Can Men Get UTIs?

While urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in women, men can get them as well. Men most commonly get urethritis, an infection of the urethra. UTIs' signs and symptoms display themselves differently in men than women, so it's important to know what to look out for. 

If you think you are experiencing a UTI, you should seek medical attention right away. UTIs can be treated at an urgent care center. With Mira, you can get low-cost urgent care visits for only $45 per month. Don’t push off seeing the doctor because you’re worried about the cost. Sign up for Mira today. 

Can Men Get UTIs?

Yes, men can get UTIs. However, men experience UTIs in a different way than women. It is more common for men over 50 to get one, and the likeliness increases each year after that. They can develop a UTI in the bladder, kidney, prostate, or urethra. It is considered a complicated case when a man contracts a UTI and should be treated more seriously. 

Upper Tract vs. Lower Tract UTIs 

E.coli is the bacteria that causes a urinary tract infection. It is naturally found in the body, but an outside source could also be responsible. Once E.coli enters the urethra, it begins to multiply and spread throughout the rest of the urinary tract. This is known as a lower tract UTI and mainly affects the urethra and the bladder. 

Men are more likely to spread the infection to their kidneys when things become more serious and immediate intervention is needed. This is known as an upper tract UTI or pyelonephritis. If the bacteria travels into the blood, it could be potentially life-threatening. Upper tract UTIs tend to have different symptoms than lower tract UTIs. 

Symptoms in Men

Men typically experience different UTI symptoms than women as well. It's important to be aware of any changes in urination so intervention can happen before the situation becomes more serious. Sometimes, men won’t experience any symptoms. However, typical UTI symptoms in men include:

• Blood in urine
• Burning after urinating
• Cloudy urine
• Fever
• Frequent urination
• Persistent urge to urinate
• Trouble urinating

Prevention 

Men can try and prevent themselves from developing a UTI. Some men are more susceptible to getting one due to risk factors like age, uncircumcised, or an enlarged prostate. To reduce the chance of getting a UTI, men can:

• Clean the genitals before and after sex
• Drink lots of liquids
• Empty bladder often
• Practice good hygiene
• Urinate after having sex
• Wear condoms during sex