Urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms in men

For the purposes of this article, “men” refers to biological sex.

Health problems can often come out of nowhere, making normal routines harder than expected. One example is a urinary tract infection (UTI). UTIs are more common in women, but they can also occur in men. This article explains what UTIs are, how they can affect men, symptoms to watch for, and options for treatment and prevention.

In this article:

What is a UTI?

UTIs are common infections. About 60 percent of women and 10 percent of men will have a UTI at some point in their lifetime. UTIs happen when bacteria, usually from the skin or rectum, enter the urethra. From there the bacteria can spread through the urinary tract, which includes the bladder and kidneys.  

In most cases the infection starts in the bladder, but it can sometimes spread to the kidneys. Urination normally helps flush bacteria out of the body, but with a UTI the body can’t clear the harmful bacteria. Although symptoms can be uncomfortable, UTIs are usually easy to treat.

The different types of UTIs men can get

UTIs can occur at different points in the urinary tract. How the UTI is classified depends on where it is located:

• Bladder infection (cystitis). This type of UTI affects the bladder or lower urinary tract. Men under age 50 rarely get bladder infections.
• Chronic bacterial prostatitis. Prostatitis is often a painful condition that happens when the prostate becomes inflamed. Men who have lower urinary tract UTIs, recurring UTIs or UTIs that are hard to treat may be more likely to develop chronic bacterial prostatitis.
• Kidney infection (pyelonephritis). This is much less common than a bladder infection UTI, but it’s much more serious. It can affect one or both kidneys. UTIs that spread to the kidneys can also cause a perirenal abscess, which is a pocket of pus around one or both kidneys.
• Urethritis. This is an infection of the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.

Common UTI symptoms in men

UTI symptoms are often bladder related. These can include:

• Bloody, cloudy or foul-smelling urine
• Frequent or intense urges to urinate, even when little urine comes out or the bladder has already been emptied
• Pain or a burning sensation during urination
• Pain, pressure or cramping in the lower abdomen or back

If a UTI spreads to the kidneys, people may experience the following symptoms:

• Chills, shaking or night sweats
• Fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
• Fever above 101°F (38.3°C)
• Flushed, warm or reddened skin
• Mental changes or confusion
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain in the side, back or groin
• Severe abdominal pain 

What can cause a UTI in men?

There are several possible causes of UTIs, especially in older men. “Bacterial infections are the cause of most UTIs in men,” says Brennan Kruszewski, MD, an internal medicine physician. “These can be bacteria that translocate from the GI tract.”

Factors that can increase a man’s risk of developing a UTI include:

• Being sexually active
• Bowel incontinence or difficulty fully emptying the bladder
• Diabetes
• Long periods of immobility (such as recovering from a hip fracture)
• Older age (older adults are more likely to get UTIs)
• Poor hygiene or a condition (such as Alzheimer’s disease) that affects personal care
• Prior history of UTI
• Surgery or procedures involving the urinary tract, including use of a urinary catheter
• Conditions that block the flow of urine (such as enlarged prostate or kidney stones)

How health care providers diagnose UTIs in men

Kruszewski says that because “UTIs are less common in men and should prompt a search for an underlying cause… it’s important to see a doctor if you have UTI symptoms.”

To determine whether someone has a UTI, a health care provider may:

• Review the person’s medical history
• Perform a physical exam
• Order lab tests

What lab tests are used to diagnose a bladder infection?

There are a few different lab tests health care providers can use to diagnose a UTI.

Kruszewski explains, “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.”

Here’s a breakdown of what these involve:

• Urinalysis. This test looks for signs of infection, such as blood or white blood cells, in a urine sample. White blood cells are produced when the body is fighting a bacterial infection.
• Urine culture. This test helps identify the type of bacteria in the urine. The results can help determine whether antibiotics may be an effective treatment option.
• Blood tests. These tests are used to check for a more serious infection, such as a kidney infection. They can also help show how well the kidneys are functioning.
• Imaging and other tests. If someone has repeated bladder infections, a health care provider may use imaging tests to look for an underlying cause. In some cases, a cystoscopy (camera-equipped tube) may be performed to look inside the urethra and bladder. 

How UTIs in men are typically treated

Men shouldn’t ignore UTI symptoms or assume they’ll clear up on their own. “It’s important to seek care from a physician right away to find the cause and start the appropriate treatment,” Kruszewski explains.

In most cases, UTIs are treated with antibiotics prescribed by a health care provider. The specific antibiotic used depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

How long antibiotic treatment can last depends on several factors. These can include:

• How severe the infection is
• Whether infections keep coming back
• Whether someone has ongoing urinary tract problems
• Whether symptoms and the infection clear up

“In this way, male UTI is different from female UTI. They’re more likely to require extended courses of treatment and additional workup for structural causes of illness,” says Kruszewski. However, the exact length of treatment depends on the antibiotic prescribed.

What else can help relieve symptoms and support recovery?

One way to help speed up recovery and ease symptoms is to drink more fluids, especially water. Staying well hydrated can help support healing and flush bacteria out of the urinary tract.

Another helpful tip is to use a heating pad on the lower back or abdomen. Some people find that this can help ease bladder infection pain. A health care provider might also recommend over‑the‑counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, to manage discomfort.

What happens if a UTI in men is left untreated?

When diagnosed early and treated properly, most UTIs don’t cause complications. If left untreated, however, bladder infections can spread to one or both kidneys. Kidney infections are often very painful and can lead to serious health problems, including permanent kidney damage.

There’s rare chance that UTI can lead to sepsis, which is a life‑threatening reaction to an infection. The risk is higher among much older adults, as well as in people with weakened immune systems, such as those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or people receiving chemotherapy for cancer.

Ways men can help prevent UTIs

There are various steps men can take to support urinary tract health and help lower their risk of a UTI, including:

• Drinking enough fluids. Staying well hydrated, especially with water, helps support bladder health. Many people may aim for six to eight 8‑ounce glasses of fluid a day, with at least half coming from water — though this may be less if someone has certain conditions, such as kidney failure or heart disease. A health care professional can help determine how much fluid is appropriate for each person.
• Keeping bowels regular. Regular bowel movements support bladder health. Eating fiber‑rich foods such as fruits, lean proteins, nuts, vegetables and whole grains can help. Regular physical activity also plays a role in promoting healthy digestion.
• Going when the urge strikes. Holding urine for too long can weaken the bladder muscles and make it harder to fully empty the bladder. Urine left in the bladder can allow bacteria to grow, increasing the risk of a UTI.
• Practicing healthy bathroom habits. Taking enough time to fully empty the bladder and not rushing when urinating can help. Urinating after sex may help flush out bacteria that enter the urethra. Cleaning the genital area before and after sex can further reduce infection risk.
• Doing pelvic floor exercises. Pelvic floor exercises, also called Kegel exercises, help keep the pelvic muscles strong and support healthy bladder and bowel function. Both men and women can benefit from doing these exercises regularly.

When should someone see a health care provider for a UTI?

People should contact a health care provider if they have symptoms of a UTI. They should also seek care if they show signs of a possible kidney infection, such as:

• Fever and chills
• Pain in the back, side or groin
• Vomiting

Kidney infections may cause severe pain and serious health problems if not treated early. People should contact a health care provider if their UTI symptoms come back after antibiotic treatment ends.

Key takeaways

UTIs often start in the bladder. They can be frustrating, uncomfortable and easy to miss at first. While UTIs are more common in women, men can get them, too. Common symptoms include changes in how urine looks or smells, frequent urges to go and painful urination. Most UTIs clear up with prompt treatment, but infections that spread to the kidneys can be more serious. Catching symptoms early, seeking medical care and taking steps to support urinary tract health can help lower the risk of complications.