Most UTIs are easily treated and can be managed by your primary care provider.
However, UTIs in men, recurrent or complex UTIs, often require urologic
evaluation.
What is a UTI?
A UTI (urinary tract infection) is a bladder infection. It happens when
bacteria gets into the urinary bladder. Once inside the bladder, bacteria
can start to multiply and spread to different parts of the urinary tract.
While UTIs are more common in women, people of all genders can get them.
Though uncomfortable, most UTIs are easily cleared up with antibiotics.
What are the symptoms?
UTI symptoms tend to come on quickly, including:
Frequent urination
Having a strong urge to urinate, but only a small amount is passed
Pain, burning, or stinging when urinating
Fever or chills
Urine that is dark, cloudy, or reddish in color
Blood in the urine
Urine that smells bad
Fatigue
Pain in the abdomen, lower back, or below the ribs
Nausea or vomiting
Older adults can also experience a change in their mental state, such as
confusion or extreme tiredness
How are UTI/bladder infections diagnosed in men?
Diagnosing a urinary tract infection (UTI) in men typically involves a
combination of medical history evaluation, physical examination, and laboratory
tests. Here are the steps involved in diagnosing a UTI in men:
Medical History and Physical Examination: Your healthcare provider will start by asking the patient about their
symptoms, medical history, and any risk factors. Common UTI symptoms in
men may include a frequent urge to urinate, a burning sensation during
urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and discomfort or pain in the lower
abdomen or pelvic area. Typically, a urinalysis and urine culture is ordered
to determine if a UTI is present.
Imaging: In some cases, if there are recurrent or complicated UTIs, or if there
are concerns about structural abnormalities in the urinary tract, imaging
tests such as a kidney ultrasound or CT scan may be recommended to assess
the upper urinary tract.
Cystoscopy: In certain situations, a cystoscopy may be performed, however this is
rare. This involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube with a camera
(cystoscope) into the urethra to visually examine the urethra and bladder
for abnormalities or signs of infection.
It's important to note that diagnosing a UTI in men may be more challenging
than in women because UTIs are less common in men, and their symptoms
can sometimes overlap with other urological conditions.
Treatment for UTI/bladder infections
Treatment for a UTI or bladder infection depends on how advanced the infection
is and if it has spread to the kidneys. The goal of treatment is to get
rid of the bacteria causing the infection and any symptoms. Treatment
also is important for preventing the infection from spreading or coming back.
Some common treatment options for UTIs and bladder infections include:
Antibiotics: Antibiotics often are the best treatment for UTIs. Your provider prescribes
an antibiotic specific to the bacteria causing your infection. It’s
important to take all the antibiotic prescribed to you, even after symptoms
improve. Taking all the antibiotic makes sure the infection is fully treated.
It also prevents the bacteria from forming a resistance to the antibiotic.
Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain medicine (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen) can
help make you more comfortable.
Warm baths: A warm bath can help soothe the bladder and reduce pain.
More fluids: Drinking more water can help flush the bacteria causing the infection,
which prevents it from spreading.
Cranberry products: Cranberry juice or supplements may help prevent UTIs. They can make it
harder for bacteria to stick to the walls of the urinary tract.
