Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a type of infection that affects any part of the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, prostate (in men), or kidneys. It is caused by a bacteria called Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the colon, the longest part of the large intestine.
In general, UTI is more common among women than men. In fact, women are 30 times more susceptible to the bacterial infection than men, as their urethra, which is the tube from the bladder to where the urine comes out of the body, is shorter than a man's, according to the Office on Women's Health. However, this is not to say that men cannot develop the condition. Speaking with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Gopal Rathi, Consultant Urologist, Manipal Hospital, Kharadi, Pune, discusses how men can also contract the condition and whether or not it can be transmitted to them by women during sexual activity.
Also Read: 5 Types Of People Most At Risk Of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
What Causes Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) In Men?
According to Dr Rathi, the risk of UTI in men rises with age, especially after 50, with several potential causes. These include:
- An enlarged prostate
- Kidney stones
- Structural defects in the urinary tract
Additionally, UTIs can also sometimes arise from diseases that are transmitted sexually, says Dr Rathi, adding that an infection in the bladder, prostate, or urethra is often referred to as a lower tract infection.
The most common type of UTI is a bladder infection. Another name for the condition is cystitis.
Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, is another kind of lower tract infection, according to the doctor, differentiating it from infections of the kidneys or ureters, which are upper tract infections. This includes pyelonephritis, which is a kidney infection that has progressed up the urinary tract.
Can Men Contract UTI From Women?
UTI is not a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) and therefore does not necessarily spread through sexual intercourse. However, Dr Rathi says that it's possible for men to contract a UTI from a woman during sexual intercourse.
He says, "UTIs in men are generally caused by bacteria already present in the body. However, sexual activity can introduce bacteria into the urethra, increasing the risk of infection."
Therefore, according to him, it is important to note that UTIs are more common in women due to anatomical differences.
Also Read: UTI May Go Away On Its Own But What Are The Risks Of Leaving It Untreated?
Symptoms Of UTI In Men
Here are some common symptoms of UTI in men:
- Frequent urges to pee
- Pain, burning, or discomfort while peeing
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Bedwetting
- Cloudy or smelly urine
- Blood in urine
- Fever
- Nausea
- Pain in the sides or upper back
Prevention Tips To Follow
To prevent UTI in men, it is important to maintain general health, remain hydrated, and use good hygiene, advises Dr Rathi.
He further advises effectively controlling ailments like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate to prevent UTI and shares that the condition can also be avoided with routine examinations and early detection of symptoms.
In addition, for men or women, maintaining good hygiene practices is crucial. This involves practising safe sexual practices, avoiding irritants in the genital area, and wiping after using the restroom from front to back.
One must also urinate after sexual intercourse to aid in the removal of microorganisms like bacteria, he notes.