Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in men

Sometimes health issues pop up when we least expect it, and it can be frustrating when those issues impact daily activities. A urinary tract infection is a prime example, and it’s one of the most common infections that can happen in the body. While UTIs are statistically more common in women, they can also occur in men. “UTIs are less common in men and should prompt a search for an underlying cause. That's part of the reason why it's important to see a doctor if you have UTI symptoms,” says Brennan Kruszewski, MD, an internal medicine physician.

A UTI can cause pain and burning during urination due to the presence and spread of bacteria in the urinary tract. This infection can occur in anyone, regardless of age, orientation or sex, and UTI symptoms in men can vary from person to person.

In this article:

Types of UTIs in men

UTIs in men are categorized based on their location between two areas and are commonly referenced as infections of the upper urinary tract or infections of the lower urinary tract. 

An infection in the kidney or ureter, known as pyelonephritis, is typically designated as an upper tract UTI. Conversely, lower tract UTIs occur in the bladder (cystitis), urethra (urethritis) and the prostate (prostatitis).

Causes and risk factors

There are many different causes and risk factors of UTIs in men. It’s important to understand these causes and risk factors.

Common causes of UTIs in men

There are several possible causes of UTIs, especially in older men. “Bacterial infections are the cause of most UTIs in men,” Kruszewski says. “These can be bacteria that translocate from the GI tract, like E. coli, or sexually transmitted infections, like chlamydia.” Catheter use, kidney stones and even staying sedentary for a long period of time are also common risk factors for UTIs.

Risk factors for developing a UTI

Common risk factors for UTIs in men include the following:

• Ages 50 and older
• Bowel or urinary incontinence
• Diabetes
• Having had a previous UTI
• Poor hygiene habits
• Prostate issues
• Recent sexual activity

Symptoms of male UTIs

Infections in both the upper and lower urinary tract can have a variety of symptoms in men. Older men may experience more vague symptoms like confusion or feeling generally unwell, Kruszewski adds. Other possible symptoms include:

• An urgent or frequent need to urinate
• A burning sensation during urination
• Chills
• Cloudy or bloody urine
• Fever
• Lower back, groin or side pain
• Nausea or vomiting

Diagnostic methods

While someone may suspect that they have a UTI based on past experience or the presence of common symptoms, this infection can only be officially diagnosed and treated by a health care provider. 

“Your doctor might use blood or urine tests to diagnose a UTI if you have symptoms. Tests like a urinalysis or urine culture can help determine if a UTI is present and what type of antibiotic might be best for treatment, and blood tests can help detect more severe problems, like a kidney infection,” Kruszewski explains.

Complications of untreated male UTIs

It may be tempting to let a UTI run the course and see if it will resolve on its own, but UTIs can cause serious damage — even permanently — if left untreated. Male UTIs are considered complicated inherently and should always be treated by a provider.

In the case of a UTI that begins in or spreads to the kidney, severe kidney damage can occur quickly unless a person seeks medical attention. Additionally, if they allow the infection to continue for too long without treatment, they could develop sepsis, which can be fatal.

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection, causing organ dysfunction. It accounts for 20% of all deaths worldwide, so checking in with a health care provider as soon as someone detects UTI symptoms is crucial.

Treatment options

For most UTIs that occur in men, health care providers will prescribe antibiotics to successfully address and eliminate the bacteria in the urinary tract. The antibiotic(s) chosen depends on the bacterium present, and the amount of time someone has to take them depends on the severity of the infection and symptoms.

In addition to prescription medication, a health care provider will likely recommend drinking plenty of water to help clear the bacteria out of the urinary tract. Staying hydrated can also help aid in treating the UTI while possibly lessening the chance of another occurring in the future.

If a UTI is causing intense pain, a health care provider may also discuss over-the-counter pain medications that may be appropriate. 

Prevention strategies

The best prevention strategies for UTIs involve hygiene and lifestyle habits. Staying well-hydrated is one of the most important habits to develop to help avoid UTIs, because this can help the urinary tract work to properly flush out bacteria and waste.

If someone takes baths regularly and develops a UTI or recurring UTIs, they might consider taking showers instead, which may help reduce their risk of contracting a UTI from bacteria that may be present on the tub’s floor or walls. Always urinating after having sex is an important prevention tactic, as well.

When to seek medical attention

It’s always important to seek medical attention as soon as someone suspects that they have a UTI. Typically, a UTI cannot be resolved on its own, and the risks of infection, kidney damage or sepsis are far too severe to put off calling a health care provider. 

In some cases of severe kidney-based UTIs, a person may be directed to go to the hospital for additional monitoring and treatment. Kruszewksi adds that this typically occurs if there is evidence of sepsis or an anticipated need for IV antibiotics.

Don’t leave it up to chance

Despite common misconceptions that a UTI in men can go away on its own, it’s important to note that these infections require medical attention — and can sometimes be fatal if they are left unaddressed. Practicing good hygiene, good sexual health habits and getting enough fluids each day are easy ways to help prevent UTIs. 

“It's important to seek care with a physician right away to find the cause and get started on appropriate treatment," Kruszewski explains. “In this way, male UTI is different from female UTI — it is more likely to require extended courses of treatment and additional workup for structural causes of illness.”

Frequently asked questions

How can men tell if they have a UTI?

Symptoms of a UTI in men include body chills, blood in the urine, nausea or vomiting as well as an abnormally frequent need to urinate, pressure in the prostate area and pain in the lower back.

How are UTIs treated in men?

The best way to treat a male UTI is to see a health care provider. They will be able to diagnose the type and severity of the infection, prescribe medication and make informed recommendations for how to aid the treatment of the UTI (and possibly prevent them from happening in the future).

What happens if a male UTI goes untreated? 

Leaving a UTI untreated has major risks for a man’s health. If someone waits long enough, the bacteria in the urinary tract can spread into the kidneys, possibly causing kidney damage, infection and even a life-threatening blood infection — sepsis.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.