Table of Contents
A system responsible for expulsion and filtration, the urinary tract is a vital system with an indispensable role in our overall physical well-being.
When performed optimally, this system can help eliminate waste byproducts and excess fluids through the kidneys and ureters.
That said, there are a few insidious cases wherein this healthy and functional balance gets compromised—with one major one being bacterial infections.
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria infiltrate any part of the urinary system, including the bladder, kidneys, ureters, or urethra.
Although commonly associated with women, UTIs have also been known to afflict men, with about 3% of the adult male population getting afflicted by it each year.
A urinary tract infection in men can lead to discomfort and persistent symptoms that necessitate medical attention.
Let’s delve into the different types of UTI bladder infections men can face, as well as how men can recover from their symptoms.
Telltale Symptoms of UTI in Men
There are several symptoms of UTI in men, and they typically experience only a few of them at a time.
These are some of the telltale signs that a man is facing a UTI:
- Frequent urination
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal pain
- Painful urination
- Discharge from the penis
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Abdominal pain
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy urine
- Smelly urine
- Bedwetting behavior
- Back pain
- Inability to urinate
If you’re experiencing symptoms beyond the urinary tract, such as nausea and back pain, this can indicate that your infection has reached the upper urinary tract.
In such cases, it’s necessary to consult with a urologist and have them treat UTI symptoms men may face.
Most Common Types of UTIs in Men
Speaking broadly, there are two main types of UTIs: complicated and uncomplicated urinary tract infections.
Uncomplicated tract infections affect only the lower urinary tract, typically the bladder, prostate, or urethra.
These UTIs cause a bladder infection or cystitis and primarily affect women.
Typically, individuals wielding a penis experience complicated UTIs, or UTIs that have spread to the ureters or kidneys.
Here are some of the most common UTIs men can experience:
- Orchitis: Inflammation of one or both testicles, often caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI). It can bring about pain, swelling, and occasionally, fever.
- Cystitis: An infection of the bladder that affects both sexes, this infection is usually caused by bacteria that can lead to discomfort, frequent urination, and pelvic pain.
- Urethritis: This refers to inflammation of the urethra, the tube through which urine exits the body. Symptoms often include pain during urination and an increased urge to urinate.
- Epididymitis: Inflammation of the epididymis, the tube located at the back of the testicles. It often results in pain and swelling in the testicles.
- Pyelonephritis: A type of kidney infection where bacteria travels upwards from the bladder to the kidneys, Pyelonephritis typically leads to fever, back and side pain, and frequent urination.
- Prostatitis: Inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, which can result in pain in the groin, painful urination, and sometimes flu-like symptoms.
- Infected Urinary Catheters: This infection is introduced by a contaminated catheter. This first causes localized pain, and if the infection spreads, it can result in fever, pain, and abnormal urination.
If you’re facing any of these conditions, you must follow the orders and advice of a medical professional. They’ll answer any queries you may have and provide you with the right treatment plan to help you overcome your urinary tract infection.
Common Causes of UTIs in Males
There are multiple potential sources of UTI in males, especially the older demographic. Here are the most probable causes of UTI in males:
- Diabetes or excess sugar consumption
- A sexually transmitted disease
- Anal intercourse
- Kidney stones
- Previous UTIs
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Dehydration
- Kidney surgery
- Enlarged prostate
The most common cause of UTI in males, however, is caused by the presence of the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) in the urinary tract. This bacterium typically resides within the intestinal walls; however, they can make their way to the urethral opening during sex or bowel movements.
Whatever the cause, it’s important to maintain proper hygiene practices and ensure that underlying medical conditions are properly addressed. This way, you can prevent the nasty symptoms of a UTI from forming.
Exploring the Impact of UTIs on Sexual Health
UTIs can bring on a slew of unpleasant experiences to men, particularly interfering with their sexual health.
A UTI diagnosis can have the following effects on the affected patient:
- Lowered libido
- Digestive and kidney diseases
- Depression
- Increase UTI symptoms in sex
- Pain during intercourse
- Erectile dysfunction and other dysfunctions
If you are experiencing these problems, it’s important to address the underlying UTI first and talk with a medical professional. This way, you can treat these dysfunctions and avoid exposing yourself unknowingly to risk factors.
Managing UTIs at Home: Treatment for UTI
While it’s imperative to check in with a doctor first, you don’t need to be admitted to a hospital to treat UTI. In fact, UTI treatment can be done at home.
Here’s the general UTI recovery timeline:
- Take antibiotics for 1 to 2 days for lower UTIs, or up to 2 weeks for upper UTIs.
- Drink more fluids than normal throughout the treatment timeline.
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen to control symptoms of a fever.
- Make follow-up appointments with your doctor, especially if you’re facing new symptoms.
By doing these steps, you’ll be able to mitigate symptoms and likely be better in under two weeks.
Consult Ft. Lauderdale, Florida’s Best Medical Clinic for Men
Developing a UTI can be a nuisance, but if caught early on, patients can rise above the condition and recover completely.
Contact the medical professionals at Ft. Lauderdale’s leading men’s health clinic, Preferred Men’s Medical Center. Our specialists can help provide guidance about UTIs and sexual dysfunction, and provide ED treatment, PE treatment, medical weight loss, among other therapies to help men restore their health.
Interested in living your life to the fullest? Schedule a consultation with us today, your initial consultation and first treatment are completely free.