When we hear the term “UTI” or urinary tract infection, there’s a big chance people might associate it with women. But you might be surprised to find out that it’s a condition that affects everyone. That’s right. Men can experience it, too.
According to Medical News Today, about 3% of men worldwide can experience UTI every year, so it’s certainly not a thing that only women experience, though we guys may not encounter it as much as the ladies do.
But you have nothing to fear because we’re here to help you identify its symptoms and guide you through it.
What is UTI?
A urinary tract infection is a common condition that can affect anyone. As its name implies, it’s a condition that affects a person’s urinary tract, or the pathway of one’s urine which includes the bladder, kidneys, urethra, and ureters.
Bacteria can enter a person’s urinary system wherein they can multiply and eventually cause an infection.
UTIs are typically categorized based on the part of the urinary tract affected. For men, the infection can occur in various areas, but it most commonly involves the lower urinary tract, including the bladder and urethra. The different types of UTI can include:
Urethritis – infection of the urethra- the tube that delivers urine from your bladder to the outside of the body. Urethritis can be caused by a UTI or STI.
Cystitis – infection of the bladder (most common type of UTI). If a man has a bladder infection, they could also experience low fever.
Pyelonephritis – infection of the kidneys (more serious). If a person has a kidney infection, they could also experience upper back and side pain, high fever, shaking, chills, fatigue, and mental changes.
UTIs can range from mild to severe and may cause discomfort and various symptoms. Understanding UTIs is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment.
What are its symptoms?
UTIs can bring about a range of uncomfortable symptoms for men to watch out for.
- Painful urination
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Difficulty starting urination
- Slow urine stream or leakage
- Sudden strong urge to urinate
- Passing only small amounts of urine at a time
- Presence of blood in urine
- Pain in the central lower abdomen
- Cloudy urine with a strong odor
Some men don’t really show any symptoms at all, which makes this condition quite tricky to deal with.
What are its causes?
UTIs can be caused by various factors, and infections typically result from bacteria entering the urinary tract. The most common culprits are Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, which usually reside in the digestive system. Bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and multiply in the bladder, leading to an infection.
In some cases, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) like chlamydia and gonorrhea can also cause UTIs. These infections can spread from the genital area to the urinary tract, leading to discomfort and other UTI symptoms. Additionally, conditions such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate can block the normal flow of urine, increasing the risk of UTIs. It’s crucial to practice safe sex and maintain good hygiene to reduce the risk of UTIs, particularly if you have multiple sexual partners or engage in unprotected sex.
What can we do about it?
If you suspect you have a UTI, it’s essential to see a doctor promptly. UTIs are typically treated with oral antibiotics. Your doctor will select an antibiotic based on the likely source of the infection, (such as your bladder,) and the type of bacteria causing it.
For lower urinary tract infections, a week or less of antibiotics is often sufficient. However, upper-tract infections may require antibiotics for up to two weeks. In rare and severe cases, especially if the infection doesn’t respond to oral antibiotics, hospitalization may be necessary, and antibiotics may be administered through an intravenous (IV) line.
UTIs are not just a women’s issue; they can affect anyone. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options is crucial for maintaining good urinary tract health.
Remember, if you ever suspect a UTI, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional. So, stay informed, stay healthy, and always aim to #DoItRight when it comes to your sexual health.
Sources:
- MediLexicon International. (n.d.). Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men: Symptoms, causes, and treatment. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320872
- WebMD. (n.d.). Urinary tract infections (utis) in men: Causes, symptoms, treatment. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/men/urinary-tract-infection-in-men
- Image by krakenimages.com on Freepik
