Important Note: This article provides general health information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment of any health condition.
Approximately one in 20 Australian men will get a UTI in their lifetime.
Moreover, when a man develops a UTI, it can sometimes be a sign of an underlying health issue. This makes understanding its symptoms and recognising when it's time to seek medical attention particularly important.
This post is designed to help raise awareness of UTIs in men. In it, we’ll highlight how to determine if you have one, understand its potential causes, and how a telehealth appointment with an AHPRA registered Partner Doctor can help.
Hopefully, you’ll never get a UTI. But if you do, this article could save you from experiencing a lot of discomfort.
Your urinary tract is a system in your body that is designed to make and get rid of urine. It includes your:
A UTI happens when bacteria enter the urinary tract through the urethra and start to multiply. Usually, they come from the bowel. While this condition can affect any part of this system, most infections occur in the lower urinary tract.
If you have not had one before, you might not be aware of the symptoms of a UTI. However, as with any condition, it is always good to treat it as early as possible. Here is how you can identify a potential infection.
Male UTI symptoms can sometimes start subtly. You might, for instance, feel a mild burning or stinging sensation when you pee. This tends to be characterised as a lower urinary tract infection. Other early warning signs might include:
If you’re experiencing one or a combination of these male urinary tract infection symptoms and signs, it’s best not to ignore them. Even mild symptoms can develop into a bladder infection that spreads quickly if left untreated.
If bacteria move beyond the bladder to the kidneys, it can lead to a more serious condition. These include an upper tract infection or a kidney infection. Some signs that might denote this include:
If you have any of these symptoms, there is a risk that the infection may negatively impact your kidney function. Again, if left untreated, this may cause serious illness.
For this reason, any man experiencing fever, severe pain, or ongoing urinary symptoms should consult with one of our AHPRA registered Partner Doctors right away.
While women are more likely to experience urinary tract infections, UTI conditions in men can often be more complex. That’s because the male urinary system is around four times longer than a woman’s and much more protected.
Subsequently, when an infection develops, there’s usually an underlying reason behind it. That’s why contacting a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment is so important. It enables them to identify and address the root cause and not just the infection itself.
Certain conditions and habits can make it easier for bacteria to thrive in a male’s urinary tract. Some of the main risk factors for a urinary tract infection in men include:
Your body has a way of telling you when something isn’t quite right. That is why you should not ignore the symptoms of UTI in men.
As a male, if you notice any of the urinary tract infection symptoms outlined above, it’s best not to wait and see if they’ll disappear on their own.
Mild discomfort may settle if you get plenty of rest and stay well hydrated. However, as mentioned, UTIs in men can quickly become serious or point to an underlying problem.
If in any doubt, reach out to one of our AHPRA registered Partner Doctors immediately.
Male UTIs can be very uncomfortable. Thankfully, the process of diagnosis is straightforward. It is also designed to find both the cause and the best treatment option available to rid yourself of the condition.
You will typically be asked to provide a urine sample. This sample will be tested in a lab to look for signs of infection, such as bacteria and white blood cells.
Sometimes, a urine culture is done to identify the specific type of bacteria that is causing the infection. Doing this will determine which antibiotics will be most effective.
If you are diagnosed with a UTI, you will typically be prescribed antibiotics to clear the infection. You may also have pain relief administered to help you manage any discomfort you're experiencing.
It's crucial to take the full course of antibiotics exactly as prescribed, even if you start feeling better before the medication is finished. If you stop early, the infection can return. This can make it harder to treat, or even contribute to a resistance against the antibiotic.
Some risk factors for UTIs in men are related to underlying health conditions. However, here are some things you can do to prevent these infections from developing.
Adopting a routine of simple daily habits can make all the difference. Try to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. This helps to flush bacteria out of your urinary system. Ideally, you should aim to consume at least 2.5 litres daily. Drinking cranberry juice has also been linked to the prevention of UTIs.
You should also practice good hygiene by keeping your genital area clean. Additionally, urinating after sexual activity can help to flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during intercourse.
If you have an enlarged prostate, diabetes, or kidney stones, effectively managing these conditions can significantly reduce your risk of developing recurrent UTIs.
It's highly unlikely for a UTI in a man to go away on its own. That is why it's important for men to seek medical attention for a suspected UTI. This will ensure they receive a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Not every UTI is immediately life-threatening. However, a UTI in a man is generally considered more serious than in a woman. This is because it often points to an underlying problem in the urinary tract that needs to be identified and addressed. For instance, untreated UTIs can lead to more severe complications, such as kidney infections or blood infections.
A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, usually caused by bacteria. A sexually transmitted infection (STI) is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact.
While some STI symptoms can mimic UTI symptoms (like painful urination), they are distinct conditions that are caused by different types of germs and require different treatments. It's actually possible, though rare, to have both at the same time. You can do an online STD test via Updoc here.
Diet isn't a direct cause or cure for UTIs. But staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water is beneficial as it helps flush out bacteria. Some people find that certain foods or drinks, like caffeine or acidic beverages, can irritate the bladder. However, this doesn't directly cause a bacterial infection.
This information is for general knowledge and educational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice as to when to see a doctor. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional, such as your general practitioner (GP) or a specialist, for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment. Always follow the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider.
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