Urinary Tract Infection in Men

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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A urinary tract infection (UTI) is caused by bacteria that get inside your urinary tract. Your urinary tract includes your kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. A UTI is more common in your lower urinary tract, which includes your bladder and urethra.

DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Return to the emergency department if:

• You are urinating very little or not at all.
• You have a high fever with shaking chills.
• You have side or back pain that gets worse.

Call your doctor if:

• You have a fever.
• You do not feel better after 2 days of taking antibiotics.
• You are vomiting.
• You have new symptoms, such as blood or pus in your urine.
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• Macrobid
• nitrofurantoin
• Cipro
• Bactrim
• ciprofloxacin

View more treatment options

Medicines:

• Antibiotics treat a bacterial infection.
• Medicines may be given to decrease pain and burning when you urinate. They will also help decrease the feeling that you need to urinate often. These medicines may make your urine orange or red.
• Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Prevent another UTI:

• Empty your bladder often. Urinate and empty your bladder as soon as you feel the need. Do not hold your urine for long periods of time.
• Drink liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. You may need to drink more liquids than usual to help flush out the bacteria. Do not drink alcohol, caffeine, or citrus juices. These can irritate your bladder and increase your symptoms. Your healthcare provider may recommend cranberry juice to help prevent a UTI.
• Urinate after you have sex. This can help flush out bacteria passed during sex.
• Do pelvic muscle exercises often. Pelvic muscle exercises may help you start and stop urinating. Strong pelvic muscles may help you empty your bladder easier. Squeeze these muscles tightly for 5 seconds like you are trying to hold back urine. Then relax for 5 seconds. Gradually work up to squeezing for 10 seconds. Do 3 sets of 15 repetitions a day, or as directed.

Follow up with your doctor as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Further information

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