranberry juice contains compounds that may help to prevent bacteria from attaching to the urinary tract, which could potentially reduce the risk of UTI development. However, more research is needed in order to confirm whether or not cranberry juice is truly effective for UTI prevention in males.
In the meantime, men who wish to try using cranberry juice for UTI prevention may want to speak with their healthcare provider first to ensure that it is safe for them to do so.
Natural ways to treat UTI in men
There are several natural ways to treat UTIs in men. Some of these home remedies may work for you, and some may not. However, it is worth trying these methods before resorting to antibiotics.
- Drink plenty of fluids. This will help flush the bacteria out of your system. Drink water, juice, and herbal teas. Avoid coffee and alcohol, as they can irritate your urinary tract. Cranberry juice is a common home remedy for women, however, its overall efficacy in men has not been well-researched.
- Urinate frequently. This will also help flush out the bacteria from your urinary tract.
- Wipe front to back after using the toilet. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria from your anus to your urethra and maintains general hygiene.
- Wash your penis regularly with soap and water. This helps remove germs, dry skin, or discharges that may accumulate and be a source of infection.
Conclusion
A UTI can be a very uncomfortable infection, but it is usually easy to treat. If you think you may have a UTI, please book an appointment with our urologist, Dr. Judit Bonkovic-Oszi. She will help you get relief from your symptoms and will also provide advice on how to prevent future UTIs.
BLOG AUTHOR
Dr. Ismail Sayeed
Dr. Sayeed is the Medical Director of ViOS, Inc. He is a deeply committed physician entrepreneur & medical blog writer. While building the global infrastructure of the VIOS Clinic, he is dedicated to educate people on the potential of specialist telemedicine for managing chronic diseases.
Read more about him in his author bio