Men's Urinary Tract Infection: Signs, Roots, and Remedies
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) are a common health issue, but they are more prevalent in women than in men. According to recent studies, the lifetime risk of developing a UTI is about 96% for females compared to 77% for males, with women being about four times more likely to get UTIs than men [1].
In men, UTIs are less frequent, accounting for roughly 20% of all UTI cases in some populations, such as the UK [2]. However, the incidence of UTIs in men increases significantly with age, especially after age 60-65. For instance, the incidence is low (0.9–2.4 cases per 1,000 men) in men under 55, but it rises to 7.7 per 1,000 in men 85 or older [4].
Common symptoms of UTIs in men include frequent urges to urinate, a burning sensation or pain during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, fever or chills if the infection has spread to the kidneys, and in some cases, difficulty urinating or incomplete bladder emptying [2][4].
UTIs in men are typically caused by bacteria from the gut, such as E. coli, entering the urinary tract through the urethra. Anatomical factors like a longer urethra in men make UTIs less common but still possible. Other factors such as prostate issues, the use of urinary catheters, the presence of kidney stones or an obstruction in the urinary tract, diabetes, and immune system disorders can also increase the risk of UTIs in men [2][4].
Men experiencing symptoms of a UTI should seek medical evaluation as infections in men are often considered complicated and may require prompt and targeted treatment [2][4]. A doctor diagnoses a UTI by carrying out a physical examination, taking a medical history, and through laboratory tests. The best results for the urine test strip are often achieved if the person does it first thing in the morning [4].
UTIs in men often require treatment with antibiotics to kill the bacteria and drugs to reduce symptoms. The urine sample may be sent to the laboratory immediately or kept refrigerated until later. For people with a history of kidney stones, diabetes, polycystic kidneys, or tuberculosis, the doctor may require imaging exams [4].
Home remedies such as drinking plenty of liquids and cranberry juice may help with treating a UTI, but seeing a doctor is the best method. Men can provide a urine sample by starting the urine stream, cleaning the urethra, and collecting a midstream sample in a cup [4].
It's important to note that cases similar to UTIs in younger men are typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Therefore, it's crucial for sexually active men to practice safe sex and seek regular STIs screening [4].
In conclusion, while UTIs are less common in men, they become more frequent with increasing age and certain medical conditions affecting the urinary tract or immune function. Men should be aware of the symptoms, maintain good personal hygiene, and seek medical attention if they suspect a UTI.
- Diabetes, a pre-existing medical condition, can increase the risk of Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in men.
- In the health-and-wellness sector, the predictive lifetime risk of developing a UTI in men is 77%, significantly lower than the 96% risk in women.
- For men, UTIs are often more complicated and may require prompt and targeted treatment, as they can potentially spread to the kidneys.
- Men should follow the science-based method of providing a urine sample by starting the urine stream, cleaning the urethra, and collecting a midstream sample in a cup for accurate diagnosis.
- While obesity doesn't explicitly cause UTIs, maintaining overall health-and-wellness and good personal hygiene can help prevent these infections.
- In the realm of men's health, it's important to be aware that cases of UTIs in younger men might be caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs), underscoring the need for safe sex practices and regular STI screenings.
