Urinary tract infections aren’t just a women’s health issue. Men can get them too. When they do, they’re often more complicated and harder to treat. Recognizing male UTI symptoms early is the key to avoiding serious problems like kidney infections.
Symptoms like burning when you urinate, cloudy urine, or constant trips to the bathroom are more than just annoying. They could be signs of an infection that needs medical attention.
How Does a UTI Happen in Men?
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria, most often E. coli, enter the urinary tract and multiply. While UTIs are more common in women because they have a shorter urethra, men can still get them, particularly if they have:
- An enlarged prostate
- Urinary retention due to incomplete bladder emptying
- Kidney or bladder stones
- A urinary catheter
- Diabetes or immune system problems
What are Male UTI Symptoms?
UTIs in men can have symptoms that develop gradually or come on quickly. How severe they are can vary depending on how far the infection has progressed. You might notice:
- Burning or stinging when urinating. Often described as a sharp, uncomfortable sensation during urination, this happens because the lining of the urethra and bladder is inflamed from infection.
- Frequent or urgent need to urinate. You may feel like you have to go often, sometimes every few minutes, even if little urine comes out. This urgency occurs because the bladder becomes irritated and more sensitive to small amounts of urine.
- Passing small amounts of urine despite feeling the urge to go. The bladder may not completely empty due to swelling or blockage from an enlarged prostate. This leaves you feeling like you need to urinate again soon after.
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine. Infection can cause pus, white blood cells, or bacteria to be present in the urine, changing its appearance and odor.
- Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvis. UTI discomfort may be a dull ache or a sense of heaviness, caused by irritation and swelling in the bladder or surrounding tissues.
- Pain in the penis or testicles. Infections can sometimes cause referred pain or spread to nearby structures. This can lead to soreness or a heavy feeling in these areas.
When is a UTI an Emergency?
Some symptoms suggest the infection may be spreading to the kidneys or bloodstream. If you experience any of the following signs or symptoms, seek urgent medical attention:
- Fever and chills
- Back or side pain (flank pain)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion, especially in older adults
- Blood in the urine, causing it to look pink, red, or cola-colored
- Severe pelvic pain
- A sudden inability to urinate
Male UTI Diagnosis
Your urologist will run tests and ask questions to find the cause of your symptoms. Obtaining a diagnosis likely involves:
- Asking about your symptoms and medical history
- Performing a physical exam, which may include checking the prostate
- Ordering a urinalysis to look for signs of infection
- Sending a urine culture to the lab to identify the bacteria
If UTIs are recurring or symptoms are severe, further testing may include:
- Ultrasound or CT scan to check for blockages, stones, or kidney problems
- Cystoscopy to examine the bladder and urethra from the inside
- Prostate evaluation to look for enlargement or prostatitis
Recurrent UTIs in Men
If infections keep returning, your doctor will look for underlying causes. A recurrent UTI is defined as two or more infections within six months or three or more in a year. Common reasons for recurrent UTIs in men include:
- Chronic bacterial prostatitis, which is a persistent infection in the prostate
- An enlarged prostate, causing incomplete bladder emptying
- Bladder or kidney stones
- Structural or functional urinary tract problems
- Diabetes or other conditions that weaken the immune system
Addressing the root cause is key to stopping the cycle. In some cases, long-term antibiotics or preventive measures, like treating prostate problems, are needed.
Don’t Ignore the Male UTI Symptoms
UTIs in men are rarely simple infections. Quick diagnosis and treatment help relieve symptoms faster. They also prevent serious issues like kidney infections or sepsis.
If you notice burning with urination, frequent urges, pelvic pain, fever, back pain, or blood in your urine, see a doctor right away. Early treatment helps protect your urinary health and avoid complications.
Don’t hesitate to get help for male UTI symptoms – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!