If you feel a constant urge to urinate, or if it’s painful when you do, you may be experiencing a urinary tract infection (UTI). Generally, UTIs in men are uncommon, but certain conditions and age-related changes can increase the chances of occurrence. Keep reading to learn how to recognise the signs and prevent male UTIs.
There are several common symptoms of male urine infections. Any number of the following guy’s UTI symptoms may manifest if you have the condition:
It is important to note that these symptoms are associated with several other conditions, not just male UTIs, so it is important to seek advice from your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Two types of UTIs can affect men, they are known as lower UTIs and upper UTIs.
While UTIs in men are rare, lower UTIs are the most common type found in men, primarily affecting the urethra and bladder. Upper UTIs are more severe and are caused by infections progressing from the lower urinary tract up to the kidneys.
Upper UTI symptoms for men and women are severe and can include nausea, back pain and fever. In men, a fever can be an indication that the prostate has also become infected. If left untreated an upper UTI can also lead to sepsis, which is when the infection enters the bloodstream. This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening condition, which requires intensive care.
It is important to catch male urine infections early so you can receive the correct treatment and prevent unwanted and serious complications. If you think you are experiencing any men’s UTI symptoms, visit your doctor.
One of the main causes of men’s UTIs is ageing. Ageing also increases the chance of chronic or recurrent male urine infections.
Another common cause of UTIs in men is the noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, which is something that can also occur due to ageing. An enlarged can affect a man’s ability to pass urine, which makes it harder for bacteria to be flushed out of the urethra. This leads to an increased likelihood of a UTI occurring.
Symptoms of recurrent UTI in men can be:
UTIs in men are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. When visiting a doctor to diagnose a UTI, a urine culture test may be required to identify which bacteria has caused the infection and which antibiotic will be the most effective guy UTI treatment.
While you wait for antibiotics, there are effective ways to treat male UTIs at home which you can make use of, including:
Many men aged over 40 experience a condition called ‘benign prostatic enlargement’, which is when the prostate grows in size. It can become difficult to empty the bladder fully if the prostate is enlarged because it partially restricts the flow of urine out of the body. It is important to identify prostate enlargement early, to receive the proper treatment and reduce future problems. Untreated prostate issues are potential causes of incontinence, which in turn can increase the likelihood of male UTIs.
The most simple, but effective way to reduce the chance of UTIs in men is to empty the bladder fully when urinating. This prevents bacteria from thriving in urine left or trapped within the urethra. If emptying your bladder fully is something you have trouble with try changing your position after your initial urination has stopped as this movement can help fully empty the bladder and urethra.
In addition to emptying the bladder, guys urinary tract infections can be prevented by:
Male UTIs can be painful, disruptive and, in rare cases, dangerous, so it is important to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment methods for the condition. For more information on men’s urinary health, TENA is here to help, browse our guides on frequent urination in men and post-micturition dribble. If you're looking for support with incontinence, check out which TENA Men product is best for your needs.
District nurse/Urotherapist
