Even more UTIs are more common in women, they are not exclusive to them. Men, although disproportionately, can also suffer from UTIs.
What are UTIs?
Urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria make its way into the urinary tract. The infection is then categorized as per the region in which it occurs. When the infection in present in the ureters and the kidneys, it is referred to as upper tract infection. When it is present in the bladder and the urethra, it is known as the lower tract infection.
Upper tract infection: Bacteria can move from the lower tract, and occupy kidneys as well. This is a more alarming type of infection, with pain in kidneys as a symptom alongside fever, chills, shaking, nausea, and vomiting.
It some severe cases, patient needs to be taken to a specialist like those at Darul Sehat Hospital. Moreover, some might even require surgery for treatment as well.
Lower tract infection: In this type of infection, the organs occupied are bladder and urethra. Caused more often due to the bacteria from the intestines, the infection starts from the urethra and then spreads to the bladder. Lower tract infection may also occupy prostate as well. It is often transmitted through sexual contact, and from STIs like chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Symptoms of UTIs in men
There is a wide range of symptoms associated with urinary tract infection in men. Not all might be present, but the symptoms do tend to aggravate as the time into the infection elapses.
Urinary problems: A common sign of UTIs is experiencing pain when urinating. Moreover, it also may lead to urinary retention, a state marked by inability to empty the bladder completely. Starting urination may also be hard, with the stream being rather weak.
Moreover, UTIs also cause frequent urination, albeit the volume of the urine is rather small. There is also urgency involved with each visit to the loo. Moreover, the need to urinate might also be behind disrupted sleep as well. This is also referred to as nocturia.
There might also be present a constant pressure near the bladder as well. Some people may also experience urinary incontinence, which is the loss of bladder control.
Urine changes and other discharge: UTIs lead to the urine smelling foul. The milky discharge from the penis might also then make the urine cloudy as well. In some cases, there also might be blood present in the urine.
Bodily symptoms: Other issues that are caused by the infection include fever, chills, nausea and vomiting. The feeling of unwellness may also be palpable throughout the body. Moreover, if the infection has spread to the kidneys, there might also be pain in the lower back side of the body.
Causes of UTIs in men
While most often UTIs are a result of bacteria, but depending on the cause, they might also be viral as well.
Several diseases result in UTIs as a complication. This is the case with diabetes, where too much sugar in the urine then attracts the bacteria. Moreover, having enlarged prostate also puts one at risk of UTIs. Issues with immunity can also cause them.
UTIs can also be caused due to STDs, in fact, most young men get the UTIs, if at all, due to the sexually transmitted infections. Cancer of the urinary tract can also result in UTIs.
Men who have deformity of the urinary tract are also at higher risk of urinary tract infection. Having a history of UTI also increases the risk for a future episode.
There can also be no apparent reason for a UTI, which is known as nonspecific urethritis.
Treating UTIS in men
The treatment is contingent on the severity of the symptoms. Some men can benefit from oral antibiotics, whereas others have to get them through IV. If you observe the symptoms, you must consult the Best urologist in Islamabad.
