Men Can Get UTIs, Too—Here’s How To Tell if You Have One

# Men Can Get UTIs, Too—Here’s How To Tell if You Have One

When you hear the term “urinary tract infection” or UTI, your mind probably jumps to women’s health. It’s a common misconception that UTIs are exclusively a female problem. While they are significantly more common in women, the truth is that **men can get UTIs**, and when they do, it’s often a sign of an underlying issue that needs attention.

Ignoring the symptoms or hoping they’ll go away on their own can lead to more serious complications. Understanding the signs, causes, and when to seek help is crucial for every man’s health. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about UTIs in men, so you can recognize the problem and get the right treatment.

## What Exactly Is a UTI?

Before we dive into symptoms, let’s quickly cover the basics. Your urinary tract is your body’s drainage system for removing waste and extra water. It includes your kidneys, ureters (the tubes connecting kidneys to the bladder), bladder, and urethra (the tube that carries urine out of your body).

A UTI is an infection that occurs when bacteria, most commonly *E. coli*, enter the urinary tract and begin to multiply. In men, the urethra is much longer than in women, which provides a greater distance for bacteria to travel to reach the bladder. This anatomical difference is the main reason men get UTIs less frequently. However, it doesn’t make them immune.

When an infection does occur in a man, it’s often considered “complicated” because it’s more likely to be linked to an anatomical or physiological issue that’s trapping bacteria.

## Telltale Signs: Common UTI Symptoms in Men

Recognizing the symptoms is the first and most important step. A UTI can affect different parts of your urinary tract, and the signs can range from mildly annoying to intensely painful.

### The “Classic” Symptoms

These are the most common signs that the infection is in your bladder (cystitis) or urethra (urethritis). You might experience one or several of them.

* **A strong, persistent urge to urinate:** You feel like you have to go *right now*, even if you just went.
* **Pain or a burning sensation during urination:** This is a hallmark symptom known medically as dysuria.
* **Frequent urination in small amounts:** You find yourself running to the bathroom constantly but only passing a little urine each time.
* **Feeling of an incomplete bladder emptying:** After you finish, it still feels like there’s more urine left.
* **Cloudy, dark, or foul-smelling urine:** A noticeable change in the appearance or odor of your urine can be a clear red flag.
* **Blood in the urine (hematuria):** Your urine may look pink, red, or cola-colored.
* **Lower abdominal or pelvic pressure/pain:** A dull ache or discomfort in the area above your pubic bone.

### Symptoms That Point to a More Serious Infection

If the bacteria travel upward from your bladder to your kidneys, the infection becomes much more serious. A kidney infection (pyelonephritis) requires immediate medical attention. Be on the lookout for:

* **Fever and chills:** A systemic sign that your body is fighting a significant infection.
* **Nausea and vomiting:** Feeling sick to your stomach is common when an infection becomes more severe.
* **Pain in your upper back or side (flank pain):** This pain is often felt on one side, just below the rib cage, where your kidneys are located.

If you experience these symptoms, especially in combination with the classic urinary signs, you should seek medical care right away.

## Why Do Men Get UTIs? Understanding the Risk Factors

Since a man’s anatomy provides natural protection against UTIs, an infection often signals another health issue that is making it easier for bacteria to take hold. The risk increases significantly with age.

### Prostate Issues

For men over 50, the prostate gland is a primary suspect.

* **Enlarged Prostate (BPH):** Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, is extremely common in older men. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, and as it grows, it can squeeze the urethra, making it difficult to empty the bladder completely. The stagnant urine left behind becomes a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
* **Prostatitis:** This is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland itself. It can cause symptoms similar to a UTI and can sometimes occur alongside one.

### Blockages and Structural Differences

Anything that obstructs the free flow of urine can increase your risk of a UTI.

* **Kidney or Bladder Stones:** These mineral deposits can block the urinary tract, trapping urine and leading to infection.
* **Urethral Stricture:** A narrowing of the urethra, often caused by past injury, inflammation, or infection, can impede urine flow.

### Other Contributing Factors

* **Recent Catheter Use:** Having a urinary catheter inserted is a major risk factor, as it can introduce bacteria directly into the bladder.
* **Diabetes:** Poorly controlled diabetes can weaken the immune system and high sugar levels in the urine can encourage bacterial growth.
* **A Weakened Immune System:** Any condition or medication that suppresses your immune system makes you more vulnerable to all types of infections, including UTIs.
* **Not Being Circumcised:** Some studies suggest that uncircumcised men have a slightly higher risk, as bacteria can become trapped under the foreskin.
* **Anal Intercourse:** This can expose the urethral opening to *E. coli* bacteria.

## Diagnosis and Treatment: What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office

If you suspect you have a UTI, don’t try to tough it out or self-diagnose. A visit to your doctor is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

### Getting a Diagnosis

Your doctor will likely start by asking about your symptoms and medical history. To confirm a diagnosis, they will need a urine sample.

* **Urinalysis:** This is a quick test to check your urine for signs of infection, such as white blood cells, red blood cells, and bacteria.
* **Urine Culture:** If an infection is suspected, the sample will be sent to a lab to grow and identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. This test also helps the doctor choose the most effective antibiotic.

For recurrent UTIs or if an underlying problem like a blockage is suspected, your doctor may order further imaging tests like an ultrasound or CT scan.

### The Treatment Plan

The standard treatment for a bacterial UTI is a course of antibiotics. It is crucial that you **take the entire prescription as directed**, even if you start to feel better after a few days. Stopping early can allow the infection to return and may contribute to antibiotic resistance.

Because UTIs in men are often more complex, the antibiotic course may be longer than what’s typically prescribed for women—often 7 to 14 days or more. Your doctor may also recommend a pain reliever to ease the burning sensation while the antibiotics kick in.

## Can You Prevent UTIs as a Man?

While you can’t eliminate the risk entirely, you can take simple, practical steps to help prevent UTIs.

* **Stay Hydrated:** Drinking plenty of water helps dilute your urine and ensures you’ll urinate more frequently, flushing bacteria out of your urinary tract.
* **Don’t Hold It In:** Urinate when you feel the urge. Holding urine in your bladder for long periods gives bacteria more time to multiply.
* **Empty Your Bladder Fully:** Take your time in the bathroom to make sure you empty your bladder as completely as possible, especially if you have an enlarged prostate.
* **Urinate After Sex:** This can help flush away any bacteria that may have entered the urethra during sexual activity.
* **Practice Good Hygiene:** If you are uncircumcised, be sure to retract the foreskin and clean the area regularly.
* **Manage Underlying Conditions:** Work with your doctor to manage health issues like diabetes or BPH that increase your risk.

## When to See a Doctor—Don’t Wait

The key takeaway is this: if you are a man experiencing any symptoms of a UTI, see a doctor. An untreated infection can spread to your kidneys or, in rare cases, enter your bloodstream and cause a life-threatening condition called sepsis.

A UTI is more than just an inconvenience; it can be a signal from your body that something else needs to be addressed. Getting a proper diagnosis and treatment is a simple but powerful step in taking control of your health.