What Are The Risk Factors Of A Kidney Infection
As mentioned above, women are more likely to get a kidney infection than men. In fact, its estimated that women are six times more likely to get an infection than men â because their urethras are shorter, its easier for bacteria to get to the kidneys .
In addition to gender, according to Mayo Clinic, there are a handful of factors that may increase your risk of a kidney infection, including:
- Having a weakened immune system
- Having a blockage in the kidneys such as a kidney stone
- Being sexually active
You Can Get A Uti From Having Sex
There is a clear link between UTIs and sex. For many people, having sex causes UTIs to occur over and over again. Data shows that UTI symptoms most often begin about 2 days after having sexual intercourse.
Sex can cause a UTI. This is because the friction involved in sexual activity pushes bacteria toward the urethra. Anything that allows or encourages bacteria to enter the urinary tract increases the risk of UTI.
UTIs should be treated to keep them from getting worse. This usually requires a prescription for antibiotics. Since going to see your healthcare provider every time you have sex isnt a reasonable option for many people, its helpful to think ahead. There are things you can do to prevent a UTI before it starts.
What Is Bladder Infection
Bladder infection in men is also known as cystitis. The bladder is a container that stores the urine made by the kidneys. The urine passes from the bladder through the urethra to the outside of the body.
The term cystitis refers to an inflammation of your urinary bladder. It can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection and may be short-term or chronic.
This article will explain what are the causes of bladder infection in men, what are the symptoms of cystitis, and what are its treatments.
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Myth: You Can Only Get A Uti From Sex
Fact: A key difference between UTIs in men and women is that women are much likelier to contract UTIs from sex for anatomical reasons. Women have much shorter urethras than men, so sex is likelier to introduce bacteria into a womans urinary tract. Though not impossible, men are at much lower risk of getting a UTI from sex.
Key Points About Utis

See other pages for UTIs in pregnancy, UTIs in women, and UTIs in children.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Uti In Males
The most common symptom of UTI is painful urination. Other symptoms depend on where the UTI has developed.
Doctors classify UTIs into two types depending on the location:
- Upper UTI: Infection of the urethra, bladder, or ureter
- Lower UTI: infection of the kidney
Upper UTI symptoms may include:
- Pain in the loins
Lower UTI symptoms may include:
- Pain and burning when passing urine
- Increased frequency of passing urine
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Cloudy, bloody or smelly urine
Some men may not have any symptoms at all. Older men may develop confusion or a general feeling of being unwell.
How Is Urinary Tract Infection In Men Treated
The treatment of Urinary Tract Infection in Men depends on many factors including the:
- Location of infection
- Species of bacteria causing the infection
Common treatments for UTIs in Men include:
- Oral or IV antibiotics to specifically target the bacteria causing the infection, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and ciprofloxacin
- Surgery to repair twisting of the epididymis, if necessary
- Surgery to repair damaged portions of the kidneys: Congenital or acquired conditions of the kidney can cause abnormal kidney structure that can lead to increased risk for developing infection
Some infections are known to be self-limiting and get better without any treatment.
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Uti Causes And Risk Factors
The most common cause of a UTI in the urethra is a sexually transmitted disease. Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two STDs that can cause a UTI. STDs are also the most common cause of UTIs in younger men.
Prostate problems can also cause UTIs. An enlarged prostate is common in older men and can block the flow of urine. This can increase the odds that bacteria will build up and cause a UTI.
Prostatitis, which is an infection of the prostate, shares many of the same symptoms as UTIs.
Diabetes and other medical issues that affect your immune system can also make you more likely to get a UTI.
Myth: Utis Are Nothing To Worry About
Fact: Though painful and uncomfortable, you may think of UTIs as a minor, temporary condition. UTIs can go away on their own or be treated with a course of antibiotics, and though you should never ignore them, most are not cause for alarm. However, UTIs can cause serious complications, including for men.
Men are likelier than women to get UTIs from bacteria that is already present in their body, which poses a risk of the infection spreading. Some complicated UTIs can even cause kidney damage. If you have chronic UTIs, men risk the narrowing of their urethra which can create problems with urinating, in turn increasing your risk of further UTIs.
If you have symptoms of a UTI, including painful urination and cloudy urine, it is important to get checked as soon as possible. So make an appointment with Drs. Herman, Kester, and the Urology Center of Florida today for treatment and relief.
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Pristyn Care Offers Smooth Treatment Experience
Our doctors at Pristyn Care are highly experienced to treat numerous males problems including UTIs. There are many Pristyn Care clinics, to visit the one nearby you, you have to just simply book your online appointment. We ensure that you receive the best treatment without any discomfort and get rid of problems fast.
So, put an end to your miseries of UTIs and visit us without any more delay.
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How Can You Reduce The Risk Of Developing A Bladder Infection
There are several things you can do to minimize your risk of developing a bladder infection:
- Wipe from front to back after having a bowel motion so your urethra is not contaminated
- Urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse
- Make sure your genital area is clean before and after sexual intercourse or activity
- Take your medications for diabetes as directed
- Eat a healthy diet and limiting sugar.
UTIs are not contagious nor sexually transmitted that is you cannot catch them from another person.
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Risk Factors For Developing Utis
Some people are at greater risk than others of developing UTIs. These include:
- women sexually active women are vulnerable, in part because the urethra is only four centimetres long and bacteria have only this short distance to travel from the outside to the inside of the bladder
- people with urinary catheters such as people who are critically ill, who cant empty their own bladder
- people with diabetes changes to the immune system make a person with diabetes more vulnerable to infection
- men with prostate problems such as an enlarged prostate gland that can cause the bladder to only partially empty
- babies especially those born with physical problems of the urinary system.
Causes Of Utis In Men

As we mentioned, UTIs happen when bacteria get into the urinary system. Normally the one-way flow of urine out of the body helps prevent this from happening. Additionally, fluid from the prostate has antibacterial properties. If you have a prostate, this can help to prevent UTIs.
Sometimes, though, bacteria do find a way in.
Here are some conditions that can make a man more likely to get a UTI, regardless of what types of reproductive organs they have.
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Following Hygienic Sexual Habits
Hygienic sexual habits certainly save you from terrible urinary tract infection. Men should more proactively maintain the hygiene of their private parts. This is because bacteria tend to grow rapidly under the foreskin of the penis if you do not maintain proper hygiene.
Here are a few tips you can follow:
-Pass urine before and after sexual intercourse.-Always use protection while having sex.-Properly wash your intimate area, especially the foreskin of the penis.-Make sure that your partner does not have any UTI.-Never use the same condom for vaginal and anal sex.
These hygiene practices will limit the chances of transmission of infections through sexual intercourse.
What Are The Risk Factors For Urinary Tract Infection In Men
The risk factors for developing Urinary Tract Infections in Men include:
- Age: Men over the age of 50 years are at an increased risk of developing UTI, generally due to enlargement of the prostate gland
- Blockages in the urinary tract, such as caused by kidney stones, which impair the flow of urine
- Uncircumcised males have a higher risk for UTI than circumcised males
- Sexual intercourse with infected individuals can result in the spread of pathogen from one individual to another anal sex
- Urinary bladder catheter placement can disrupt the normal flow of urine, which help wash away the microbes. A urinary bladder catheter is usually used for various medical conditions to facilitate urine outflow
- Weakened immune system due to the use of certain medications or the presence of HIV
- Having poorly-controlled diabetes
- Congenital and acquired structural abnormalities of the kidney and urinary bladder
It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.
Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.
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How To Feel Better
If your healthcare professional prescribes you antibiotics:
- Take antibiotics exactly as your healthcare professional tells you.
- Do not share your antibiotics with others.
- Do not save antibiotics for later. Talk to your healthcare professional about safely discarding leftover antibiotics.
Drink plenty of water or other fluids. Your healthcare professional might also recommend medicine to help lessen the pain or discomfort. Talk with your healthcare professional if you have any questions about your antibiotics.
How Can I Take Care Of Myself
- Follow your healthcare provider’s treatment. Take all of the antibiotic that your healthcare provider prescribes, even when you feel better. Do not take medicine left over from previous prescriptions.
- Drink more fluids, especially water, to help flush bacteria from your system.
- If you have a fever:
- Take aspirin or acetaminophen to control the fever. Check with your healthcare provider before you give any medicine that contains aspirin or salicylates to a child or teen. This includes medicines like baby aspirin, some cold medicines, and Pepto Bismol. Children and teens who take aspirin are at risk for a serious illness called Reye’s syndrome.
- Keep a daily record of your temperature.
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Seek Medical Attention For Utis
It is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have a UTI particularly if you think you may have a bladder or kidney infection, both of which are very serious conditions. Early treatment of urinary infection can help to prevent infection spreading to the bladder or kidneys.
Your doctor will test your urine to check which micro-organism is present. Urinary tract infections usually respond quickly and well to antibiotics.
What Are The Signs & Symptoms Of Utis
UTIs can cause such signs as:
- pain, burning, or a stinging sensation when peeing
- an increased urge or more frequent need to pee
- fever
- waking up at night a lot to go to the bathroom
- belly pain in the area of the bladder
- foul-smelling pee that may look cloudy or contain blood
If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you’ll need to go to a doctor right away. The sooner you begin treatment, the less uncomfortable you’ll be. Call your doctor’s office or clinic. If you can’t reach your doctor, you can visit an urgent care center or hospital emergency room. The most important thing is to take action as soon as possible.
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How Is Cystitis In Men Diagnosed
There are a few tests your doctor will use to diagnose cystitis, including:
- Urinalysis. Youll provide a small sample of urine thats sent to a lab to test it for infectious bacteria. This may also involve a bacterial culture to figure out what kind of bacteria is causing the infection.
- Cystoscopy. Cystoscopy involves insertinga long, thin, tube-shaped tool with a tiny camera and light at the end into your urethra and up to your bladder. This allows your doctor to check for signs of inflammation or infection. They may also collect a tissue sample in the process if youve had cystitis multiple times.
- Imaging. If youre experiencing cystitis symptoms but dont show any signs of an infection, your doctor may recommend an ultrasound or X-ray. These allow your doctor to look at the tissues and structures around your bladder to see if any other condition is causing your bladder symptoms, such as a growth of some kind.
What Are Utis And Who Should Care

UTIs are infections of the urinary tract. The urinary tract is the system that creates, collects, and gets rid of urine from your body. When bacteria enter the urinary system and find a place to grow, this is called a UTI.
Your urinary tract begins with your kidneys, which create urine. A pair of tubes called ureters carry urine from your kidneys down into your bladder. Urine is held in your bladder until you are ready to empty it. When you go to the bathroom, urine comes out through your urethra, which is the tube that connects your bladder to the outside.
Infections of the kidney, called pyelonephritis, can be quite serious. Bladder infections, called cystitis, are the most common type of UTI. Usually, when people talk about a UTI, they are talking about a bladder infection.
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What To Do When Home Remedies Do Not Provide Permanent Relief
If the home remedies fail to bring you the desired results or the UTI flares up again, do not take it casually. Be very proactive and consult a specialist doctor for proper diagnosis and medications.Complete the course of antibiotics that your doctor prescribes and go for timely follow-ups until you are absolutely fine.
What Are The Symptoms Of A Uti
If you have any symptoms of a UTI, you should see a doctor. Your symptoms could mean that you have a UTI or another condition, eg, a sexually transmitted infection STI, prostatitis or pyelonephritis.Symptoms of a UTI include:
- pain or burning during or immediately after peeing
- needing to pee more often than usual during the night
- pain in your lower tummy
- feeling the need to pee more often
- needing to pee without much warning
- suprapubic pain
- recent antibiotic use
- urine that smells bad or looks cloudy or reddish.
Older men may have no symptoms or fever. Often the only symptoms are being more muddled, sleepier, incontinent, off food, or just generally unwell. Confusion and sleepiness can put older adults at risk of falls.
These symptoms suggest a kidney infection , which can be serious if it’s not treated quickly. |
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What Are The Causes Of Utis In Men
Men are more likely to get UTIs than women. Not only this, men can suffer from a chronic form of UTI that can be particularly difficult to treat.
The lower the kidney function and urine output, the higher the risk of infections. If you have had a kidney transplant, it is important to avoid any medication that contains nitrates. The two main risk factors for men include:
1) Being uncircumcised
2) Having sex with multiple partners
Men Can Get Urinary Tract Infections
Robert, a retired 86-year-old man, was outside gardening when he noticed pain in his lower abdomen and throughout the day, he had difficulty urinating. When he asked his wife about the symptoms, she suggested he might have a urinary tract infection. “I can’t have a UTI,” he said. “Men don’t get UTIs!”
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