A urinary tract infection can affect the bladder, kidneys or any part of the urinary system. Because the urethra is long in men, they are less likely to get a urinary tract infection than women; however, according to the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, men over 50 are susceptible to urinary tract infections.
Pain
A male urinary tract infection can cause pain in the abdomen, lower back or under the ribs. In some cases, the pelvic area may hurt. The exact location of the pain is dependent upon the area of the urinary tract that is infected. For example, a bladder infection may cause lower abdominal pain, while a kidney infection may cause lower back pain.
Urination Changes
Painful urination is a common symptom of a male urinary tract infection. It may burn when you urinate. Frequent trips to the bathroom may produce only small amounts of urine, despite the fact that it feels like your bladder is full. You may experience temporary urinary incontinence. Some men may experience penile discharge. When you urinate, you may notice the urine looks cloudy. In some cases, it may have blood in it and it may smell foul.
Other Symptoms
Depending on the location and severity of the urinary tract infection, some men may experience shaking or chills. It is fairly common for a man with a urinary tract infection to suffer from nausea and vomiting. Some men may experience pus in their urine as a result of a urinary tract infection.
Warning
Because the symptoms of a urinary tract infection mimic those of some STDs, such as chlamydia, it is important to visit a doctor for diagnosis and treatment. If left untreated, a urinary tract infection may spread to the blood, which is a life-threatening situation. Treating a urinary tract infection usually requires an antibiotic and an order to drink more fluids.
