Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often thought of as a female problem, but men aren't immune to the pain and discomfort of this infection. The symptoms in men can differ slightly than those in women, as can the root causes. The following guide can help you better understand the condition.
Common symptoms of a male UTI
You may not suffer all of the symptoms of a UTI. In some cases, there will only be one or two present, while in others you may have all the traditional symptoms. The following are the most common symptoms to watch for:
-
Discharge from the penis. It can be clear, cloudy, or pink-tinged, depending on the severity of the UTI.
-
A constant need to urinate, but only rare production of much, if any, urine.
-
Lower back pain, especially in the region of the kidneys.
-
Cloudy or bloody urine, or urine that is particularly odoriferous.
-
Fever and chills, although this is usually only in severe infections or those that have reached the kidneys.
Common causes
The cause of a UTI is fairly simple—bacteria has made its way into the urethra, and this has resulted in an infection. In most cases, a healthy male's immune system will fight off the bacteria before it makes its way too deeply into the urinary tract, so no infection actually occurs.
Unfortunately, some health conditions can prevent the immune system from doing its job. These conditions include diabetes, a history of kidney stones, and an enlarged prostate. Many of these conditions become more common as you age, which means your chances of developing a UTI also increases as you age. You are also more likely to develop a UTI if you have recently had a catheter inserted for any form of treatment, since this can introduce bacteria deep into the urinary tract.
Treatment recommendations
UTI treatment for men and women is typically the same: antibiotics are prescribed to kill the bacteria. Patients are also usually advised to drink plenty of water and to relieve their bladders often, since this helps flush out the urethra.
Men also need to pay more attention to specific cleanliness recommendations to further hasten recovery and prevent reinfection. If you aren't circumcised, get in the habit of thoroughly cleaning under the foreskin daily. You should also wear a condom during intercourse unless you are specifically trying to conceive. These two habits will cut down on the amount of bacteria that is introduced to the urinary tract.
Talk to your urologist for more information on UTIs.
Share
