Can Men Get UTIs?
Can men get UTIs? UTIs are usually associated with women, but men can get them too. About 1 in 20 men will get a UTI at some point in their lives. The truth is that urinary tract infections are rare in young men, but their risk increases as they age. UTIs become more common in men over 50 years old.
What Is a UTI?
A UTI, or urinary tract infection, is an infection that can occur anywhere along your urinary tract. This includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra.
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria (germs) that enter the urinary tract through the urethra and begin to multiply. In most cases, the infection will only affect the lower urinary tract, which includes the bladder and urethra. However, if the infection spreads to the upper urinary tract, it can also affect the kidneys.
While UTIs are more common in women than men, that doesn’t mean that men can’t get them. So, what causes UTIs in men? Let’s take a look.
Causes of UTIs in Men
There are a few different things that can cause a UTI in men. The most common is infected prostate glands. The prostate gland is a small gland that sits just below the bladder and helps produce semen. When the prostate becomes infected, it can block the flow of urine from the bladder and cause an infection.
Another possible cause of UTIs in men is an enlarged prostate gland. The prostate gland grows as you age, and an enlarged prostate can press against the urethra and block the flow of urine from the bladder. This can also lead to an infection.
Other possible causes of UTIs in men include:
- Having diabetes
- Using a urinary catheter for a long period of time
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having a bladder or kidney stone
- Being paraplegic or quadriplegic
- Having a urinary tract obstruction
- Using spermicides or diaphragms for birth control
- Having unprotected sex
Can a man get UTIs from a woman?
A man can get a UTI from a woman, but it’s not common. The bacteria that cause UTIs are usually found in the gastrointestinal tract and around the anus. These bacteria can be transferred to the urethra during sexual intercourse and cause an infection.
What Are the Symptoms of a UTI in Men?
The most common UTI symptoms in males include:
- frequent urination
- a strong urge to urinate even when your bladder is empty
- burning sensation or pain when urinating
- cloudy or bloody urine
- foul-smelling urine
- low-grade fever
- pressure or pain in the lower abdomen
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor immediately, as UTIs can lead to serious kidney problems if left untreated.
Treatment for a UTI in Men
The good news is that most UTIs can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Your doctor will likely prescribe a course of oral antibiotics that you will need to take for 7-14 days. It is important to finish all of the medication, even if your symptoms go away, to make sure that the infection is completely gone.
If you have recurrent UTIs, your doctor may prescribe a longer course of antibiotics or suggest other measures to prevent future infections.
How Can Men Prevent a UTI?
Some simple preventive measures for UTIs in men include drinking plenty of fluids (especially water), using condoms, urinating after intercourse, avoiding holding your urine for too long, and emptying your bladder completely when you do go.
Conclusion
Although UTIs are more commonly associated with women, men can get them too. There are several things you can do to reduce your risk of getting a UTI, including drinking lots of fluids, going to the bathroom when you feel the urge, and practicing good hygiene. Urinary tract infections are unpleasant, but fortunately, they can be treated quickly and easily with antibiotics. If you think you might have a UTI, don’t delay—make an appointment with your doctor today!
Learn More: 12 Home Remedies for UTI (Urinary Tract Infection)
