A urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria invade and multiply in the urinary organs. Usually, the body is able to fight the bacteria. But there may be certain conditions where it is unable to get rid of the bacteria, resulting in an infection. Urinary tract infections are less common in men than in women. But if a man is infected, it can become serious.
The Urinary Tract and Male Organs
The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureter, urethra and bladder. The kidneys filter waste from the blood. The waste is in the form of urine. Urine then travels down the ureter to the bladder, where it is stored. When it is time to go to the bathroom, urine leaves the body by traveling down the urethra, which is the tube that connects the bladder to the penis.
In addition to these organs, males also have the prostate, testes, scrotum and epididymis. The prostate is a reproductive organ that makes ejaculatory fluid. Sperm and a hormone called testosterone are made by the testes. The testes are stored in the scrotum, which is the sac-like structure below the penis. When sperm are ready to leave the testes, they do so through coiled structures called the epididymis.
Bacteria will usually enter the urinary tract through the urethra and bladder. However, a urinary tract infection can occur in any of the organs. In many cases, bacteria first travel to the urethra. When they multiply, an infection can occur. An infection in the urethra is called urethritis. If the bacteria move into the bladder, it is called cystitis. A kidney infection is called pyelonephritis.
Who Is At Risk?
A blockage in the urinary tract can put a man at risk for an infection. Having a condition that affects the immune system, such as diabetes, can also put a man at higher risk. Some studies show that chronic blockage in the prostate may increase the risk of a urinary tract infection in older men with benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH. BPH is an enlargement of the prostate. Urinary tract infections tend to be rare in boys and young men.
Causes and Symptoms
Urinary tract infections in men are usually caused by a blockage in the urinary tract. Blockage might be due to a kidney stone, enlarged prostate or a catheter, a tube placed in the body to drain fluids.
Depending on what organ is infected, symptoms may include cloudy, bloody urine, fever, pain or burning when urinating, abdominal pain, strong need to urinate, chills, tiredness, back, side, or groin pain, nausea and vomiting.
Complications
A urinary tract infection should be treated right away. If not, the bacteria have a chance of entering the prostate. A urinary tract infection can become severe if the prostate is infected.
There are two types of prostate infections: acute bacterial prostatitis and chronic bacterial prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis symptoms, such as fever and chills, can be more serious than those of chronic bacterial prostatitis. Chronic bacterial prostatitis is recurrent and is more common in young and middle-aged men.
Treatment
Antibiotics, which are medicines that fight bacteria, are used to treat urinary tract infections. To treat mild infections, a doctor may prescribe trimethoprim, trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin or ampicillin. Medicines called quinolones may also be given. The type of medicine used depends on the bacteria, where the infection is located and how bad it is.
Medications may be taken for a 1 to 2 days, a week or longer. Duration depends on the cause and how severe the infection. Compared to women, men may need to take medicines for a longer period to prevent infection of the prostate gland.
Doctors may also recommend using a heating pad to ease symptoms. Drinking plenty of water will also help rid the urinary tract of bacteria. Men taking medications will want to avoid spicy foods, coffee, smoking and alcohol.
