6 Causes of UTIs in Men
UTI stands for urinary tract infection. It is a condition in which some part of the urinary system is affected by bacteria. The urinary system consists of bladders, ureters, urethra and kidney.
For women, UTI is a common condition but in men it is rare. Studies suggest UTIs affect more than 50% of women in their lives but only 3% of men. The size of the urethra is shorter in women than in men which makes them more susceptible to urinary tract infections.
Caption: UTIs are infections caused by bacteria. Image Credits: Flickr
UTI for men is unlikely but it occurs.
Here are 6 things which can cause infections leading to a urinary tract infection in men.
Enlarged Prostate Due to Age
Old age increases the chances of uti. Image Credits: Pixabay
Age significantly increases the chances of developing a Urinary tract infection in men. Men above 50 years of age are likely to develop a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia, a condition in which the prostate is enlarged.
This enlargement of the prostate chokes the neck of the bladder which results in improper emptying of the bladder. If a small amount of urine is left it can cause a urinary tract infection. Urine contains bacteria which were supposed to flush out but do not and cause UTI.
Diabetes
If you are suffering from diabetes then you are at a higher risk of developing a urinary tract infection. When you are suffering from diabetes, your blood glucose level increases. This increase in the blood glucose level also increases the sugar content of urine.
High sugar content in urine promotes bacterial growth causing an infection.
A high blood sugar level increases the likelihood of developing a urinary tract infection.
Kidney Stone
Kidney stones are hard deposits that are present inside the kidneys. They are made of minerals and salts. Kidney stones hinder the flow of urine and decrease the flow rate. This leads to the presence of residual urine in the urinary system.
The residual urine is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and causes a urinary tract infection.
Lack of Fluids
Drinking plenty of water is good for health. Among other harmful effects, the lack of fluids can also cause a urinary tract infection.
The amount of urine a person produces is affected by their fluid intake. More fluids result in more urine formation. One purpose of urine is to excrete bacteria from the body. The lack of urine leads to less excretion of bacteria which can cause infections.
Intercourse
Intercourse can cause urinary tract infections. If one partner is suffering from a UTI then they can pass it to the other as well. This transfer is rare but possible.
In the case of anal intercourse, the risk of getting a urinary tract infection is much higher as it leads to exposure to a large number of bacteria.
Faecal Incontinence
It is a condition in which the patient loses control of their bowel movements which results in involuntary bowel movements. Faecal incontinence which is also called bowel incontinence increases the risk of urinary tract infections. It leads to exposure to large amounts of bacteria which can cause urinary tract infections.
If you are suffering from faecal incontinence, you are likely to develop UTIs as well.
What are the Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infections in Men?
Changes in urination pattern are signs of UTI. Image Credits: Pixabay
The following symptoms can be observed:
Pain while urinating
Increase in frequency of urination
Fever
Fatigue
Chills
Difficulty while starting urination
Blood in urine
Abdomen Pain
Treatment
Antibiotics are used to treat UTIs. Image Credits: Flickr
The treatment focuses on preventing the spread of the infection and eliminating the current infection. To do this, antibiotics are used. Often doctors use a combination of antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections. Commonly used medications are nitrofurantoin and trimethoprim.
Antipyretic medications such as paracetamol are also prescribed in case of fever.
Takeaway
Men can suffer from UTIs. The most common symptoms are felt during urination. If you observe any of them then consult a doctor. Urinary tract infections require medical intervention.