What is a urinary tract infection?
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is an overgrowth of bacteria in the urethra (a small tube that drains urine from the bladder), bladder, or kidneys. It can last a long time, and if left untreated, can cause permanent damage.
Non-sexually transmitted UTIs seldom occur before age 50. Urethritis from STDs (sexually transmitted diseases) are the most common form of UTI in younger men.
Urinary tract infection is less common in men than in women because the urethra is longer, making it difficult for bacteria to ascend the urinary tract. Infection can cause various disorders, including:
- prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland)
- urethritis (inflammation of the urethra), usually caused by sexually transmitted diseases
- pyelonephritis (infection of the kidney), which is rare but can be serious
- cystitis (infection of the bladder), which is more common in elderly men
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of urinary tract infection include:
- pain and discomfort (burning, itching) when urinating
- frequent and urgent need to urinate (especially at night)
- urethral discharge; a clear fluid or small amount of pus from the penis, more common with
- exually transmitted diseases
- abdominal pain
- fever
- blood in the urine
- back pain; low back pain can be associated with prostatitis and high back pain with pyelonephritis (kidney infection).
How is it diagnosed?
Your provider will determine whether you have a urinary tract infection by taking your medical history and examining you. Include examining your prostate through a rectal exam. The provider may also order a lab analysis of the urine and discharge from the urethra and prostate gland.
In some cases additional studies may be appropriate:
- an ultrasound, a painless procedure that produces images of soft tissues and fluids
- IVP (Intravenous Pyelography), which gives x-ray pictures of the urinary system
- cystoscopy, a procedure in which the provider can see the urethra and bladder through a viewing tube inserted up the urethra
How is it treated?
Urinary tract infection is treated with antibiotics such as sulfonamide or amoxicillin. Usually the symptoms go away within 24 hours after treatment begins. However infection may recur if chronic prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) is present or if antibiotics are discontinued before the complete course of treatment is taken. Sometimes the antibiotic selected will not prove effective against infecting organisms and will need to be changed.
How can I take care of myself?
If you have the symptoms of a urinary tract infection, follow the treatment prescribed by your provider. In addition, drink plenty of fluids and empty your bladder completely when you urinate.
If symptoms persist for more than a couple of days, change for the worse, or if you develop new symptoms, call your provider.
How can I prevent urinary tract infection?
- Take the full course of treatment your provider prescribes.
- Drink plenty of fluids daily.
- Empty your bladder often and completely.
- Choose sexual partners wisely and use condoms.