Urinary tract infection, or UTI, occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract and causes infection. Men may develop a UTI, though the condition is much more common in women. A man may be more at risk for a UTI after catherization, which can introduce bacteria into the urinary system. Bacterial infection of the prostate or the presence of kidney stones may also cause urinary tract infection in men. Symptoms of a UTI develop rapidly and usually require medical treatment to cure the infection.
Dysuria
Dysuria, or painful urination, is a frequent symptom of urinary tract infection. A man may notice a stinging or burning sensation that is worse at the beginning or end of the urine stream. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that dysuria as a single symptom is not likely caused by a urinary tract infection, as a UTI is accompanied by additional symptoms.
Frequent Urination
A man may have the strong, sudden urge to urinate, even if he has just finished using the restroom. Only a small amount of urine may be passed at a time, though the urgent need to empty the bladder persists. The urge to urinate may be uncontrollable and result in incontinence, or the leaking of urine. Urine may appear very cloudy or contain blood and may have a strong odor as well.
Physical Discomfort
Urinary tract infection in men usually starts in the urethra and moves to the prostate and bladder, according to Merck Manuals. Infection may cause inflammation and irritation of the affected tissues, resulting in physical discomfort. A man may feel a pain or ache in his lower back or pressure or discomfort beneath the pubic bone or groin. He may also have a bloated abdomen. Some men experience rectal pain with a UTI due to prostate inflammation from the infection.
Kidney Infection
Most urinary tract infections do not cause harm; however, they can turn into a potentially harmful kidney infection, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. A UTI that is not treated may spread into the kidneys, a condition called polynephritis. This condition can cause permanent scarring or damage of the kidneys.
Symptoms may indicate that a urinary tract infection has turned into a kidney infection, including the urge to urinate at night, fever and chills, vomiting and general symptoms of a UTI that persist longer than one week. The UMM suggests immediate treatment of urinary symptoms to prevent kidney damage.
