Men & UTI

Men get urinary tract infections less frequently than women, but these infections are still common and easily treated in most cases. Men generally get complicated UTIs. Therefore, you should consult a healthcare professional immediately if you experience any of the symptoms of a complicated UTI:

A painful and/or burning sensation while urinating
A frequent urge to urinate
Feeling the need to urinate, but passing only a small amount of urine
Pain in the lower abdomen
Flank pain (pain in the back or side below the ribs)
Fever
Nausea and/or vomiting
A sense of fullness in the rectum

Prostate Enlargement and UTIs

Urinary tract infections in men are sometimes caused by the enlargement of the prostate, which occurs as men get older. An enlarged prostate gland can slow the flow of urine, thus raising the risk of infection. It is important to have your doctor check your prostate at every visit.

Urinary Catheters and UTIs

Urinary catheters may also cause UTIs in men. A person who is unconscious or has lost bladder control due to age or nerve damage requires a catheter, or tube in the bladder, to help him urinate. If a urinary catheter is left in place for long periods of time, it may attract bacteria, which could eventually cause a harmful infection. If you wear a catheter, be sure that it is changed frequently and washed with soap and water, and that the drainage device is emptied regularly. You may also want to increase your daily fluid intake.

Remember, your doctor or healthcare provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your symptoms, or your medication.