Q. What causes urinary tract infections and are men at risk for getting them?
A. Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in women, men can get them, too. They occur when bacteria build up somewhere along your urinary tract. In men, UTIs can develop in the urethra (the tube that runs from the opening at the tip of the penis to the bladder), the bladder, the prostate, or the kidney.
A UTI in the urethra (called urethritis) is almost always related to a sexually transmitted infection, such as chlamydia or gonorrhea. Other types of bacteria usually don't cause urethritis because urine washes away bacteria before it can infect the urethra's lining.
Bladder infections are less common in men than in women because men have a longer urethra, which makes it harder for bacteria to get into the bladder. A UTI in the prostate (called prostatitis) can develop if bacteria make their way there from the bladder, or less commonly come from the bloodstream and settle in the prostate. Bacteria also can move into one of the kidneys, causing a serious infection.
The most common signs and symptoms of UTIs are frequent urination, a strong urge to go, burning or tingling during or just after urination, cloudy urine with a strong odor, blood in the urine, or trouble urinating. However, in some older men, the only symptom may be fever or confusion. See your doctor if you have any of these. He or she can prescribe antibiotics to treat the infection. You can protect against recurring infections by drinking plenty of water, using the bathroom when you feel the urge to urinate rather than trying to hold it in, and practicing safe sex.
— by Howard LeWine, M.D.
Editor in Chief, Harvard Men's Health Watch
