- Urinary tract infection
10 symptoms of a urinary tract infection in men – and what to do
Written by: Editors
Modified on:
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common condition that affects about 1 in 100 men each year. Although uncomfortable, it is not contagious.
A urinary tract infection occurs when the lining of the bladder becomes inflamed, typically due to bacteria. These bacteria often originate from the digestive system and first attach themselves to the opening of the urethra before moving upwards. Once there, they multiply.
If the infection is confined to the urethra, it is known as urethritis. However, if it moves to the bladder, a bladder infection (cystitis) develops. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the kidneys (pyelonephritis). In men, the prostate and epididymis may also become infected.
What causes a urinary tract infection?
For both men and women, the risk of developing a UTI increases in the following situations:
- Bladder or kidney stones
- A weakened immune system, such as in people with diabetes
- Use of a catheter, a tube inserted into the urethra and connected to the bladder
- Incomplete bladder emptying, a common issue in older men that can lead to infection
Symptoms of a urinary tract infection
If you find yourself needing to use the bathroom frequently, but only pass small amounts of urine, and experience a burning sensation when you do, you may have a UTI. Here are the common symptoms to look out for:
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate, even when the bladder is empty
- A burning sensation before or during urination
- Foul-smelling or cloudy urine
- Blood in the urine
- Itching around the genital area
- Incontinence (particularly in older men)
- Sharp pain in the lower abdomen or lower back
- Pain between the anus and scrotum
- Slight fever
"If you feel very unwell, experience a high fever, or have pain in your side or lower back, this could indicate a prostate or kidney infection. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
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What to do if you have a urinary tract infection
UTIs in men are often accompanied by a prostate infection, so your GP may prescribe antibiotics straight away. To confirm the infection, your urine will be tested. Your GP may also request a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing the infection. This helps to ensure the right antibiotic is prescribed to target the bacteria effectively.
In some cases, men with UTIs are referred to a urologist, particularly if the prescribed treatment doesn’t work or the infection recurs frequently.
If you've had a UTI before, there's a 25% chance it could return within a year. Keeping a home test kit on hand can help you take action as soon as the first symptoms appear.
How to prevent a urinary tract infection
Stay hydrated by drinking two to three litres of water, tea, or milk each day. It’s important to empty your bladder fully whenever you feel the urge to urinate.
UTIs are not contagious, so you don’t need to worry about passing the infection on to your partner.