E coli uti in men: Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
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- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
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Was this helpful?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in the urinary system.
UTIs usually affect females, but males can also develop them. They often stem from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and need treatment with antibiotics.
Most UTIs affect the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to outside the body. However, it can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys and ureters.
Although a UTI is one of the most common infections in women, it is rare in men. UTIs are estimated to affect around 3 percent of men worldwide each year. This means that most men will have never had a UTI, especially if they are young.
When a UTI develops in men, it is usually considered complicated and more likely to spread to the kidneys and upper urinary tract. Some cases may even require surgery. We learn more about this condition, including its symptoms and treatment options, in this article.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth.
Click here to learn more.
Was this helpful?
Share on PinterestA frequent urge to urinate is one of the symptoms of a UTI.
Men with UTIs may have no signs or symptoms of the infection. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
- pain during urination
- frequent urge to urinate
- inability to start urinating
- a slow urine stream or urine leakage
- a sudden need to urinate
- the release of only small amounts of urine at a time
- blood in urine
- pain in the central lower part of the abdomen
- cloudy urine with a strong odor
Men with complicated UTIs can also experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- fever
- chills
- nausea
- vomiting
- back pain
These symptoms are signs that the disease has spread to the kidneys or the upper urinary tract. An infection that has spread here is a more serious problem that requires prompt treatment.
For more research-backed information and resources for men’s health, please visit our dedicated hub.
Was this helpful?
UTIs are caused by bacteria. Older men have a higher risk of having a UTI, especially if they are after the age of 50. Most cases in older men are caused by the bacterium known as Escherichia coli, which is naturally present in the body.
Cases similar to UTIs in younger men are typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A UTI develops when the bacterium gets into the urinary tract through the urethra and starts multiplying.
As men have longer urethras than women, they are less prone to UTIs because bacteria need to travel a longer distance to reach the bladder.
UTIs are four times more common in women than in men.
A person’s risk of developing a UTI increases if they have:
- diabetes
- kidney stones
- an enlarged prostate
- an abnormal narrowing of the urethra
- an inability to voluntarily control urination
- an inability to empty the bladder completely
- not drunk enough liquids
- not been circumcised
- a past diagnosis of a UTI
- urinary tract abnormalities that prevent urine from leaving the body normally or cause urine to back up in the urethra
- had anal intercourse, which can expose the urethra to bacteria
- a health condition or taking medication that suppresses the immune system
- had a procedure involving instrumentation on the urinary tract
Examples of these procedures include the insertion of a tube to drain the bladder, or a small camera, known as a cystoscopy, to examine the bladder and urethra.
Can men get UTIs from women?
Men can get UTIs from women during sex, by getting the bacteria from a woman with the infection. However, this is unlikely.
Typically, the infection arises from bacteria that are already present in the man’s body.
Share on PinterestA physician may carry out a urine dipstick test to identify a UTI.
A doctor can diagnose a UTI by carrying out a physical examination, taking a medical history, and through laboratory tests.
Physical examination
The doctor may perform a physical examination that includes:
- checking the vital signs
- checking the abdomen, bladder area, sides, and back for pain or swelling
- examining the genitals
Medical history
The doctor may ask if the person has had other UTIs in the past, or a family history of UTIs.
They may also question the person about their symptoms.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests are required to diagnose the infection as the symptoms of a UTI can be common to other diseases.
A urine sample is usually needed to look for the presence of pus and the bacteria causing the infection.
Men may be asked to give a urine sample. A man will need to start the urine stream to clean the urethra, and then collect a midstream sample in a cup. As bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature, this urine sample is either sent to the laboratory immediately or kept refrigerated until later.
The doctor may also ask for a urine test strip, also known as a urine dipstick test. This is a quick test in which a plastic or paper ribbon is dipped into the urine sample and then removed. If the person has a UTI, the ribbon will turn a particular color.
To obtain the best results for this test, the doctor will probably request that a person does it first thing in the morning.
Other medical exams
For people with a history of kidney stones, diabetes, polycystic kidneys, or tuberculosis, the doctor may also require imaging exams.
UTIs in men are usually complicated and require treatment.
The goal of treatment is to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys or the upper urinary tract.
The type of treatment used depends on the cause of the infection. Treatment plans usually include antibiotic medications to kill the bacteria and drugs to reduce the person’s symptoms, including those of pain and burning while urinating.
The duration of treatment can vary between 3 days and 6 weeks, depending on complicating factors, though a minimum of 7 days is usually warranted.
Prescription medications
Medication prescribed by a doctor may include:
- antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fosfomycin, or aminoglycosides
- medications to reduce the fever
- medications to reduce or eliminate pain, including urinary analgesics such as phenazopyridine
Those with more complicated infections may require surgery. This can involve either draining areas of the urinary tract that are causing the infection, or removing inflamed areas of tissue.
In addition to treatment from doctors, the following home remedies may help with treating an infection:
- Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water. This is important to stimulate urination and flush the bacteria from the body.
- Drinking cranberry juice. Although it is not scientifically proven that cranberry juice is effective against UTIs, it contains substances that make it difficult for bacteria to stay in the urinary tract, helping to flush it out. Cranberry juice is available for purchase online.
Share on PinterestNot drinking sufficient liquids raises the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Men can take a series of actions to reduce the risk of getting a UTI, such as:
- emptying the bladder often
- drinking plenty of liquids, especially water
- carefully cleaning the area under the foreskin after showering if not circumcised
- carefully cleaning the genitals before and after sex, to remove bacteria
- cleaning from front to back when toileting
- wearing condoms during sex.
Condoms are available for purchase online. - urinating after sex, to remove any bacteria that might have been passed during intercourse
Condoms are available for purchase online.UTIs are rare in adult men. This is mainly due to the longer length of the male urethra, and because the antibacterial properties of prostatic fluid prevent bacteria from growing. The incidence of the infection increases with age.
The clinical symptoms of UTIs in men are similar to women and include painful, urgent, and frequent urination.
UTIs in men are usually complicated and warrant at least 7 days of antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
Urinary tract infection (UTI) in men: Symptoms, causes, and treatment
We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission Here’s our process.
Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.
Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site.
To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we:
- Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?
- Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?
- Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices?
We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness.
Read more about our vetting process.
Was this helpful?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection in the urinary system. UTIs usually affect females, but males can also develop them. They often stem from a sexually transmitted infection (STI) and need treatment with antibiotics.
Most UTIs affect the bladder and the urethra, which is the tube that drains urine from the bladder to outside the body. However, it can affect any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys and ureters.
Although a UTI is one of the most common infections in women, it is rare in men. UTIs are estimated to affect around 3 percent of men worldwide each year. This means that most men will have never had a UTI, especially if they are young.
When a UTI develops in men, it is usually considered complicated and more likely to spread to the kidneys and upper urinary tract. Some cases may even require surgery. We learn more about this condition, including its symptoms and treatment options, in this article.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Was this helpful?
Share on PinterestA frequent urge to urinate is one of the symptoms of a UTI.
Men with UTIs may have no signs or symptoms of the infection. However, when symptoms do occur, they can include:
- pain during urination
- frequent urge to urinate
- inability to start urinating
- a slow urine stream or urine leakage
- a sudden need to urinate
- the release of only small amounts of urine at a time
- blood in urine
- pain in the central lower part of the abdomen
- cloudy urine with a strong odor
Men with complicated UTIs can also experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- fever
- chills
- nausea
- vomiting
- back pain
These symptoms are signs that the disease has spread to the kidneys or the upper urinary tract.
An infection that has spread here is a more serious problem that requires prompt treatment.
For more research-backed information and resources for men’s health, please visit our dedicated hub.
Was this helpful?
UTIs are caused by bacteria. Older men have a higher risk of having a UTI, especially if they are after the age of 50. Most cases in older men are caused by the bacterium known as Escherichia coli, which is naturally present in the body.
Cases similar to UTIs in younger men are typically caused by sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
A UTI develops when the bacterium gets into the urinary tract through the urethra and starts multiplying.
As men have longer urethras than women, they are less prone to UTIs because bacteria need to travel a longer distance to reach the bladder.
UTIs are four times more common in women than in men.
A person’s risk of developing a UTI increases if they have:
- diabetes
- kidney stones
- an enlarged prostate
- an abnormal narrowing of the urethra
- an inability to voluntarily control urination
- an inability to empty the bladder completely
- not drunk enough liquids
- not been circumcised
- a past diagnosis of a UTI
- urinary tract abnormalities that prevent urine from leaving the body normally or cause urine to back up in the urethra
- had anal intercourse, which can expose the urethra to bacteria
- a health condition or taking medication that suppresses the immune system
- had a procedure involving instrumentation on the urinary tract
Examples of these procedures include the insertion of a tube to drain the bladder, or a small camera, known as a cystoscopy, to examine the bladder and urethra.
Can men get UTIs from women?
Men can get UTIs from women during sex, by getting the bacteria from a woman with the infection. However, this is unlikely.
Typically, the infection arises from bacteria that are already present in the man’s body.
Share on PinterestA physician may carry out a urine dipstick test to identify a UTI.
A doctor can diagnose a UTI by carrying out a physical examination, taking a medical history, and through laboratory tests.
Physical examination
The doctor may perform a physical examination that includes:
- checking the vital signs
- checking the abdomen, bladder area, sides, and back for pain or swelling
- examining the genitals
Medical history
The doctor may ask if the person has had other UTIs in the past, or a family history of UTIs.
They may also question the person about their symptoms.
Laboratory tests
Laboratory tests are required to diagnose the infection as the symptoms of a UTI can be common to other diseases.
A urine sample is usually needed to look for the presence of pus and the bacteria causing the infection.
Men may be asked to give a urine sample. A man will need to start the urine stream to clean the urethra, and then collect a midstream sample in a cup. As bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature, this urine sample is either sent to the laboratory immediately or kept refrigerated until later.
The doctor may also ask for a urine test strip, also known as a urine dipstick test. This is a quick test in which a plastic or paper ribbon is dipped into the urine sample and then removed. If the person has a UTI, the ribbon will turn a particular color.
To obtain the best results for this test, the doctor will probably request that a person does it first thing in the morning.
Other medical exams
For people with a history of kidney stones, diabetes, polycystic kidneys, or tuberculosis, the doctor may also require imaging exams.
UTIs in men are usually complicated and require treatment.
The goal of treatment is to prevent the infection from spreading to the kidneys or the upper urinary tract.
The type of treatment used depends on the cause of the infection. Treatment plans usually include antibiotic medications to kill the bacteria and drugs to reduce the person’s symptoms, including those of pain and burning while urinating.
The duration of treatment can vary between 3 days and 6 weeks, depending on complicating factors, though a minimum of 7 days is usually warranted.
Prescription medications
Medication prescribed by a doctor may include:
- antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin (Macrobid), fluoroquinolones, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fosfomycin, or aminoglycosides
- medications to reduce the fever
- medications to reduce or eliminate pain, including urinary analgesics such as phenazopyridine
Those with more complicated infections may require surgery. This can involve either draining areas of the urinary tract that are causing the infection, or removing inflamed areas of tissue.
In addition to treatment from doctors, the following home remedies may help with treating an infection:
- Drinking plenty of liquids, especially water. This is important to stimulate urination and flush the bacteria from the body.
- Drinking cranberry juice. Although it is not scientifically proven that cranberry juice is effective against UTIs, it contains substances that make it difficult for bacteria to stay in the urinary tract, helping to flush it out. Cranberry juice is available for purchase online.
Share on PinterestNot drinking sufficient liquids raises the risk of a urinary tract infection.
Men can take a series of actions to reduce the risk of getting a UTI, such as:
- emptying the bladder often
- drinking plenty of liquids, especially water
- carefully cleaning the area under the foreskin after showering if not circumcised
- carefully cleaning the genitals before and after sex, to remove bacteria
- cleaning from front to back when toileting
- wearing condoms during sex. Condoms are available for purchase online.
- urinating after sex, to remove any bacteria that might have been passed during intercourse
Condoms are available for purchase online.UTIs are rare in adult men. This is mainly due to the longer length of the male urethra, and because the antibacterial properties of prostatic fluid prevent bacteria from growing. The incidence of the infection increases with age.
The clinical symptoms of UTIs in men are similar to women and include painful, urgent, and frequent urination.
UTIs in men are usually complicated and warrant at least 7 days of antibiotic treatment to prevent complications.
E. coli – Escherichia coli. About the benefits and harms
Indigestion, diarrhea, general weakness, nausea, abdominal pain – we most often associate these symptoms with E. coli. The presence of this representative of the microflora in the body scares many. But, in fact, E. coli (or as it is correctly called Escherichia coli) is present in any person.
Marina Ivanovna Poleshchikova, an employee of the Explana laboratory, bacteriologist, tells about the benefits and harms of E. coli
Why does a healthy person need Escherichia coli?
Escherichia coli is a normal inhabitant of the intestines of humans and warm-blooded animals and an important part of the intestinal microflora that maintains a normal physiological state in healthy people. Already in the first days after birth, Escherichia coli appears in the human intestine and persists throughout life.
In humans, bacteria make up, on average, 1% of the microbial mass of feces, but it is this percentage that plays a crucial role in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. First of all, E. coli helps to produce vitamins , such as B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, B12 and K, also is actively involved in the metabolism of fatty and bile acids , cholesterol , bilirubin , etc.
There are a number of probiotic preparations, which include E. coli.
What should be the norm of Escherichia coli in the body?
Norm of Escherichia coli per 1g of faeces in a healthy person 10 7 – 10 8 CFU/g
And if there is a lack of Escherichia coli in the body, what consequences can this lead to?
If E. coli is present in the human body less than its norm , then this can lead to dysbiosis, which manifests itself in the form of flatulence, moderate diarrhea and constipation, a feeling of fullness after eating, migratory indefinite pain in the abdomen, symptoms of hypovitaminosis, heartburn and burp. And the reason for the lack of Escherichia coli in the body can be various social and biological factors. Such, for example, as: moving, dietary changes, the impact of poor ecology, stress, drug addiction, alcoholism, antibiotic treatment, previous or chronic diseases.
But if E. coli is so important, why is this microorganism blamed for disorders and other diseases of the stomach?
The bacterium also has a “dark side”, which determines the ability of E.
coli to cause a wide variety of lesions. Most representatives of E.coli do not show pronounced pathogenic properties. They are able to cause disease only in extremely weakened people with severe disorders of the immune status. Nevertheless, there are representatives of Escherichia coli that have acquired a number of properties during their evolution that allow them to be classified as pathogenic microorganisms. Among the lesions in humans caused by E. coli, there are: intestinal (coli infections) and extraintestinal. Most often, these bacteria cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, bacteremia, and even meningitis.
The main transmission mechanism for E. coli is fecal-oral. Ways of transmission – food, water, contact-household (dirty hands, household items, etc.)
In the transmission of pathogenic E. coli between people, sick people and bacteria carriers are of primary importance. Since many animals act as natural hosts for E. coli, bacteria can be transferred from animals to various foods, and from there to the human body.
Despite the traditionally established idea of the “harmlessness” of Escherichia coli, it becomes a fairly common cause of morbidity in both patients with immunodeficiencies and those with a normal immune status.
What test should be taken to determine the indicators of Escherichia coli in the body?
I would like to note that self-treatment is not worth it. In case of discomfort, you should immediately consult a doctor. He will prescribe the following types of tests for you: analysis for the typhoid-paratyphoid group and dysbiosis. It is highly recommended to have these tests done before starting antibiotics. An analysis for the typhoid and paratyphoid group is performed from 3 to 5 days, for dysbiosis – 7 days.
What is the danger of the pathogenic variant of Escherichia coli?
Pathogenic variants of E. coli (patovars or pathotypes) are capable of causing acute intestinal infections with a high mortality rate, especially in children under 5 years of age.
The transmission mechanism of escherichiosis is fecal-oral, the main route of transmission is food, less often the infection is transmitted by water and household contact.
There are several pathotypes Escherichia coli with pathogenic properties:
- Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli ( enteropathogenic E. coli , EPEC): Causes profuse watery diarrhea in adults and children.
- Enterotoxigenic E. coli ( enterotoxigenic E. coli , ETEC): Causes watery diarrhea in adults and children.
- Enteroinvasive Escherichia coli ( enteroinvasive E. coli , EIEC): in adults and children, causes diseases similar to shigellosis / bacterial dysentery, hemolytic uremic syndrome is possible.
- Enteroadhesive Escherichia coli ( enteroadhesive E. coli , EAEC): in adults and children may cause traveler’s diarrhea, hemolytic uremic syndrome, persistent diarrhea.
- Diffusely adhering E. coli (DAEC): causes persistent watery diarrhea in children, suspected to contribute to Crohn’s disease in adults.
- Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli ( enterohemorrhagic E. coli , EHEC), the abbreviations STEC (shiga toxin-producing E. coli / shiga toxin-producing E. coli ) and VTEC (verotoxin-producing E. coli / verotoxin-producing E. coli) are also used ): in adults and children they cause watery diarrhea, hemorrhagic colitis, are the cause of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
- Adhesive-invasive E. coli ( adherent-invasive E. coli , AIEC): Suspected of contributing to Crohn’s disease in adults and children.
There are no morphological differences between Escherichia coli , which does not have pathogenic properties and pathogenic types, therefore, molecular biological methods of identification based on the presence of pathogenicity genes are becoming increasingly important for diagnosis.
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Symptoms and treatment of E. coli – GSD
Publication date: 30-12-2022
Updated: 28-04-2023
Subject: Gastroenterology
Reading time: 1 min
Author of article
Clelia Andolina
Medical Editor
Federica Furfaro (Federica Furfaro)
Editor and translator
Viktoria Luhakova
Escherichia coli (E.
coli) is a bacterial species of the genus Escherichia that is part of the intestinal microbiota of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless because the organism lives as a symbiont in the body, but some strains can cause quite serious illnesses, most of which affect the intestines and urinary tract. We discussed this issue with Dr. Federica Furfaro, gastroenterologist at Ospedale San Raffaele.
What is Escherichia coli?
E. coli is a Gram-negative bacterium (they turn red after Gram stain, the chemical process used to classify them) commonly found in the bacterial flora of our intestines. It is part of the microbiota and is a commensal bacterium that survives on the host it lives in, but at the same time performs its own function, such as producing vitamin K.
E. coli is a sporogenic bacterium that can live in air and airless environments, ferments lactose and has a microscopic feature – the presence of elements that allow it to adhere to the wall of the organ that it colonizes.
Symptoms of E. coli infection
Symptoms of E. coli infection include:
- abdominal pain;
- diarrhea, including with blood, depending on the location of the infection and the strain of bacteria;
- nausea and vomiting;
- fever, most often at the initial stage of infection.
Symptoms usually appear 12 hours to several days after contact with the bacterium and last about 1 week. This infection is common in developing countries (so-called “traveler’s diarrhea”) or situations where normal sanitary conditions are not available.
E. coli infection can also be localized to other organs, causing rather severe cystitis and urinary tract infections, as well as more complex and, fortunately, rarer cases of pneumonia, meningitis, and severe septicemia.
E. coli in urine
Transmission of E. coli, which causes damage to the urinary tract, occurs mainly endogenously: the bacterium is found in human feces and, due to the anatomical proximity of the anus to the urethra (especially characteristic of women), using its microscopic properties, attaches to the walls of the bladder and urethra, causing cystitis, urethritis and infections of varying severity, especially if left untreated.
In exceptional cases, the bacterium can lead to severely impaired hemolytic uremic syndrome, which mainly affects children and the elderly.
How is it transmitted?
The bacterium is transmitted through contaminated raw water or food. High temperatures, i.e. cooking food, kill the E. coli bacteria.
It can also be transmitted through person-to-person faecal-oral contact, so hygiene precautions such as frequent hand washing should be observed.
What tests should be done to find out if you have E. coli?
Patients with persistent and severe diarrhea are recommended to undergo a stool culture to determine the presence of bacteria in the intestine.
Urinary tract infection caused by E. coli is very common and, if properly treated, is not dangerous and is detected by urine culture.
Particular attention should be given to pregnant women who require a monthly urine test. Even in this condition, if a bacterium is found, it is important to undergo specific antibiotic treatment to completely eradicate it.
Prevention
Prevention of E. coli infection consists in adhering to certain rules: washing hands and maintaining personal hygiene.
With regard to E. coli in the urinary system, there is no therapeutic prophylaxis, there are only natural substances that can help the walls of the urethra and bladder take on specific properties to prevent bacteria from sticking to their walls. These are supplements containing grapefruit, blueberry and red berry seeds that are especially recommended for those who have frequent urinary tract infections caused by E. coli.
E. coli in children: is it dangerous?
Children and the elderly are most at risk for complications associated with E. coli diarrhea, mainly due to the dehydration that can result from the condition. The infection is more common in children due to their tendency to frequently put their hands in their mouths.
In the event of severe diarrhea, it is always important to keep the child properly hydrated and to consult a pediatrician as soon as possible to avoid dehydration and more serious consequences for the kidneys.