Urinary tract infections can impact men, women and children. Women are at a greater risk of developing a UTI than men due to the structure of the genitals, explains MayoClinic.com. Symptoms are generally the same regardless of gender and include burning, urinary changes and fever in some cases. The cause of a urinary tract infection is usually from an infectious agent like a bacteria. How this bacteria gets into the urinary system varies.
Urinary Tract Abnormalities
Various types of urinary tract abnormalities can increase the risk and occurrence of a UTI in men, suggests Drugs.com. Examples include vesicoureteral reflux or neurogenic bladder. With vesicoureteral reflux, the man's urine flow goes back from the bladder up to the ureters and kidneys. This can reintroduce bacteria to the urinary tract instead of flushing it out of the body. A neurogenic bladder is one that is impacted by nervous system problems that prevents the body from signaling to empty the bladder fully. When urine remains in the bladder, the result can be a build up of bacteria. Surgery or other medical treatments can be effective in managing urinary tract abnormalities.
Blockages
A blockage can occur in any section of the urinary tract. Urine that can't flow from the body can become trapped along with bacteria. Kidney or bladder stones are just two of the various sources of a urinary tract blockage, suggests Drugs.com. Other sources depend on an man's body and can be due to other factors like an unrelated surgery. Similarly, an enlarged prostate or other prostate problem can increase a man's risk of developing a UTI. The New York Times explains that virtually anything that prevents the normal flow of urine can lead to an infection.
Uncircumcised
Circumcision is a medical procedure that consists of removing the foreskin from the tip of a man's penis. Being uncircumcised can increase the risk of a UTI. This is because bacteria can build up at the tip of the penis and enter the urethra. Once the bacteria enters the urethra, it can work its way upwards into other areas of the urinary tract, suggests Drugs.com.
Exposure
When the tip of the penis is exposed to bacteria, a man's risk of infection increases. Sexual intercourse can contribute to a man's likelihood of developing an infection. MedlinePlus points out that anal sex or vaginal sex can introduce bacteria to the urinary tract by way of the opening of the penis.
