Fast Facts About Male UTI
Millions of men acquire a urinary tract infection (UTI) every year. Even though male urinary tract infection (especially boys and young men) are less common than in women, it’s still important to recognize the symptoms of UTI and get treatment quickly. Urinary system (the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) infections can be very serious…even life-threatening.
Causes of urinary tract infection
Urine is normally sterile. Under certain circumstances, bacteria (often E-coli, which live in the colon) move into the urethra. This causes an infection called urethritis. It may move up the system to the bladder (called cystitis) or to the kidneys (called pyelonephritis).
Chlamydia and mycoplasma are microorganisms that can be transmitted sexually. If this should occur, both partners must be treated for the infection.
Men with urinary tract abnormalities, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, are more prone to urinary infection. Men with catheters or tubes placed in their bladdes are more susceptible to infection. Diabetic men are more prone to UTIs. Any man with a disease that suppresses the immune system is more susceptible to UTI.
Interesting fact: Studies show that women whose male partners use condoms with spermicidal foam tend to have the E-coli bacteria in the vagina.
Male Urinary Tract Infection Symptoms
Some men with UTIs do not have any symptoms. Most men, however, experience some or all of the following symptoms
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Only passing a small amount of urine
- Pain and burning in bladder or urethra during urination
- Fatigue
- Foul-smelling urine
- Back pain
- Nausea and/or vomiting (may indicate kidney infection)
- Urine appears cloudy or milky. A reddish color indicates blood in urine.
- Fever (may indicated kidney infection)
UTI Diagnosis and Treatment
Doctors can test urine samples to determine if bacteria is present. There are traditional, drug-based therapies and drug-free, natural remedies to treat male urinary tract infection.
