Dandelion leaves have compounds that are anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Dandelion leaves can increase the body’s ability to produce urine. The chances of UTI in men increase when urine production decreases.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) in Men: Everything You Should Know
Males can get urinary tract infections, and they are typically classified as complicated infections. Symptoms may include urgency, frequency, and burning when you urinate.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria, often from the rectum or skin, enter and overgrow in the bladder, kidneys, or the tubes that drain urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Most UTIs can be cured easily with antibiotic drugs.
Language matters
In this article, we use “male and female” to refer to someone’s sex as determined by their chromosomes, and “men and women” when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language).
People often use the terms sex and gender interchangeably, but they have different meanings:
- “Sex” refers to the physical characteristics that differentiate male, female, and intersex bodies.
- “Gender” refers to a person’s identity and how they feel inside. Examples include man, woman, nonbinary, agender, bigender, genderfluid, pangender, and trans. A person’s gender identity may be different from the sex they were assigned at birth.
Females are 30 times more likely to get UTIs than males, according to the Office of Women’s Health (OASH). This is due to anatomy. People with vaginas typically have shorter urethras. This means the bacteria need to travel less distance to reach the bladder.
UTIs in males are more common with older age. One reason is that older males are more likely to develop noncancerous enlargement of their prostate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prostate wraps around the neck of the bladder, where the urethra connects to the bladder. Enlargement of the prostate gland can compress the bladder neck, making it harder for urine to flow freely. If the bladder does not empty completely, bacteria that are normally flushed out with the urine can gain a foothold.
The symptoms of a bladder infection include:
- painful urination and a burning sensation
- needing to urinate frequently
- sudden urge to empty your bladder, called urinary urgency
- pain in your central lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone
- blood in your urine
Certain symptoms in addition to those of a UTI could mean you have a prostate infection (prostatitis). These can include:
- fever
- chills
- fatigue
- difficulty urinating or “dribbling”
- pain in your pelvis
Most UTIs are caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli), which is naturally present in your body. The bacteria gets into the urinary tract through the urethra. The urethra is the tube that drains urine from your bladder through your penis.
Factors that can put you at greater risk for UTIs may include the following:
- a previous UTI
- long-term use of a urinary catheter
- being immobile for long periods
- not drinking enough fluids
- recent urinary tract or kidney surgery
- urinary tract blockages like kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
- diabetes
- being uncircumcised
- fecal incontinence
- engaging in anal intercourse, which can expose the urethra to more bacteria
To diagnose a UTI, a doctor will examine you and ask about symptoms, including any past history of UTIs. You will likely be asked to provide a urine sample to check for bacteria and white blood cells, which indicate that your body is fighting an infection.
Sometimes the doctor will perform a urine culture to get more information about the bacteria causing the infection. If you have had a UTI before, a doctor might also perform an ultrasound to check for abnormalities in your urinary tract.
UTIs are categorized into two categories, uncomplicated and complicated. An uncomplicated UTI affects the lower urinary tract and is also known as cystitis or a bladder infection. An uncomplicated UTI is treated with antibiotics, and people typically recover within 3 days to 6 weeks .
Anytime a person with a penis has a UTI it is considered complicated.
UTIs are considered complicated if they affect certain groups. This can include:
- people who have a penis
- pregnant people
- people who are immunocompromised
- older adults
- people who use catheters
- people who experience recurring UTIs
If you think you have a UTI, it’s best to make an appointment with a doctor. They will typically make a diagnosis you based on your urine sample. You also may have to get an ultrasound to check for any abnormalities in your urinary system.
If you have a UTI, you will likely need to take antibiotic medications. Depending on the type of antibiotic a doctor prescribes, you may take the medication for 10 to 14 days .
It’s also important to drink adequate fluids. You may be tempted to reduce your fluid intake if urinating is uncomfortable. But urinating can help flush the bacteria from your system. It important to stay hydrated if you have a UTI, including while taking antibiotics.
Many people drink cranberry juice when they have a UTI in hopes of clearing the infection. Lab experiments with mice showed that several substances in cranberry juice lowered the bacteria count in the bladder. This suggests that there may be some benefits to drinking cranberry juice for humans with UTIs. However, there is no strong evidence that drinking cranberry juice while you have a UTI eliminates the infection or speeds recovery.
Recovery
After starting antibiotics, you should feel noticeably better within 24 to 48 hours . If your symptoms don’t clear up after taking antibiotics, talk with a doctor.
It’s important to finish all antibiotics prescribed, even if you’re feeling better. Stopping your antibiotics prematurely can encourage the growth of bacteria resistant to common antibiotics. In effect, less than the full course of treatment kills off the “weak” bacteria, leaving them stronger and more resistant strains.
People with prostates may need to take a longer course antibiotics in case the infection has reached the prostate, according to the National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) .
If you think you have a UTI, you should seek medical attention right away. If left untreated, a UTI can spread from your lower to the upper urinary tract and cause a kidney infection like pyelonephritis.
Symptoms of a UTI that involves the kidneys can include:
- pain in your sides or back that doesn’t change when you change position
- fever and chills
- nausea and vomiting
- a burning sensation when you urinate
If you have a kidney infection and can take medication by mouth, a doctor will prescribe antibiotics. Some people, such as children or those with other health concerns or complications, may have to stay in the hospital for treatment.
If pyelonephritis or an upper urinary tract infection is left untreated, it can lead to sepsis. Sepsis is a life threatening condition.
Symptoms of sepsis can include :
- irregular or fast heart rate
- sudden changes in body temperature
- change in mental status
- fever and chills
- difficulty breathing
Sepsis can be caused by an infection in the urinary tract. Treatment for sepsis includes hospitalization, antibiotics, and fluids.
Emergency situation
Sepsis is a life threatening infection. If you believe you or someone else may have sepsis, seek immediate emergency medical attention or call your local emergency services.
Effective Ways to Get Rid of UTI in Men
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is an infection that occurs in the urethra or the bladder but can spread to the kidneys and ureters. Although this condition is more common in women, around 3% of men(1) suffer from UTIs, too.
The symptoms of UTI in men involve a strong urge to urinate, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, strong odor, trouble urinating, and a burning sensation while urinating. Kidney stones, enlarged prostate, and urethral stricture are common causes of UTI in men.
Procedures that involve the insertion of a tube in the urethra are also likely to cause UTI in men. While all of this sounds scary, most cases of UTIs can be treated using herbs and home remedies.
CURE 1: Home Remedies for UTI in Men
Home remedies are some of the excellent sources to treat UTI in men. They also help in alleviating related symptoms and enrich the treatment process.
1. Garlic
Garlic contains many sulfur compounds, including allicin that gives it the characteristic & strong smell. These compounds have also blessed garlic with antimicrobial properties.
Since bacteria in the urinary tract is the cause of UTI in men, the potent antibacterial properties of garlic make it the best home remedy for treating UTI infection in men.
How to Use It?
Garlic tea is one of the most potent treatments for UTI. You can make garlic tea by mashing two or three cloves of garlic and steeping them in hot water for five minutes. Try adding garlic to your dishes to enhance its impact on the UTI-causing bacteria.
How Much To Use?
You should try to drink garlic tea at least two times a day. You will only need two or three cloves of garlic for one cup of garlic tea. Try to incorporate garlic in as many dishes as you can.
2. Cranberry Juice
Apart from being an excellent repository of vitamin C and E and antioxidants, cranberries contain proanthocyanidin – a compound that creates a hostile environment for the bacteria that cause UTI in men. It inhibits the bacteria from attaching themselves to the urinary tract lining and stops the bacterial growth(2) in its tracks.
How to Use It?
If you have access to fresh cranberries, you can make cranberry juice by boiling the cranberries with some water and straining the mixture. If you live in an area where it is difficult to obtain fresh cranberries, you can either opt for boxed juice or make the juice using dried cranberries.
How Much To Use?
Ideally, you should consume at least two glasses of cranberry juice every day. You can make the juice in a large batch and store it in the refrigerator.
3. Probiotics
How do you fight a bacterial infection? With good bacteria! Probiotics are good bacteria that promote good health and prevent infections. Lactobacilli, which is a group of probiotics, is useful for treating UTI in men.
Similar to cranberry juice, probiotics also inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria(3) on the urinary tract lining. Additionally, they lower the pH of the urine and produce hydrogen peroxide, which is an antibacterial chemical.
How to Use It?
Yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and certain types of cheese are rich sources of lactobacilli. You can add yogurt and kefir to smoothies and salads and use cheese in pasta and sandwiches.
How Much To Use?
It’s worth mentioning that most sources of probiotics are also high on calories and fat. So exercise caution and limit yourself to a small bowl of yogurt in a day or a limited quantity of cheese.
CURE 2: Herbs for UTI in Men
1. Marshmallow Root
Marshmallow root has antibacterial properties that fight the signs of UTI in men. It can also reduce the inflammation in the urinary tract caused by the infection and relieve some of the irritation. Marshmallow root has a soothing effect on your bladder and is typically recommended for chronic bladder diseases.
How to Use It?
Marshmallow root tea is the best way to consume this herb for getting rid of UTI in men. You can make this tea by adding two teaspoons of dried marshmallow root powder to a cup of boiling water.
How Much To Use?
You will have to consume this tea around two to three times a day to get the best results.
2. Bearberry
Bearberry or uva ursi not only treat UTI in men, but it can also prevent the recurrence of the infection. Bearberry has antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory(4) properties. It is also a diuretic and urinary antiseptic.
How to Use It?
Bearberry leaves are used to make teas. Drinking bearberry tea is the best way to treat UTI in men. You can also consume the liquid extract of the bearberry fruit.
How Much To Use?
Despite its benefits, bearberry should not be used for a long duration. If you are consuming bearberry tea, then use one to three grams of bearberry powder and have this tea twice a day. You can safely drink one to four milliliters of the liquid extract twice a day. Bearberry should only be consumed for five days at a stretch.
3. Dandelion Leaf
Dandelion leaves have compounds that are anti-inflammatory and diuretic. Dandelion leaves can increase the body’s ability to produce urine. The chances of UTI in men increase when urine production decreases.
Dandelion leaves also help in preventing future UTI and related infections in men; therefore, they also prevent future infections. Dandelion leaf with bearberry is a potent treatment for UTI in men.
How to Use It?
You can add dandelion leaves to your salads or cook them to create a tasty side dish.
How Much To Use?
Dandelion leaves are safe to consume. But if this is your first time, start with a small quantity and slowly increase the amount.
No More UTI Infection in Men
UTI infection in men is an uncommon problem. But it is one that can be treated with natural ingredients. After all, natural ingredients are always a safer and cheaper treatment option. However, if the condition persists or continues to progress even after these treatments, then you should definitely consult a physician.
FAQs
1. How to treat UTI in men?
UTI in men can be treated using the home mentioned above remedies and herbs such as garlic, cranberry juice, bearberry, marshmallow root, etc. You can also use antibiotics for treating UTI in men.
2. Will a UTI go away on its own?
The infection will need some form of treatment, and the chances of it going away on its own are very less.
3. How long does a UTI last?
UTI in men will last for at least five to seven days.
4. Does UTI cause discharge in males?
UTI doesn’t usually cause discharge. However, in a few cases, the patient may observe blood in the urine.
5. Can drinking more water cure UTI?
Drinking more water alone is not a cure for UTI. It is a step in the right direction in treating UTI. It will act as a cure when combined with some other treatment as well.
About Us
Family Medicine
In 2024 our team of doctors and nurses provide a comprehensive range of family planning services. Our doctors have expertise in antenatal care, preconception planning, and STD checks. Contraceptive advice including Mirena and Implanon insertion is available.
- Early detection of illness;
- Family planning;
- Promotion of healthy lifestyle;
- Skin cancer checks;
- Sports injuries;
- Weight reduction;
- Workers compensation and third party.
Children's Health
Baby Weighing Service. Babies can be booked with our Nurse for weighing, a doctors appointment is not required to use this service. Contact reception for a appointment to have your baby weighed.
Immunisations. At Tuggeranong Square children's immunisation is regarded an important part of your childs health care. Our doctors take immunising children very seriously. and to ensure all children are immunised Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice doctors BULK BILL for all childhood immunisations. Tuggeranong Square Medical Practice also ensures the Practice Nursing Staff are highly trained in childhood immunisations.
Women's Health
Our practice is dedicated to treating a wide spectrum of women’s health concerns. We offer pre-natal, antenatal and postnatal care, contraceptive options, pap screening, and preventative health care advice. We provide assistance, advice and support through all stages of life, recognising the many issues many women may face from adolescence through to the peri and post-menopausal period.
- Cervical Screening tests;
- Reproductive health. Including Mirena and Implanon insertion;
- Shared antenatal care.
Men's Health
We encourage men to present routinely to their GP to discuss all aspects of their health. We provide comprehensive advice and support for men to address the prevention and management of various health conditions. This may include assessments for cardiovascular risk, diabetes, cancer prevention, mental health assessments, STD screening, sports injuries and the importance of sleep as it relates to other areas of health.
- Preventative Healthcare. Including cardiovascular screening, mental health and cancer checks;
- Prostate examination.
