Urinary Tract Infection In Men

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• A urinary tract infection, also called a UTI, is an infection of the bladder, kidneys, prostate (PRAH-state) or urethra (u-REE-thrah). In men, UTIs often occur in the urethra and prostate. Urethritis is when the infection is in the urethra. Prostatitis occurs when the infection is in the prostate gland. Infections are less common in the bladder and kidneys, but may occur in men over 50 years of age. Bladder infections are called cystitis (sis-TEYE-tis). Kidney infections are called pyelonephritis (pi-e-loh-ne-FRI-tis). Some men may get more than one UTI.
  
  
• The kidneys are bean-shaped organs that remove unwanted chemicals and waste from the blood. These wastes are turned into urine by the kidneys. The kidneys are attached to the bladder by little tubes called ureters (u-RE-ters). Urine travels down the ureters and into the bladder. The bladder is a hollow organ that holds urine. The urine passes from the bladder through the urethra and out your body when you urinate. The urethra is a small tube inside the penis.

What causes a urinary tract infection? Germs called bacteria cause UTI's. These germs usually enter the urethra and travel up the urinary tract. The bacteria may then infect the urethra, bladder, prostate gland, or kidneys. The following put you at a higher risk for getting a UTI:

• Having stones in your kidneys or ureters, or a larger than normal prostate gland. These conditions may block the flow of urine and cause bacteria to grow.
  
  
• Having other health problems such as diabetes.
  
  
• Having a catheter. A catheter is a tube put through your urethra and into your bladder to drain urine.
  
  
• Some types of sexual activity.

What are the signs and symptoms of a urinary tract infection? Some men with urinary tract infections do not have any signs or symptoms. Other men may have the following signs and symptoms:

• Pain and burning when urinating, usually when you begin to urinate.
  
  
• Feeling that you have to urinate often.
  
  
• Feeling that you have to urinate again, after you have just been to the bathroom to urinate.
  
  
• Fever.
  
  
• Fullness or pain in the rectum (rear-end).
  
  
• Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Pain in your lower abdomen (belly), back, or side.
  
  
• Passing small amounts of urine, and urinating often.
  
  
• Urine may look cloudy, brown, red, or pink-colored.

What may be done to treat a urinary tract infection?

• Tests: You will need to give one or more urine samples. Caregivers will test it to look for bacteria in the urine. You may have other tests to find out how far the infection has spread.
  
  
• Treatment: Usually UTIs can be treated at home, but in some cases you may need to go into the hospital for more treatment. You may need to take one or more of the following medicines:
  
  
  • Antibiotics: You may need to take antibiotics (an-ti-bi-AH-tiks) to treat your UTI. Antibiotics kill bacteria. Always take your antibiotics as directed by your caregiver, even if you feel better. Some over-the-counter (OTC) medicines and foods cannot be taken at the same time as antibiotics. Ask your caregiver for more information. Keep taking your antibiotics , unless your caregiver tells you not to. Your sexual partner may also need to be treated with this medicine.
    
    
  • Over-the-counter pain medicine: You may use over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicines, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for pain or swelling. These medicines may be bought without a caregiver's order. These medicines are safe for most people to use. However, they can cause serious problems when they are not used correctly. People with certain medical conditions, or using certain other medicines are at a higher risk for problems. Using too much, or using these medicines for longer than the label says can also cause problems. Follow directions on the label carefully. If you have questions, talk to your caregiver.
    
    
  • While treating a urinary tract infection, drink at least six to eight (8-ounce) cups of healthy liquids each day. Water is your best choice. Drinking liquids helps flush out germs from your kidneys.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page