After the age of 50, male urinary tract infections become more common because of prostate enlargement. The risk also exists during unprotected sexual intercourse.
Male urinary tract infections can occur due to problems in the prostate, bladder, urethra or kidneys.
Regardless of the cause, a frequent urge to urinate is one of the warning signs.
Get to know the causes, risk factors and some therapeutic approaches used according to medical indication.
Causes of male urinary tract infections
A urinary tract infection is one of the urological diseases that occurs when bacteria or fungi enter the urinary tract. It commonly affects in particular men with diabetes or those who use antibiotics frequently.
The fungus Candida is the most common among people with diabetes, as it grows easily in environments with high glucose levels.
Prolonged use of antibiotics can change the intestinal flora, facilitating the entry of fungi into the urinary tract. Therefore, the causes of male urinary tract infections are multifactorial. Below are the main ones.
- Drinking little water: makes the urine more concentrated, which irritates the bladder and increases the risk of bacterial proliferation.
- Holding urine for a long time: prevents the elimination of bacteria.
- Kidney stones: irritate the tissues of the urinary system and make it difficult for urine to pass.
- Urinary catheters: continuous use harms urinary tract health and, according to an article in the Brazilian Journal of Implantology and Health Sciences, accounts for 10% to 35% of urinary tract infection cases.
- Anal sex without condoms: bacteria from the anal region can migrate to the urethra.
- Poor hygiene: wearing tight underwear and not urinating after sexual intercourse facilitates the entry and multiplication of bacteria.
- Uncircumcised men: men who have not undergone phimosis surgery (circumcision) have a higher risk of urinary tract infection because excess foreskin makes hygiene more difficult.
Symptoms of male urinary tract infections
Learn about the main symptoms of male urinary tract infections.
How the diagnosis is made and tests requested
The diagnosis of urinary tract infection is made by a urologist, because this specialist also takes care of the urinary tract.
The consultation usually begins with questions about the patient’s sexual life. The purpose is to identify possible risk factors for sexually transmitted infections.
The tests requested are:
- Digital rectal exam: to identify whether the size of the prostate is normal in men over 50 years of age;
- Cystoscopy: to analyze the structures of the urethra and bladder;
- Urine culture with antibiogram: urine analysis to identify the microorganism causing the infection and which antimicrobial is indicated for the treatment of male urinary tract infections;
- Ultrasound or computed tomography.
Recommended treatments for male urinary tract infections
Once a urinary tract infection has been diagnosed, the urologist can define the treatment, which varies according to the organ affected: bladder, urethra or kidneys.
Treatment for male urinary tract infections is carried out with antibiotics, with amoxicillin, cephalexin, fosfomycin and nitrofurantoin being the most commonly used.
The duration of use varies according to the site involved: from 5 to 7 days when the infection affects the bladder or urethra, and up to 14 days if the kidneys are compromised.
In addition to antibiotics, the doctor may prescribe analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve pain and discomfort during treatment.
Because urinary tract infections in men may be transmissible, it is important that both partners are treated at the same time and that sexual intercourse is avoided during this phase.
In addition, the patient should pay special attention to hydration and diet. Some important measures include:
- Staying well hydrated;
- Consuming diuretic foods, such as cucumber, watermelon and soursop, which can help with hydration and increase urine volume, contributing to the proper functioning of the urinary tract;
- Avoiding spicy foods, coffee and other caffeinated beverages so as not to irritate the urinary tract;
- Avoiding processed meats, such as mortadella, salami, ham and sausages, as they promote inflammation in the body.
Complications of untreated male urinary tract infections
One of the complications of untreated or inadequately treated urinary tract infections is acute pyelonephritis, which is an inflammation of the kidneys.
This occurs because bacteria migrate from the ureters, the thin tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
The symptoms of acute pyelonephritis include:
- Excessive urge to urinate;
- Severe lower back pain;
- Pelvic pain and fever.
When not treated, pyelonephritis can impair kidney function.
In addition, a neglected urinary tract infection can cause inflammation of the testicles, called orchitis, whose symptoms include intense pain, swelling, tenderness to touch, fever, reduced testosterone levels and erectile dysfunction.
One of the main consequences of orchitis is its impact on fertility, as it interferes with sperm production and compromises semen quality.
Daily care for urinary tract health
Urinary tract health depends on a few simple measures that can be incorporated into your daily routine. Here are 7 daily habits that may help prevent male urinary tract infections:
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- Drink water: ideally, about 35 ml per kilogram of body weight should be consumed. For example, a 90 kg man should drink approximately 3.1 liters of water per day.
- Do not hold urine: go to the bathroom whenever you feel the need.
- Intimate hygiene: wash the penis daily during the bath with water and neutral soap.
- Change underwear every day: prefer cotton underwear, which allows the skin to breathe.
- Use condoms: in all sexual intercourse, to reduce the risk of transmitting bacteria and infections.
- Urinate after sex: this habit helps eliminate possible microorganisms that may have entered the urethra, which may reduce the risk of urinary tract infections after sexual intercourse.
- Have regular check-ups: follow-up with a urologist enables early diagnosis of changes and contributes to urinary tract health.
“Urinary tract problems: when to see a urologist
In addition to causing discomfort, with pain when urinating and a burning sensation, male urinary tract infections can affect your health and, depending on individual evaluation, some people may notice an improvement in quality of life after treatment guided by a physician.
Fill out the pre-assessment form to send your questions to Dr. Paulo Egydio, a urologist with more than 25 years of experience.
You will receive general guidance about your situation by e-mail.
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- Penis anatomy: structure, erection and ejaculation
- The 10 main penile diseases: what they are, how to identify and treat them
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