Urinary tract infections occur when bacteria that is normally present in the digestive system or on the skin infects the urinary tract. The parts of the urinary tract that most often become infected are the bladder and the urethra, the narrow tube that leads from the bladder out through the penis. Although women are more likely than men to develop urinary tract infections, there are some factors than can cause infections in men.
Urinary Obstructions
Any factor that blocks or reduces the flow of urine can lead to a urinary tract infection. Kidney stones are one common cause of urinary blockages that can cause urinary tract infections. In men, if the prostate gland is enlarged, it can press on the bladder and prevent it from completely emptying. When urine remains in the bladder for longer than usual, it increases the likelihood of bacterial growth, explains the Penn State College of Medicine.
Catheter
Men with chronic illness or nervous system disorders sometimes need a catheter inserted into the urethra to drain urine from the bladder. Despite the best efforts to sterilize a catheter, it is still common for bacteria on a catheter to cause an infection in the urinary tract, reports the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse. For this reason, hospital workers try to minimize the time a catheter must remain in place.
Diseases and Disorders
Some diseases may increase the risk of urinary tract infections, especially diseases that weaken the immune system, such as diabetes. When the immune system is weakened, it can no longer kill bacteria that are attempting to colonize the urinary tract, the Mayo Clinic explains. In some rare cases, men are born with a narrow urethra, which can reduce the flow of urine and increase the risk of urinary tract infections, according to Medline Plus.
Other Factors
Advanced age is another factor that increases the risk of urinary tract infection. Elderly men who remain immobile for most of the time are particularly at risk. In addition, bowel incontinence increases the risk of urinary tract infection, because bacteria from the digestive system is more likely to come in contact with the urethra.
