A urinary tract infection is caused by germs entering the urinary tract. The urinary tract includes the ureters, kidneys, bladder and urethra. Most bacteria are washed away during urination. But if bacteria remain in the urinary tract, an infection may occur. The signs of a urinary tract infection include pain and burning during urination, urinating more frequently than usual, pain in the abdomen, fever, blood in urine, and bad smelling urine. Depending on the severity of the condition a doctor will recommend rest, antibiotics or pain relievers.
Hygiene
Men can contract urinary tract infections, or UTIs, as a result of improper hygiene. If a man does not properly clean his genitalia, bacteria can build up, gain access to the body, and cause an infection. Uncircumcised men are more vulnerable because the foreskin allows the bacteria to collect and hide. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, urethral catheterization is a significant risk factor for contracting a UTI. Bacteria or colonization may occur in men with indwelling catheters causing an infection. Proper procedures should be practiced to prevent UTIs from occurring. Anal sex can also increase the chances of a man developing a urinary tract infection. Bacteria from fecal matter entering the body during sexual contact can cause an infection in the urinary tract.
Blockage
UTIs are more likely to occur when men have obstructions in the urinary tract. An obstruction in the urinary tract prevents the urine from flowing freely. Urine is then confined to the urinary tract and the bacteria can not be washed out. A common blockage is kidney stones. According to National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, kidney and bladder stones are formed by calcium, minerals and salt deposits that develop in the kidneys or bladder. These deposits try to go through the urinary tract but get stuck because they are too large, causing blockage. An enlarged prostate can also be responsible for a blockage that may lead to UTIs.
Abnormal Urinary Tract
The risk of UTIs increases when the urinary tract is abnormal in size, shape or position. Not having control of urination can put men at higher risk. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a condition called vesicoureteral reflux, or VUR, causes the urine to flow backward from the bladder to the ureters and then the kidneys. This may cause kidney damage and can result in UTI. Another abnormal urinary tract condition is called neurogenic bladder, which occurs when the bladder does not perform properly because of problems in the nervous system. When the bladder is not functioning normally, difficulty emptying the bladder can occur. This condition can increase a man's chances of contracting a UTI.
