Men and urinary tract infections
Ask the doctor
Q: Are men at risk for getting urinary tract infections?
A: Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are far more common in women, men can also get them. They occur when bacteria build up somewhere along the urinary tract. In men, UTIs can develop in the urethra (the tube that runs from the bladder to the opening at the tip of the penis), bladder, prostate, or kidney.
A UTI in the urethra is almost always related to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. A UTI can start in the bladder and make its way to the prostate, or, less commonly, travel from the bloodstream and settle in the prostate. Bacteria can also move into one of the kidneys, causing a serious infection. In addition to STIs, an enlarged prostate gland and kidney stones are risk factors for UTIs in men.
The most common signs and symptoms of UTIs include frequent urination, a strong urge to urinate, burning or tingling sensations during or after urination, cloudy urine with a strong odor, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating. In older men, the only symptom may be fever or confusion. See your doctor if you have any of these. They can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection.
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About the Author
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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