When most people think of UTIs, they think of women.
But the truth is, men can get UTIs too.
UTIs, or Urinary Tract Infections, also known as bladder infections, can cause many painful and unpleasant symptoms. UTIs are not something to mess around with as they can lead to other infections outside of the bladder as well.
It’s important for men to be able to identify the symptoms of a UTI and know when to get medical help. While most women can recognize UTIs in themselves, they aren’t familiar with the symptoms of a urinary tract infection in men.
Keep reading for more information on male UTIs and the top signs you might have one.
What is a UTI?
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are infections caused by the bacterium called Escherichia coli (E. Coli).
While this bacteria is present in your body naturally, when it gets into the urinary tract, it causes an infection.
In men, the bacteria enter your urinary tract through your urethra. This is the tube that runs from your bladder through your penis to drain urine.
Women are much more likely to get UTIs than men. This is simply because women have a shorter urethra, meaning bacteria don’t have to travel as far to reach their bladder.
Men do not usually catch UTIs from having sex with women. In fact, an infection is usually caused by bacteria already present in a man’s urinary tract.
UTIs are more common in older men because they tend to experience an enlarged prostate. The prostate can wrap around your bladder and restrict the free flow of urine.
When this happens, your bladder doesn’t empty completely and bacteria are not flushed out. The remaining bacteria can cause a UTI.
Other factors for UTIs in men include:
- Not drinking enough fluids
- Recent surgery on the urinary tract
- Being immobile for a long time
- Diabetes
- Being uncircumcised
- Fecal incontinence
- Engagement in anal intercourse
If you have any of these risk factors, talk to your doctor about what you can do to prevent UTIs.
Symptoms of a Urinary Tract Infection in Men
Symptoms of UTIs in men are similar to those in women. They usually come on suddenly.
Signs and symptoms that you might have a bladder infection, or UTI include:
- Pain and burning during urination
- Need to urine frequently
- Urinary urgency, or sudden urges to empty your bladder
- Pain in your central abdomen, and above your pubic bone
- Bloody urine
If you are experiencing any of these signs and symptoms, visit your doctor as soon as possible. He or she will collect a urine sample to test for a UTI.
If you do have a UTI, it can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Visit an Urgent Care Clinic
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of a urinary tract infection in men, we recommend visiting an urgent care clinic right away.
The professionals at these clinics are well equipped to diagnose a UTI. UTIs are easy to treat and you will be on your way to feeling better in no time.
For more information or to find your nearest location, contact us today.