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Can Men Get Urinary Tract Infections?

You can get a UTI (Urinary tract infection) if you have a penis, a vagina, if you're a baby, even dogs can get them. They are not gender biased. However, women do get them up to 30x more often than men do, and stats show that 50–60% of all women will develop UTIs in their lifetimes. Yay. UTIs in men occur pretty much the same way as in women; bacteria (germs) get into the urinary tract through the urethra and cause an infection. For men, that includes the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Women don't have ureters. They are the twin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder. 

 

UTI Symptoms in Men

UTIs in men typically have the same symptoms as in women. These include:

  • Frequent urination.
  • Strong, persistent urge to urinate (urgency)
  • Burning or tingling sensation during or just after peeing
  • Low-grade fever
  • Cloudy urine with a strong odor
  • Blood in the urine.
  • Trouble urinating, especially if you have a problem with your prostate.

 

Treatment for a UTI in men is the same for both genders. Antibiotics are usually prescribed to kill the bad bacteria. However, in men, the real issue could be the prostate. That is why men should always check with their doctor at the first sign of a UTI. If your doctor suspects it might be related to your prostate, men may get a prostate exam. Have fun with that. 

How Do Men Get UTIs?

Although men and women can get UTIs, the causes are a bit different. Women tend to get them more because our anatomy makes it easier for bacteria to get in. A woman's urethra is shorter than men's and closer to the anus. It's also close to the vagina, which can collect bacteria during sex. A man's urethra opening is at the tip of the penis, which is a longer distance from the bladder and the butt (we hope). 

 

In younger men, the most common cause of a UTI is a sexually transmitted disease. Sigh. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two STDs that can cause a UTI. Wear condoms, fellas. In older men, UTIs can occur from an enlarged prostate which can block the flow of urine and cause bacteria to build up. There also could be an infection in the prostate, which shares many of the same symptoms as a UTI.

 

Men with diabetes or any medical issue affecting the immune system can also make them more likely to get a UTI. Kidney stones are another culprit. This is why it is imperative to see your doctor right away. The cause could be something more severe or may need different treatment altogether. Either way, there are some tips that are good for UTI prevention for everyone. Good luck, gentlemen-you can do this!