Urinary Tract Infections in Men

Millions of men develop urinary tract infections each year. Even though such infections in men are less common than in women, it is still important to recognize the symptoms and get treatment quickly. Infections of the urinary system (the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra) can be very serious -- even life-threatening.

Function of the Urinary System

The function of the urinary system is to rid the body of liquid waste (about a quart and a half of urine per day), keep a healthy balance of substances and salts in the blood, and produce a hormone that contributes to the formation of red blood cells. The flow of urine helps prevent infection by washing out infectious agents. The prostate gland also produces fluids that slow bacterial growth.

Causes of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urine is normally sterile, but under certain circumstances, bacteria (often E-coli that live in the colon) can move into the urethra, causing an infection called urethritis. The infection may move up the system to the bladder (called cystitis) or to the kidneys (pyelonephritis).

• Microorganisms called chlamydia and mycoplasma can both be transmitted sexually. When this happens, both partners have to be treated for the infection.


• Men with abnormalities of the urinary tract, such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, are more prone to urinary infection.


• Men who have a catheter or tube placed in the bladder are more susceptible to infection.


• Men with diabetes or any disease that suppresses the immune system are more prone to UTI.

• Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Men

  Although some men who have a UTI do not have any symptoms, most men will experience some or all of the following symptoms:
• Frequent urge to urinate but the amount of urine passed is often small
• Painful, burning feeling in the area of the bladder or urethra during urination
• Fatigue
• Fever (this often means that the infection has moved into the kidney)
• Cloudy or milky urine. Blood may also be present, in which case the color will be reddish
• Offensive-smelling urine
• Nausea and even vomiting may occur in kidney infections
• Back pain

Diagnosis of UTI

Your doctor will ask you for a urine sample and will send it to be tested for bacteria. Further tests, such as an intravenous pyelogram (IVP), ultrasound, or cystoscopy may be required to detect the cause of urinary infections especially if they recur or do not respond to the medication your doctor orders.

Treating a Urinary Tract Infection

Antibiotics are typically prescribed to kill the bacteria that is causing the infection. It's important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor, even if your symptoms appear to clear up before you're finished.