What are the common symptoms of a UTI in males. How does a urinary tract infection differ in men compared to women. What causes UTIs in men and how are they diagnosed. How can male UTIs be effectively treated and prevented.

Understanding UTIs in Males: Causes and Risk Factors

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, typically from the rectum or skin, enter and proliferate in the urinary system. While UTIs are more common in females due to their shorter urethra, men can also develop these infections, especially as they age.

Several factors can increase a man’s risk of developing a UTI:

• Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• Recent urinary tract or kidney surgery
• Long-term use of urinary catheters
• Urinary tract blockages (e.g., kidney stones)
• Diabetes
• Uncircumcised penis
• Engaging in anal intercourse
• Prolonged periods of immobility
• Insufficient fluid intake
• Fecal incontinence

The primary culprit behind most UTIs is the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which naturally resides in the body. These bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder through the penis.

Recognizing UTI Symptoms in Men

Identifying a UTI early is crucial for prompt treatment. Men should be aware of the following symptoms:

• Painful urination with a burning sensation
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Sudden, intense urges to empty the bladder
• Lower abdominal pain, just above the pubic area
• Blood in the urine

Are there additional symptoms that may indicate a prostate infection? Yes, if you experience the following symptoms alongside typical UTI signs, it could suggest prostatitis:

• Fever and chills
• Fatigue
• Difficulty urinating or “dribbling”
• Pelvic pain

Diagnosing UTIs in Male Patients

When a man suspects he has a UTI, seeking medical attention is crucial. The diagnostic process typically involves:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. Urine sample analysis to check for bacteria and white blood cells
3. Urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection
4. Ultrasound examination to check for urinary tract abnormalities (especially in recurrent cases)

Why are UTIs in males considered complicated? Any UTI in a person with a penis is automatically classified as a complicated infection. This classification is due to the anatomical differences and the potential involvement of the prostate gland, which can make treatment more challenging.

Treatment Options for Male UTIs

Once diagnosed, treating a UTI in men typically involves:

• Antibiotic medication: Usually prescribed for 10 to 14 days
• Increased fluid intake: To help flush out bacteria from the urinary system
• Pain relief medication: To manage discomfort during urination

Is it important to complete the full course of antibiotics? Absolutely. Even if symptoms improve, finishing the prescribed antibiotics is crucial to ensure complete eradication of the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance.

Managing Symptoms During Treatment

While antibiotics work to eliminate the infection, men can take steps to alleviate discomfort:

• Use a heating pad on the abdomen to reduce pain
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods that may irritate the bladder
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers as recommended by a healthcare provider
• Urinate frequently to help flush out bacteria

Preventing UTIs in Men: Proactive Measures

While not all UTIs can be prevented, men can take several steps to reduce their risk:

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Practice good hygiene, especially after sexual activity
• Urinate regularly and completely empty the bladder
• Manage underlying health conditions like diabetes
• Avoid using spermicides or condoms coated with spermicides

Can cranberry juice help prevent UTIs in men? While cranberry juice is often touted as a UTI preventive, scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in men is limited. However, staying hydrated with any fluids, including cranberry juice, can help maintain urinary tract health.

Complications of Untreated UTIs in Males

Neglecting to treat a UTI can lead to serious complications in men:

• Kidney infections (pyelonephritis)
• Prostate infections (prostatitis)
• Sepsis, a life-threatening systemic infection
• Urethral narrowing or scarring
• Increased risk of recurrent UTIs

How quickly can a UTI progress to a more serious condition? The progression of a UTI can vary, but in some cases, it can advance to a kidney infection within a few days if left untreated. This underscores the importance of seeking prompt medical attention.

Recurrent UTIs in Men: Causes and Management

Some men may experience recurring UTIs, defined as three or more infections within a year. Factors contributing to recurrent UTIs include:

• Structural abnormalities in the urinary tract
• Chronic prostatitis
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Compromised immune system

Managing recurrent UTIs often involves:

1. Extended courses of low-dose antibiotics
2. Regular check-ups and urological evaluations
3. Lifestyle modifications to reduce risk factors
4. Consideration of underlying health conditions

Are there any natural remedies that can help prevent recurrent UTIs? While scientific evidence is limited, some men find relief through probiotics, D-mannose supplements, or increased vitamin C intake. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before trying any alternative treatments.

The Impact of Age on Male UTIs

As men age, their risk of developing UTIs increases. This is primarily due to:

• Enlarged prostate gland (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• Decreased immune function
• Reduced mobility
• Increased likelihood of catheter use

Older men may also experience atypical UTI symptoms, such as:

• Confusion or delirium
• Falls
• Loss of appetite
• Incontinence

How can caregivers help prevent UTIs in older men? Caregivers can assist by ensuring proper hygiene, encouraging regular urination, promoting adequate hydration, and promptly recognizing and reporting potential UTI symptoms.

Special Considerations for Catheterized Men

Men who use urinary catheters are at a higher risk of developing UTIs. Preventive measures include:

• Proper catheter care and hygiene
• Regular catheter changes as recommended by healthcare providers
• Monitoring for signs of infection
• Considering intermittent catheterization when appropriate

The Role of Circumcision in UTI Prevention

Research suggests that circumcised males have a lower risk of developing UTIs compared to uncircumcised males. This is believed to be due to:

• Reduced bacterial colonization under the foreskin
• Easier genital hygiene
• Decreased risk of foreskin inflammation

However, it’s important to note that proper hygiene practices can significantly reduce UTI risk in uncircumcised men.

Does circumcision completely eliminate the risk of UTIs in males? No, while circumcision may reduce the risk, it does not entirely eliminate the possibility of developing a UTI. Good hygiene practices remain crucial for all men, regardless of circumcision status.

UTIs and Sexual Health in Men

While UTIs are not typically classified as sexually transmitted infections, sexual activity can increase the risk of developing a UTI in men. This is due to:

• Potential introduction of bacteria into the urethra during intercourse
• Irritation of the urethra, which can make it more susceptible to infection
• Increased risk associated with anal intercourse

To reduce the risk of UTIs related to sexual activity, men can:

• Urinate before and after sexual intercourse
• Practice good genital hygiene
• Use condoms, especially during anal intercourse
• Stay hydrated to flush out bacteria

Can UTIs affect a man’s fertility? While UTIs themselves don’t typically impact fertility, recurrent or chronic infections can potentially lead to complications that may affect reproductive health. It’s essential to treat UTIs promptly and address any underlying issues to maintain overall urological and reproductive health.

The Psychological Impact of UTIs on Men

Experiencing a UTI can have psychological effects on men, including:

• Anxiety about recurrence
• Embarrassment or stigma
• Concerns about sexual health
• Impact on quality of life during symptoms

It’s important for healthcare providers to address these concerns and provide support alongside medical treatment.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Male UTI Management

Ongoing research in the field of male UTIs focuses on several areas:

• Development of new antibiotics to combat resistant strains of bacteria
• Exploration of non-antibiotic treatments to reduce antibiotic resistance
• Improved diagnostic techniques for faster and more accurate detection
• Investigation of the urinary microbiome and its role in UTI prevention
• Personalized treatment approaches based on individual risk factors

What potential breakthroughs might we see in male UTI treatment in the coming years? Researchers are exploring innovative approaches such as bacteriophage therapy, immunomodulatory treatments, and probiotic interventions that could revolutionize how we prevent and treat UTIs in men.

The Importance of Patient Education

Educating men about UTIs is crucial for early detection and prevention. Healthcare providers should focus on:

• Raising awareness about male UTI symptoms
• Promoting good urological health practices
• Addressing misconceptions about UTIs in men
• Encouraging prompt seeking of medical attention when symptoms arise

By improving understanding and awareness, we can reduce the impact of UTIs on men’s health and quality of life.

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Males can get urinary tract infections, and they are typically classified as complicated infections. Symptoms may include urgency, frequency, and burning when you urinate.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, often from the rectum or skin, enter and overgrow in the bladder, kidneys, or the tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Most UTIs can be cured easily with antibiotic drugs.

Language matters

In this article, we use “male and female” to refer to someone’s sex as determined by their chromosomes, and “men and women” when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language).

People often use the terms sex and gender interchangeably, but they have different meanings:

• “Sex” refers to the physical characteristics that differentiate male, female, and intersex bodies.
• “Gender” refers to a person’s identity and how they feel inside. Examples include man, woman, nonbinary, agender, bigender, genderfluid, pangender, and trans. A person’s gender identity may be different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Was this helpful?

Females are 30 times more likely to get UTIs than males, according to the Office of Women’s Health (OASH). This is due to anatomy. People with vaginas typically have shorter urethras. This means the bacteria need to travel less distance to reach the bladder.

UTIs in males are more common with older age. One reason is that older males are more likely to develop noncancerous enlargement of their prostate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prostate wraps around the neck of the bladder, where the urethra connects to the bladder. Enlargement of the prostate gland can compress the bladder neck, making it harder for urine to flow freely. If the bladder does not empty completely, bacteria that are normally flushed out with the urine can gain a foothold.

The symptoms of a bladder infection include:

• painful urination and a burning sensation
• needing to urinate frequently
• sudden urge to empty your bladder, called urinary urgency
• pain in your central lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone
• blood in your urine

Certain symptoms in addition to those of a UTI could mean you have a prostate infection (prostatitis). These can include:

• fever
• chills
• fatigue
• difficulty urinating or “dribbling”
• pain in your pelvis

Most UTIs are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is naturally present in your body. The bacteria gets into the urinary tract through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that drains urine from your bladder through your penis.

Factors that can put you at greater risk for UTIs may include the following:

• a previous UTI
• long-term use of a urinary catheter
• being immobile for long periods
• not drinking enough fluids
• recent urinary tract or kidney surgery
• urinary tract blockages like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
• diabetes
• being uncircumcised
• fecal incontinence
• engaging in anal intercourse, which can expose the urethra to more bacteria

To diagnose a UTI, a doctor will examine you and ask about symptoms, including any past history of UTIs. You will likely be asked to provide a urine sample to check for bacteria and white blood cells, which indicate that your body is fighting an infection.

Sometimes the doctor will perform a urine culture to get more information about the bacteria causing the infection. If you have had a UTI before, a doctor might also perform an ultrasound to check for abnormalities in your urinary tract.

UTIs are categorized into two categories, uncomplicated and complicated. An uncomplicated UTI affects the lower urinary tract and is also known as cystitis or a bladder infection. An uncomplicated UTI is treated with antibiotics, and people typically recover within 3 days to 6 weeks.

Anytime a person with a penis has a UTI it is considered complicated.

UTIs are considered complicated if they affect certain groups. This can include:

• people who have a penis
• pregnant people
• people who are immunocompromised
• older adults
• people who use catheters
• people who experience recurring UTIs

If you think you have a UTI, it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor. They will typically make a diagnosis you based on your urine sample. You also may have to get an ultrasound to check for any abnormalities in your urinary system.

If you have a UTI, you will likely need to take antibiotic medications. Depending on the type of antibiotic a doctor prescribes, you may take the medication for 10 to 14 days.

It’s also important to drink adequate fluids. You may be tempted to reduce your fluid intake if urinating is uncomfortable. But urinating can help flush the bacteria from your system. It important to stay hydrated if you have a UTI, including while taking antibiotics.

Many people drink cranberry juice when they have a UTI in hopes of clearing the infection. Lab experiments with mice showed that several substances in cranberry juice lowered the bacteria count in the bladder. This suggests that there may be some benefits to drinking cranberry juice for humans with UTIs. However, there is no strong evidence that drinking cranberry juice while you have a UTI eliminates the infection or speeds recovery.

Recovery

After starting antibiotics, you should feel noticeably better within 24 to 48 hours. If your symptoms don’t clear up after taking antibiotics, talk with a doctor.

It’s important to finish all antibiotics prescribed, even if you’re feeling better. Stopping your antibiotics prematurely can encourage the growth of bacteria resistant to common antibiotics. In effect, less than the full course of treatment kills off the “weak” bacteria, leaving them stronger and more resistant strains.

People with prostates may need to take a longer course antibiotics in case the infection has reached the prostate, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

If you think you have a UTI, you should seek medical attention right away. If left untreated, a UTI can spread from your lower to the upper urinary tract and cause a kidney infection like pyelonephritis.

Symptoms of a UTI that involves the kidneys can include:

• pain in your sides or back that doesn’t change when you change position
• fever and chills
• nausea and vomiting
• a burning sensation when you urinate

If you have a kidney infection and can take medication by mouth, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Some people, such as children or those with other health concerns or complications, may have to stay in the hospital for treatment.

If pyelonephritis or an upper urinary tract infection is left untreated, it can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a life threatening condition.

Symptoms of sepsis can include:

• irregular or fast heart rate
• sudden changes in body temperature
• change in mental status
• fever and chills
• difficulty breathing

Sepsis can be caused by an infection in the urinary tract. Treatment for sepsis includes hospitalization, antibiotics, and fluids.

Emergency situation

Sepsis is a life threatening infection. If you believe you or someone else may have sepsis, seek immediate emergency medical attention or call your local emergency services.

Was this helpful?

To prevent UTIs, the most important thing is to reduce the chance of bacteria invading your urinary tract. Steps you can take to prevent UTIs may include:

• Urinate when you feel the need. Don’t “hold it in.”
• Drink adequate fluids. For most people, that means drinking when thirsty and drinking during meals. When it’s hot and you’re active in hot weather, drink a little extra water.
• Keep your genital area clean and dry.

UTIs are less common in people with penises but have similar causes and treatment. Taking antibiotic medications usually clears the infection. If you have prolonged UTIs or UTIs that come back frequently, you may need to be evaluated by a doctor for conditions like a prostate gland infection.

The following are frequently asked questions about UTIs.

How can you tell the difference between a UTI and bladder infection?

Bladder infections are a type of UTI that involves the lower urinary tract, including the bladder. A bladder infection can spread to other parts of your urinary tract or kidneys if left untreated. The symptoms of bladder infections and UTIs can be similar. See a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, such as painful or frequent urination, pain in your central lower abdomen, or blood in your urine.

Is it possible to treat a UTI at home without the use of antibiotics?

Most UTIs require treatment with antibiotics. When certain groups of people, including people with a penis, have a UTI, the infection is usually considered to be complicated. Delaying treatment of complicated UTIs can lead to complications, such as a kidney infection or sepsis. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, visit a doctor or healthcare professional and have a urine test performed.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract system. They are more common in females than in males. However, males who are older in age, have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or use a catheter may have a higher risk of developing a UTI.

If you are experiencing symptoms and think you have a UTI, visit a doctor for treatment.

Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention

Males can get urinary tract infections, and they are typically classified as complicated infections. Symptoms may include urgency, frequency, and burning when you urinate.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, often from the rectum or skin, enter and overgrow in the bladder, kidneys, or the tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder.

Most UTIs can be cured easily with antibiotic drugs.

Language matters

In this article, we use “male and female” to refer to someone’s sex as determined by their chromosomes, and “men and women” when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language).

People often use the terms sex and gender interchangeably, but they have different meanings:

• “Sex” refers to the physical characteristics that differentiate male, female, and intersex bodies.
• “Gender” refers to a person’s identity and how they feel inside. Examples include man, woman, nonbinary, agender, bigender, genderfluid, pangender, and trans. A person’s gender identity may be different from the sex they were assigned at birth.

Was this helpful?

Females are 30 times more likely to get UTIs than males, according to the Office of Women’s Health (OASH). This is due to anatomy. People with vaginas typically have shorter urethras. This means the bacteria need to travel less distance to reach the bladder.

UTIs in males are more common with older age. One reason is that older males are more likely to develop noncancerous enlargement of their prostate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prostate wraps around the neck of the bladder, where the urethra connects to the bladder. Enlargement of the prostate gland can compress the bladder neck, making it harder for urine to flow freely. If the bladder does not empty completely, bacteria that are normally flushed out with the urine can gain a foothold.

The symptoms of a bladder infection include:

• painful urination and a burning sensation
• needing to urinate frequently
• sudden urge to empty your bladder, called urinary urgency
• pain in your central lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone
• blood in your urine

Certain symptoms in addition to those of a UTI could mean you have a prostate infection (prostatitis). These can include:

• fever
• chills
• fatigue
• difficulty urinating or “dribbling”
• pain in your pelvis

Most UTIs are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is naturally present in your body. The bacteria gets into the urinary tract through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that drains urine from your bladder through your penis.

Factors that can put you at greater risk for UTIs may include the following:

• a previous UTI
• long-term use of a urinary catheter
• being immobile for long periods
• not drinking enough fluids
• recent urinary tract or kidney surgery
• urinary tract blockages like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
• diabetes
• being uncircumcised
• fecal incontinence
• engaging in anal intercourse, which can expose the urethra to more bacteria

To diagnose a UTI, a doctor will examine you and ask about symptoms, including any past history of UTIs. You will likely be asked to provide a urine sample to check for bacteria and white blood cells, which indicate that your body is fighting an infection.

Sometimes the doctor will perform a urine culture to get more information about the bacteria causing the infection. If you have had a UTI before, a doctor might also perform an ultrasound to check for abnormalities in your urinary tract.

UTIs are categorized into two categories, uncomplicated and complicated. An uncomplicated UTI affects the lower urinary tract and is also known as cystitis or a bladder infection. An uncomplicated UTI is treated with antibiotics, and people typically recover within 3 days to 6 weeks.

Anytime a person with a penis has a UTI it is considered complicated.

UTIs are considered complicated if they affect certain groups. This can include:

• people who have a penis
• pregnant people
• people who are immunocompromised
• older adults
• people who use catheters
• people who experience recurring UTIs

If you think you have a UTI, it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor. They will typically make a diagnosis you based on your urine sample. You also may have to get an ultrasound to check for any abnormalities in your urinary system.

If you have a UTI, you will likely need to take antibiotic medications. Depending on the type of antibiotic a doctor prescribes, you may take the medication for 10 to 14 days.

It’s also important to drink adequate fluids. You may be tempted to reduce your fluid intake if urinating is uncomfortable. But urinating can help flush the bacteria from your system. It important to stay hydrated if you have a UTI, including while taking antibiotics.

Many people drink cranberry juice when they have a UTI in hopes of clearing the infection. Lab experiments with mice showed that several substances in cranberry juice lowered the bacteria count in the bladder. This suggests that there may be some benefits to drinking cranberry juice for humans with UTIs. However, there is no strong evidence that drinking cranberry juice while you have a UTI eliminates the infection or speeds recovery.

Recovery

After starting antibiotics, you should feel noticeably better within 24 to 48 hours. If your symptoms don’t clear up after taking antibiotics, talk with a doctor.

It’s important to finish all antibiotics prescribed, even if you’re feeling better. Stopping your antibiotics prematurely can encourage the growth of bacteria resistant to common antibiotics. In effect, less than the full course of treatment kills off the “weak” bacteria, leaving them stronger and more resistant strains.

People with prostates may need to take a longer course antibiotics in case the infection has reached the prostate, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).

If you think you have a UTI, you should seek medical attention right away. If left untreated, a UTI can spread from your lower to the upper urinary tract and cause a kidney infection like pyelonephritis.

Symptoms of a UTI that involves the kidneys can include:

• pain in your sides or back that doesn’t change when you change position
• fever and chills
• nausea and vomiting
• a burning sensation when you urinate

If you have a kidney infection and can take medication by mouth, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Some people, such as children or those with other health concerns or complications, may have to stay in the hospital for treatment.

If pyelonephritis or an upper urinary tract infection is left untreated, it can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a life threatening condition.

Symptoms of sepsis can include:

• irregular or fast heart rate
• sudden changes in body temperature
• change in mental status
• fever and chills
• difficulty breathing

Sepsis can be caused by an infection in the urinary tract. Treatment for sepsis includes hospitalization, antibiotics, and fluids.

Emergency situation

Sepsis is a life threatening infection. If you believe you or someone else may have sepsis, seek immediate emergency medical attention or call your local emergency services.

Was this helpful?

To prevent UTIs, the most important thing is to reduce the chance of bacteria invading your urinary tract. Steps you can take to prevent UTIs may include:

• Urinate when you feel the need. Don’t “hold it in.”
• Drink adequate fluids. For most people, that means drinking when thirsty and drinking during meals. When it’s hot and you’re active in hot weather, drink a little extra water.
• Keep your genital area clean and dry.

UTIs are less common in people with penises but have similar causes and treatment. Taking antibiotic medications usually clears the infection. If you have prolonged UTIs or UTIs that come back frequently, you may need to be evaluated by a doctor for conditions like a prostate gland infection.

The following are frequently asked questions about UTIs.

How can you tell the difference between a UTI and bladder infection?

Bladder infections are a type of UTI that involves the lower urinary tract, including the bladder. A bladder infection can spread to other parts of your urinary tract or kidneys if left untreated. The symptoms of bladder infections and UTIs can be similar. See a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, such as painful or frequent urination, pain in your central lower abdomen, or blood in your urine.

Is it possible to treat a UTI at home without the use of antibiotics?

Most UTIs require treatment with antibiotics. When certain groups of people, including people with a penis, have a UTI, the infection is usually considered to be complicated. Delaying treatment of complicated UTIs can lead to complications, such as a kidney infection or sepsis. If you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI, visit a doctor or healthcare professional and have a urine test performed.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract system. They are more common in females than in males. However, males who are older in age, have diabetes, are immunocompromised, or use a catheter may have a higher risk of developing a UTI.

If you are experiencing symptoms and think you have a UTI, visit a doctor for treatment.

Everything you need to know about urinary tract infection (UTI)

A urinary tract infection is an infection caused by pathogenic bacteria in any part of the urinary system. Allocate infection of the upper urinary tract (pyelonephritis) and infection of the lower urinary tract (cystitis, prostatitis, urethritis).

Women suffer from urinary tract infections 30-35 times more often than men. This is due to the anatomical features of the structure. In women, the urethra is short and wide, located in close proximity to the vagina, which gives a very good opportunity for the penetration of pathogenic microflora into the bladder cavity.

While UTIs are one of the most common infections in women, they are not uncommon in men. UTIs are estimated to affect about 3% of the world’s men each year. This means that most men have never had a UTI, especially at a young age.

Symptoms

Main symptoms of UTI:

• Cutting, burning, pain during urination and after urination
• frequent urge to urinate
• difficult urination
• sluggish, narrow urine stream
• irrepressible urge to urinate
• feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• blood in urine
• changes in color and transparency of urine
• bad smell of urine
• pain in the lower back, above the womb, perineum

There may also be general changes in the body such as :

• fever
• chills
• nausea
• vomiting

Causes and risk factors

If the cause in women is most often associated with anatomical features, then in men everything is completely different. UTIs in young men are most often associated with sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Older men are more prone to UTIs, due to prostate adenoma, urethral stricture, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, urolithiasis, etc.

Escherichia coli is the most common cause of UTI in both men and women. Which is naturally present in the body. Also found: streptococci, staphylococci. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus and other bacteria.

A person’s risk of developing a UTI is increased if they have :

• diabetes
• urolithiasis
• prostate adenoma
• urethral stricture
• neurogenic bladder dysfunction
• inability to completely empty the bladder (chronic urinary retention)
• Phimosis, hr. balanoposthitis
• anomalies of the urinary system
• violation of hygiene
• frequent use of antiseptic solutions for intimate hygiene

Diagnostics

To make a correct diagnosis, the doctor must ask about the presence of complaints, collect an anamnesis of the disease, and conduct a physical examination.

Laboratory tests

A general urinalysis is one of the simplest and most accurate tests to identify the suspicion and severity of inflammation of the urinary system.

Bacteriological examination of urine makes it clear about the presence of the pathogen and which antibiotics should be prescribed in a particular case. The analysis is given in a sterile jar after careful hygiene.

A smear for urogenital infections allows you to identify specific sexually transmitted infections.

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is necessary to conduct additional examination methods, such as: ultrasound of the kidneys of the bladder, prostate gland; MRI of the kidneys, retroperitoneal space, small pelvis

Treatment

UTI usually requires the appointment of antibacterial drugs, depending on the type of pathogen and the severity of the inflammatory process.

Therefore, at the first symptoms, consult a doctor immediately!

With an increase in body temperature or the appearance of chills, it is necessary to take antipyretic drugs (paracetamol, aspirin, nurofen, etc. )

The recovery process directly depends on the amount of fluid you drink. With little fluid intake, the effectiveness of antibacterial drugs will be negligible and the treatment will be more difficult.

Some patients may require surgical treatment, so you should not neglect the additional examination methods prescribed by the doctor.

Home remedies

In addition to a doctor’s prescription, you can use home methods that will help you recover faster:

• Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This is important to stimulate urination and flush out bacteria from the body.
• Drink cranberry juice. Cranberry juice has been scientifically proven to be effective against UTIs and contains substances that make it harder for bacteria to grow in the urinary tract and flush them out.

Prophylaxis

• fluid intake of at least 2-2.5 liters per day
• regular hygiene
• protected intercourse
• be sure to urinate after intercourse
• exclude alcohol, fatty, smoked, spicy

More from

NADAL – Bladder Cancer Home Test

A unique rapid test for early detection of bladder cancer.

Prostate adenoma (benign prostatic hyperplasia)

Usually the male prostate enlarges after 40 years; it is known as benign …

Varicocele, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment

Varicocele is a common disease among men, affecting about 15 percent of adults…

Interview with urologist-andrologist, PhD, doctor of the highest qualification category Dmitry Fateev

Urologist-andrologist, candidate of medical sciences, doctor of the highest qualification answers how to maintain the health of men…

Patient’s history: microsurgical treatment of varicocele

Relieve a young man from pain in the groin that has been tormenting for months, and also eliminate the risk of developing ..

Blood in the urine (hematuria) in a woman, in a man.

Hematuria is the presence of blood in a person’s urine. Causes, diagnosis, treatment.

Urolithiasis

This pathology is based on violations of physicochemical processes in the urinary system, and. ..

Male infertility: diagnosis and treatment

Contrary to the once popular belief that the cause of infertility is mainly in the woman, the incidence of male …

Urinary incontinence …

Prosthetics with an endophalloprosthesis

Urologist, andrologist Dmitry Mikhailovich Fateev performed a unique operation – prosthetics with the latest …

Prostate cancer, when to treat and when to look

Because some prostate cancers grow very slowly, your doctor may determine that they are unlikely to…

Symptoms and causes of interstitial cystitis

Interstitial cystitis (IC), also called bladder pain, is…

Symptoms, causes and treatment of a kidney infection (pyelonephritis)

What are the symptoms of a kidney infection?

Pelvic venous congestion syndrome leading to chronic pelvic pain

Pelvic venous congestion syndrome is a pathological condition that occurs against the background of varicose ve. ..

Chronic non-bacterial prostatitis

Chronic prostatitis is a very common disease of the genitourinary system in men, for which…

What is prostatitis?

Any man can get prostatitis at any age. Symptoms of prostatitis, diagnosis, treatment…

Specialists in Yaroslavl

appointment

appointment

Select a medical center for an appointment:

Yaroslavl, st. Svobody, d. 71YARoslavl, st. Svobody, d. 208 Yaroslavl, st. Svobody, d. 71YARoslavl, st. Svobody, d.0003

← To the page of the department

What is a urinary tract infection – blog of the medical center ON Clinic

The genitourinary system is a complex of organs that are anatomically and physiologically interconnected. Therefore, urinary tract infections can affect the urethra, bladder and ureter, kidneys, and prostate.

Most often the disease is caused by bacteria, less often by pathogenic fungi, viruses and parasites. Urinary tract infection may be asymptomatic or symptomatic.

If the signs of the disease are not paid attention to in time and not cured, the urinary tract infection will be complicated by an abscess of the renal cortex, perirenal abscess, pyonephrosis, gangrenous pyelonephritis or chronic pyelonephritis. These are serious diseases in which pus appears in the kidney. They are treated with surgery. The most severe complication is sepsis, which can lead to death.

To prevent complications, read our article: you will learn how a urinary tract infection manifests itself, how to recognize it, how to prevent the disease, what to do and when to see a doctor.

What is a urinary tract infection?

A urinary tract infection is characterized by the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites in the urinary tract that cause inflammation and form the clinical picture of the disease. To better understand the disease, you need to present the anatomy and physiology of the genitourinary system. The kidneys are a pair of bean-shaped organs that are located to the left and right of the spinal column. The task of the kidneys is to cleanse the blood and regulate the chemical balance in the body.

The kidney acts as a filter that filters out ballast substances from the blood and plasma: nitrogen metabolism products, toxins and drugs, foreign elements and inorganic compounds. All these substances accumulate in the urine, which slowly drains through the ureters into the bladder (1 ml per 1 minute). The bladder is a hollow organ with a volume of 500 to 700 ml.

When enough urine accumulates in the bladder, there is an urge to go to the toilet. This process is partially regulated by human consciousness. In the bladder, the sphincters open, the detrusor muscle contracts – urine under pressure passes from the bladder into the urethra, and from it into the environment.

Doctors divide urinary tract infections into two groups:

• upper urinary tract infection. This is a bacterial disease of the kidneys – pyelonephritis;
• lower urinary tract infection. These include cystitis (inflammation of the bladder), urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

This is a conditional division. In clinical practice, it is difficult to identify the specific location of the infection, because most often the infection affects several anatomical structures at the same time.

Most often, people aged 20 to 50 get sick. Women suffer from urinary tract infections 50 times more often than men. They predominantly have cystitis and pyelonephritis. In men – prostatitis and urethritis.

Urinary tract infections are uncomplicated and complicated. Pyelonephritis and cystitis are considered uncomplicated if they develop in mature women before menopause without congenital defects in the anatomy of the urinary tract.

Cystitis or pyelonephritis are considered complicated if they meet the following criteria:

• the person has defects in the anatomy of the urinary tract;
• have a secondary disease that aggravates the course of the urinary tract infection, such as diabetes mellitus or immunodeficiency;
• if the patient is under 18 or pregnant.

What causes urinary tract infections?

Normally, the urinary tract is sterile – there are no bacteria or viruses in it. Despite the frequent entry of bacteria from the rectum (improper hygiene, migration of microorganisms), local defense mechanisms keep the urinary tract completely clean. For example, the main protective force is urination, with which the urinary tract is cleared of bacteria. Auxiliary mechanisms are acid reaction of urine, vesicoureteral valve, mucous membranes and local immunity.

In 95% of cases, urinary tract infections are caused by bacteria as they travel up the urinary tract: from the urethra to the bladder and ureter, from which the bacterium reaches the kidneys. The infection can enter the urinary tract through the hematogenous route through the blood.

In the remaining 5% of cases, infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic fungi (mainly of the Candida genus). Even less often – Mycobacterium tuberculosis, parasites (filariasis, schistosomiasis, leishmaniasis, trichomoniasis and malaria) and viruses. Fungi and mycobacteria affect people with weak immunity, congenital defects of the urinary tract and diabetes.

The most common routes of infection are sexual contact and improper hygiene of the genitourinary organs.

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of infection:

• unprotected sex or a new sexual partner;
• long-term use of antibiotics;
• use of a diaphragm or spermicide as contraception;
• urinary tract infection in a first-degree relative;
• previous urinary tract infection.

The increased risk when using spermicides or antibiotics is because the vaginal environment changes and additional conditions are created for the growth of Escherichia coli. In women older than 70 years, the infection may occur due to fecal incontinence.

Risk factors include congenital anomalies that cause vesicoureteral reflux. This is a pathology in which urine from the bladder is spontaneously thrown back into the ureter. In 40% of cases, this is observed in children.

It is possible to become infected after surgery, and as a result of medical instrumental procedures: catheterization, cystoscopy or stent placement.

Symptoms of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infection causes urethritis, cystitis, acute urethral syndrome and acute pyelonephritis.

Urethritis occurs more often in men, it is manifested by the following symptoms:

• difficult urination;
• purulent, mucous or whitish discharge from the urethra.

Cystitis occurs more often in women, which manifests itself:;

• frequent urination;
• false urge to urinate;
• burning and discomfort during urination;
• urine usually cloudy, often reddish, with blood added;
• nighttime urination with pain above the pubis;
• fever between 37.1 and 38.0 degrees Celsius may occur;
• rapid and sudden onset of symptoms.

Acute urethral syndrome occurs in women. It is accompanied by difficult and frequent urination. Externally, it resembles cystitis, but the difference is that in acute urethral syndrome, there is no bacterial infection or the number of bacteria is below the threshold that is necessary for the diagnosis of bacterial cystitis.

Symptoms of acute pyelonephritis:

• back pain from infected kidney; usually it is aching and dull pain, sometimes the pain can be cramping;
• body temperature from 38 to 40 degrees;
• general weakness;
• headaches;
• nausea and vomiting;
• no appetite;
• irritability.

There is a specific infectious disease – asymptomatic bacteriuria. It proceeds without signs and symptoms, but if you conduct an examination, bacterial cultures will be found in the urine.

How do I know if my child has a UTI?

If your child complains of symptoms and has any of the following signs, they most likely have a urinary tract infection:

• body temperature from 37. 1 to 39 degrees;
• he has diarrhea, nausea and vomiting;
• he behaves too passively or vice versa, excitedly;
• complains of pain in the abdomen and back;
• urinates into clothes even though he uses the potty or knows how to use the toilet on his own.

Newborns refuse to eat, they feel sick and vomit, the skin may become slightly yellowish, the body temperature is reduced, the feces are liquid or mushy, the urine acquires a fetid odor.

Why do women get urinary tract infections more often than men?

Women get urinary tract infections more often than men. This is due to the anatomical features of the female genitourinary system. The female urethra is shorter than the male urethra, so bacteria need to travel less to enter the urinary tract.

The second factor is the anatomical proximity of the urethra and rectum. It is easier for bacteria to get from the gut into the urethra and cause inflammation. This is due to improper hygiene of the urinary organs. To reduce the chance of infection, wipe the vulva from front to back after urinating. Teach your children proper hygiene so they don’t get urinary tract infections later on.

The third factor is having sex: the microflora of the penis or vagina can enter the urethra. The vaginal diaphragm can increase the likelihood of infection: it makes it difficult to completely empty the bladder. This means that when infected, the bacteria will not come out with the urine. Bacterial cultures will begin to grow in it – inflammation will begin.

Infectious diseases in women can be caused by changes in the bacterial flora of the vagina due to spermicides, antibacterial vaginal drops and antibiotics. If possible, avoid these factors and use other methods of contraception. To choose the most appropriate method of preventing pregnancy, consult your doctor. The growth of bacteria in the vagina can be triggered by menopause. Usually, estrogen-based drugs solve the problem, but check with your doctor before using.

What are other possible causes of painful urination?

Painful and difficult urination is not only associated with infectious diseases of the urinary tract. It can hurt when urinating, even if the genitourinary tract is absolutely sterile.

Other possible causes of painful and unpleasant urination:

• kidney stones;
• ovarian cysts;
• side effects of cancer chemotherapy;
• vaginal infections;
• irritation of the vagina, eg by having sex without lubrication;
• hypersensitivity to artificial lubricants, soaps, toilet paper and other hygiene products.

Try replacing them or stop using them. If the burning sensation and discomfort during urination are gone, it was most likely due to the factors above. Even if there is no more pain, you still need to go to the doctor and be examined.

Do I need to see a doctor?

Yes. Cystitis or urethritis are not terrible diseases. However, their consequences can lead to serious complications, and then surgery and long-term conservative treatment will be required.

You need to tell your doctor about your symptoms, their progress and likely causes (new sexual partner, sex without contraception, hypothermia). You should tell your doctor if you have other illnesses such as AIDS, diabetes, or congenital urinary tract anomalies. These factors influence the choice of drug and treatment tactics.

Your doctor may think that urinary problems are due to a vaginal infection. He will take biological material and send it to the laboratory for microscopic and bacterial examination. The results of the laboratory analysis will indicate if there are fungi or other microorganisms in the vagina.

If no pathogens are found in the vagina, you may be offered a laboratory test for biological material from the bladder.

How are urinary tract infections diagnosed?

A complete urinalysis and urine culture is needed to diagnose a urinary tract infection. If a sexually transmitted infection is suspected, the doctor will order a urethral scraping.

A medium sample of urine is used for diagnosis. First, the external opening of the urethra is treated with a disinfectant and given a few minutes to dry. The woman needs to part the labia, and the man needs to pull the foreskin. This is necessary in order to minimize the contact of the mucous membrane with the urine stream. The patient releases the first 5 ml of urine, and the rest is collected in a sterile container.

The second way to get urine is through a catheter. It is used for older women and patients who have difficulty getting clear urine due to bleeding or vaginal discharge.

If a complicated form of urinary tract infection is suspected, the doctor will order a culture.

Can a urinary tract infection be prevented?

Yes, cystitis, pyelonephritis and urethritis are preventable. To do this, adhere to the following recommendations:

• drink more water: drink at least 1.5 liters of liquid per day; for prevention, cranberry juice is recommended; however, if you are taking warfarin, you should talk to your doctor before drinking cranberry juice;
• do not resist the urge to go to the toilet; we are talking about if you are at home or at work – in a place where there is a restroom nearby; some children do not go to the toilet often, so explain to them why it is necessary to go to the toilet 2-3 times a day;
• wipe the vulva from front to back after urination, not vice versa, teach your children to do the same;
• the best natural prevention after sex is to urinate;
• use lubricant before or during sex; do not allow the vaginal mucosa to remain dry and irritated;
• wear loose clothing and underwear;
• uncircumcised men need to regularly wash their penis and especially the foreskin: smegma accumulates under it, which is a good breeding ground for bacteria.

If these preventive measures fail, the doctor will prescribe prophylactic antibiotics.

Continuous prophylaxis trial lasts 6 months. If a urinary tract infection occurs 6 months after taking the medication, prophylactic treatment is extended by 2 years. Which antibiotic depends on the pathogen, your immunity and resistance.

If urinary tract infection is associated with sex, use postcoital prophylaxis. One dose of the medicine is enough to prevent infection.

Treatment of urinary tract infections

Treatment is with antibiotics and, less commonly, surgery (if abscesses or urinary tract obstruction has formed).

The goal of treatment is to completely rid the urinary tract of bacteria and make it sterile again.

Your doctor chooses antibiotics based on your history of allergies, cultures, and drug resistance. Usually a few days of antibiotics are enough to treat a urinary tract infection. After 2-3 days, the symptoms of the disease begin to subside. When you feel better, you should continue taking your medication: if you miss a few pills, the treatment will lose its effectiveness.

How do I know if a treatment is not working?

If medications do not provide relief and symptoms get worse and worse, treatment is likely not working. Call your doctor if your body temperature is above 38.0 degrees, you have pain in your lower abdomen, you feel sick and feel like vomiting. You should also call your doctor if you still have painful and uncomfortable urination after 3 days of starting antibiotics.

I am pregnant. How will a UTI affect my child?

An untreated urinary tract infection may be complicated by inflammation of the kidneys. This can provoke premature contractions and childbirth. If you detect symptoms in time and visit a doctor, the bacteria will not have time to infect the kidneys and the disease will be cured without complications.

For pregnant women, the tactics of treatment are changed. Antibiotics that are likely to harm the fetus are excluded. If the symptoms are mild, the woman is treated on an outpatient basis, but under the periodic supervision of a doctor at home. If the symptoms are severe, the woman is recommended to be treated in a hospital.

Infectious pathology of the urinary organs can lead to fetoplacental insufficiency. The symptom complex is characterized by the fact that the child does not have enough oxygen – fetal hypoxia occurs. This can lead to disruption of the internal organs of the child, which can slow down the growth and development of the fetus.

Infection of the genitourinary system may lead to intrauterine infection of the fetus. In this case, the child is born with respiratory failure, skin lesions, congenital pneumonia and delayed psychomotor development.

The sooner you go to the doctor, the more likely you are to have an uncomplicated pregnancy and a good delivery.

Can a UTI cause serious kidney damage?

Yes, a urinary tract infection can cause kidney complications.

Multiple abscesses in the kidneys occur when the infection enters the kidney through the blood. In the cortex of the kidneys, small purulent accumulations form, which eventually merge into one large abscess. Sometimes pus breaks into the urinary tract. In this case, it enters the urine. It occurs in people with aggravating factors: with diabetes mellitus or injection drug addicts.

Perinephric abscess is an accumulation of pus between the fascia of the kidney and its capsule. Occurs as a complication of pyelonephritis. In 25% of cases it occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus. It is manifested by severe pain in the damaged kidney and high fever.

Pyonephrosis presents clinically as a severe urinary tract infection.

Papillary necrosis occurs as the infection ascends to the kidneys. The disease is characterized by the death of the renal papilla. Manifested by severe renal colic. Most often occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus.

Chronic pyelonephritis is due to recurrent acute pyelonephritis. It most often occurs in people with defects in the anatomy of the urinary system that prevent the free flow of urine. May lead to kidney failure.

Acute prostatitis occurs as a result of infection from the urethra. It is characterized by a rapid increase in symptoms: the body temperature rises, there is severe pain in the pelvis, it is difficult and painful to urinate.

Living with urinary tract infections

If you have had more than 3 urinary tract infections in a year, your doctor will prescribe prophylactic antibiotics. These are small doses that are taken daily.

What should I do if my child has UTIs again and again?

If a urinary tract infection occurs again and again, the most likely cause lies in a congenital anomaly of the organs. Surgical intervention is prescribed to treat the defect. To prevent the disease from recurring, the doctor will prescribe prophylactic treatment with small doses of antibiotics.

What to ask the doctor during the visit?

At the urologist’s appointment, you should ask the following:

• what tests should I have?
• what most likely caused my urinary tract infection?
• Do I need to take medication and in what doses?
• When will the symptoms subside?
• how can I recognize if the disease is causing complications, what should I do in this case?
• I have had 3 or more urinary tract infections in the past year, how can I prevent them from happening again?
• Do I need prophylactic antibiotics?
• Can I develop resistance to antibiotics?
• My child has frequent urinary tract infections, what could be the problem?

Article rating:

4.