Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Men

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, the bladder (cystitis), and the urethra (urethritis).

Symptoms of a UTI in Men

The signs and symptoms of a UTI in men can include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate.
• A burning sensation or pain when urinating.
• Passing frequent, small amounts of urine.
• Urine that appears cloudy, or has a strong smell.
• Blood in the urine (hematuria).
• Pain in the center of the pelvis or around the pubic bone.

If the infection spreads to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), symptoms can be more severe, including fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and back or side pain.

Why Do Men Get UTIs?

In young men, UTIs are rare and are often associated with STIs. In older men, the most common cause is an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH). An enlarged prostate can prevent the bladder from emptying completely, and the stagnant urine that remains can become a breeding ground for bacteria.

Other risk factors include kidney stones, having a urinary catheter, or an abnormality in the urinary tract.

Diagnosis and Treatment

A UTI is diagnosed with a simple urine test (urinalysis) to look for white blood cells, red blood cells, or bacteria. A urine culture may also be done to identify the specific type of bacteria causing the infection.

Treatment for a UTI is a course of antibiotics. It is important to complete the full course of medication, even if you start to feel better, to ensure the infection is completely cleared. For recurrent UTIs, our specialists will investigate the underlying cause, such as BPH, to prevent future infections.