Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in Men

Urinary tract infection in men occurs when bacteria invades the urinary system. Although it is an infection involving the urinary system, initially the germs affect the urethra and then move to the urinary tract. Gradually, over time, other organs of the urinary system, that include the bladder, kidneys, and prostate glands, are invaded by the bacteria.

Male Urinary Tract Infection

Lower UTI: When the bladder and the urethra are affected, it is termed as lower urinary tract infections. Intestinal bacteria are usually responsible for causing lower UTI in men. Infection of the urethra (urethritis) is the result of bacteria that passes through sexual contact. Invasion of harmful bacteria involving the prostate is referred to as prostratis, that causes severe pain while urinating.

Upper UTI: When the bacteria attacks the kidneys and the ureters, then it is termed as upper UTI in men. This infection is the result of bacteria moving up from the bladder and invading the kidneys. As we all know, kidneys filter the blood, and hence bacteria that travel in the blood stream may accumulate in the kidneys, which may also trigger UTI symptoms.

Symptoms
It is very essential to identify the symptoms of UTI in order to diagnose this infection. There have been few cases in which men suffering from urinary tract infection do not experience any symptoms. This may happen if the infection is not severe and is confined to one place. However, as the severity of the infection increases, the following symptoms are observed:

• Burning sensation during urination
• Frequent visits to the bathroom
• No satisfaction even after urination
• Weakness and fatigue
• Lower abdomen pain
• Smelly urine (it appears cloudy)

In case the germs have reached the kidneys, the symptoms may aggravate. The person is likely to experience nausea and bouts of vomiting. Another symptom that indicates that the kidneys are infected is fever, that increases if treatment is not taken.

Treatment
The most common remedy for urinary tract infection is the use of antibiotics. These medicines put up a stiff resistance against bacteria, and eventually take away the infection. This is the most common treatment and has been quite effective for years. Severe UTI is treated by administering antibiotics intravenously (with the use of a catheter) that requires hospitalization. For effective pain management, there are quite a few pain medications available, that include acetaminophen or ibuprofen. In addition to relieving the pain, these medicines also help to decrease the swelling associated with UTI. However, it is important to note that such medicines are only effective when they are used after consulting a well qualified doctor.

In most cases, a visit to the doctor is not needed as UTI goes away by following simple urinary tract infection home remedies. In case symptoms persist, timely treatment is a pre-requisite to get rid of UTI in men, within a few days.