| Men and Urinary Tract Infections |
| Written by Barbara Green | |
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A man’s urinary tract system differs a little from a woman, of course. They have the kidneys, ureters and bladder, but they also have a prostate to worry about. Many of UTIs in men affect their prostate. In fact an enlarged prostate can even be the cause of some UT’s. Urinary Tract Infection CausesJust like the UTIs in women or children, the infections in men are caused by bacteria. These bacteria are caused by blockage to the part of the system that eliminates the urine, such as an enlarged prostate mentioned before. Blockage can also be caused by stones in the kidneys or ureters. The ureters are muscular tubes that push urine out of the body.And, again just like in women, some types of sexual activity can cause UTIs as well as other diseases such as diabetes. Another cause of UTIs can be from recent use of a catheter. Urinary Tract SymptomsSigns of UTIs can be burning when urinating, and feeling the need to urinate more often. Another sign is feeling as though you need to urinate again right after you have already emptied your bladder.You may also feel pressure or pain in your rectum or your lower abdomen as well as your back or sides. You may have a fever, nausea or vomiting. Or, you may not have any of the above symptoms but your urine could look cloudy, or have a slight brownish, red or pinkish cast to it. The urine may also have a strong odor that’s not very pleasant. If you suspect you may have a urinary tract infection it is important to see a doctor as soon as you can. If caught quickly a UTI is no big deal. You’ll be given some antibiotics and the infection will clear up in about a week. However, if left too long or ignored, a urinary tract infection can even be life threatening. Complications can cause havoc with your kidneys and prostate. The problems the infection can cause your kidneys or prostate may be irreversible and cause serious consequences for the rest of your life. Urinary Tract Infection DiagnosisThe doctor’s exam will be very similar for woman suspected of UTI. This will consist of a urine sample that you will give right there at the doctor’s office. A lab test will let them know if you have an infection and how severe the infection is. Once the severity is determined, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic. If you are in any pain, the doctor will also prescribe a special pain killer that is specifically for UTIs.You need to be aware that these pain killers may turn your urine a bright blue or orange, but there is no need for alarm, the medicines are quite safe and will leave no lasting effects. You will also need to drink lots of water during your recovery period. This recovery period is usually 7-10 plus days. If the infection has spread or become severe before your doctor visit, there may be other tests the doctor will require. This may consist of cat scans, or an MRI. These types of test are necessary to check your kidneys and/or prostate. The treatment for UTI is somewhat longer for men than for women because of the concern for the prostate. Once an infection gets into the prostate it is very difficult to get rid of it. This is just one more reason to pay attention to your bodily functions so you can detect a UTI in its earliest stages. Of course, as with nearly everything else in life, the older a man gets the greater the concern. SummaryWhile Urinary Tract Infections usually occur in women, they still can affect men. Older men, men who have recently been catheterized, and men who have diabetes are more prone to the disease.UTI symptoms often include pain or burning sensation while urinating, a fever, and lower back or side pain. Symptoms can also include cloudy or strong-smelling urine. It is important to see a doctor immediately if you suspect that you have a Urinary Tract Infection as complications could be severe. In men these complications can affect the kidneys and the prostrate. Once the prostrate is affected the infection is more difficult to deal with. Treatment of a UTI is generally pain medications if needed and antibiotics. |
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