Can men get a urinary tract infection?

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There is a common misconception that only women can get a urinary tract infection (UTI), but the fact is that men of any age can get it too, although it is less common. Urinary tract infection in boys and men usually needs to be treated with antibiotics. Here we review what causes urinary tract infection in men, common symptoms and how sampling and treatment are done.

Woman with urinary tract infection? Read about urinary tract infection in women.

Causes of urinary tract infection in men

A urinary tract infection is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. Men have a longer urethra than women, which generally provides better protection against infections and is the reason why men suffer from urinary tract infections less often than women. However, this does not mean that men are not affected. There are several factors that increase the risk of urinary tract infection in men:

• Age: Older men are more prone to urinary tract infections, often due to enlarged prostates, which can obstruct urine flow and lead to infections.
• Prostate problems: Problems with the prostate gland, such as prostate enlargement or prostatitis (an inflammation of the prostate gland), can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
• Impaired immune system: Men with a weakened immune system, for example due to diseases, medical treatments or lifestyle factors, are more likely to get UTIs.
• Urinary catheters: Long-term use of urinary catheters can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection in men

Be aware of common urinary tract infection symptoms such as:

• You need to urinate or feel the need to urinate often
• You experience burning or a burning sensation when you urinate
• You have pain in the lower part of your stomach
• Sometimes blood may appear in the urine
• Fever and chills, which may indicate a more serious infection
• Pain in the stomach, back or side
• Older people may experience confusion during infections

Different types of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections in men can be divided into two types.

Lower urinary tract infections are most common and are usually found in the urethra or bladder. They cause symptoms such as pain or burning when urinating, frequent urination in small amounts, cloudy or smelly urine, and sometimes pain in the lower abdomen.

In upper urinary tract infections, the infection has spread to the kidneys or ureters. These infections are less common but more serious and can lead to symptoms such as fever, chills, back or side pain, nausea and vomiting. In the case of upper urinary tract infections, the prostate is usually infected at the same time, so-called prostatitis.

The importance of early detection and treatment

For men, it is important not to ignore symptoms of a urinary tract infection, as untreated infections can lead to more serious complications such as kidney infections or, in rare cases, sepsis (blood poisoning). An early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the infection from spreading and causing further health problems. Therefore, contact a healthcare center if you urinate more often than usual and it stings when you urinate. If you also have a fever or suspect that you have pyelonephritis, you should immediately contact a health center or seek treatment at an emergency department.

Many of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection can also occur with other conditions, such as prostate enlargement or urethral stricture. The treatment of the various conditions differs from the treatment of a urinary tract infection, and it is therefore important to seek professional medical advice to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Sampling, examination and treatment

If a doctor suspects that you have a urinary tract infection, you may provide a urine sample and a urine culture will be done to find out which bacteria is causing your problems. If you have a fever or have had problems for a long time, the doctor can also examine your prostate. You may also be given a blood test if the doctor suspects renal pelvis inflammation or another urine test to rule out chlamydia.

If the examination shows that you have a urinary tract infection, you will usually be treated with antibiotics, which are effective against most types of bacteria that cause the infection. It is important to complete the full course of antibiotics, even if symptoms improve, to ensure that the infection is completely cleared.

Preventive measures

Although it is not always possible to completely avoid urinary tract infections, there are several steps you can take to reduce the risk.

• Peeing after sex: By peeing right after you've had sex, bacteria is washed away from the urethral opening.
• Wipe from front to back: It is important to make sure to wipe from front to back to avoid bringing bacteria from the gut to the urethra.
• Empty the bladder regularly: Regularly emptying the bladder can reduce the risk of bacterial accumulation and urinary tract infections.

If you are a man and often suffer from urinary tract infections, you should talk to a doctor to find out if there is an underlying disease that is causing your problems.

Seek physical care if you suspect a urinary tract infection

If you are a man and suspect you have a urinary tract infection, you unfortunately cannot get help online. This is because a urine culture must be done so that a doctor can identify which bacteria is causing your problems and adjust the treatment accordingly. It is important to seek care to avoid complications or sequelae related to the urinary tract infection.

In women, urinary tract infection is a much more common problem that is easier to treat. Read more about how we at Recetas Medicas can help you as a woman with a urinary tract infection.