What is a urinary tract infection (UTI)? It is a bladder infection that allows bacteria to enter any part of the urinary tract. This condition is more common in women than men. Men with symptoms like frequent and painful urination may have UTIs. When a man has a urinary tract infection, it is mostly complicated and has a higher risk of spreading to the kidneys and upper urethra. It is curable through home remedies and other medical procedures. In some cases, the only treatment option is surgery. Onlymyhealth spoke to the editorial team Dr. Aditya Pradhan, Director – Urology, Max Hospital GurgaonLearn about the symptoms, causes and ways of UTI in men.
UTI symptoms in men
It is not mandatory that all men with UTI have symptoms. In some cases, they do not develop any specific symptoms of infection. But if there are any symptoms, they are:
- Frequent urination
- Pain when urinating
- Urination
- Can’t start urinating
- Blood in the urine
- Pain near the bladder
In severe cases, the symptoms of urinary tract infections in men are:
- Fever
- Feeling sick
- Cold
- Vomit
Causes of UTI in men
Some medical conditions, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prostate problems, can put you at risk for UTIs in men. These types of infections are mostly caused by bacteria, but viruses can also be a factor. Older men are more likely to be infected. It develops from bacteria already present in the body. According to Dr. Aditya, the main risk factors for UTI in men are:
- Kidney stones
- Prostate disease
- Diabetes
- Not taking in enough fluids
- Urinary tract cancer
- Previous UTI
- Swxually transmitted infections
- Not circumcised
The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) enters the urethra through the urethra. Although rare, men can also get urinary tract infections from women during sexual intercourse because these infections can transmit bacteria to women.
Ways to deal with UTIs in men
To diagnose a UTI, the doctor will first ask about the symptoms and previous history of UTI. He will also do a physical examination. As part of some laboratory tests, the specialist will ask for a sample of your urine to test for any pus and bacteria.
UTIs in men are often complicated and require proper treatment. The type of treatment usually depends on the cause of the urinary tract infection. The most common way to treat UTIs is with antibiotics. The main goal of the treatment plan is to prevent urinary tract infections from spreading to the kidneys or the upper part of the urine.
Also read: 5 Tips To Prevent And Deal With Urinary Tract Infections
1. Medicine
If you are suffering from UTI, your doctor may prescribe some necessary antibiotics. These drugs should be prescribed to kill bacteria and viruses, so do not take any medicine on your own. For the treatment of mild UTIs, oral antibiotics are the best treatment for this infection.
2. Drink enough fluids
In addition to medication, it is important to drink plenty of fluids. Adequate fluid intake is good for urination as it will help expel bacteria from the urethra. Keep your body hydrated and urinate frequently. However, avoid caffeine and sugary drinks in such cases. If you find it uncomfortable to urinate, you may be tempted to reduce your fluid intake.
UTIs are uncommon in men, but they can sometimes develop an infection. If you start experiencing any symptoms of UTI, it is important to seek immediate medical advice as these infections are not treated on their own. Those who have a serious or complex infection may need surgery. UTI in men is complex and requires at least 7 days to recover.
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