UTIs or urinary tract infections could look like only a “lady’s downside.” However the fact is that men can contract UTIs as nicely. Whereas males are much less more likely to get UTIs than girls, the an infection might be extra extreme after they do.
A number of the most common causes of UTI symptoms in men are sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Chlamydia and gonorrhoea are the most typical STIs and are simply handed on by way of unprotected sexual activity (together with vaginal, oral and anal intercourse). UTIs are attributable to different bugs, which aren’t generally sexually transmitted.
This text discusses UTIs in males, together with what they’re, what to search for, methods to deal with them and any underlying situations that could possibly be inflicting them.
What Is A UTI?
A urinary tract an infection (UTI) is a bacterial an infection that may happen wherever within the urinary tract, together with the urethra and bladder. UTIs are attributable to micro organism coming into the urinary tract by the urethra. UTIs are comparatively widespread, and women are more likely to experience them than men as a result of a girl’s urethra is shorter than a person’s, making it simpler for micro organism to journey from the surface world into the physique.
Nonetheless, males can nonetheless develop UTIs, particularly these with diabetes, a weakened immune system, or sure different situations. Therapy for a UTI sometimes includes antibiotics, and generally, the an infection will clear up inside per week.
What Are The Signs Of UTI In Males?
In males, the most typical symptom of UTI is a burning sensation throughout urination. UTIs can happen in males of any age, although they’re most common in men over 50 and males who use catheters.
The primary symptoms of UTI in men embody:
- Burning or stinging when peeing
- A powerful urge to urinate
- Cloudy or discoloured urine
- Abdomen or pelvic ache
- Again ache
- Feeling scorching or shivery
- A excessive temperature (fever)
In case you suppose you’ve got a UTI, you need to see a physician as quickly as attainable. If untreated, UTIs can result in critical bladder, kidney, and even blood infections (sepsis).
What If It is Not A UTI?
In case you’re experiencing the signs of a UTI, it is essential to see a physician to get the appropriate prognosis, as different situations could cause related signs. For instance, interstitial cystitis could cause pelvic ache and frequent urination. Nonetheless, in contrast to a UTI, it is not attributable to an an infection, and antibiotics won’t assist to deal with it. Likewise, kidney stones could cause ache and problem urinating and generally want surgical intervention. Total, STIs are probably the most widespread different causes for having signs of a UTI.
UTI VS STI?
Many individuals suppose that STIs and UTIs are two utterly various things, however there are literally a couple of STIs that trigger signs which can be similar to a UTI.
Maybe an important distinction between UTIs and STIs is {that a} UTI is an an infection attributable to non-sexually transmitted organisms like e.coli, which generally reside within the intestine and across the anus. Conversely, STIs are infections attributable to sexually transmitted organisms, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, which prefer to reside inside the genitals.
One thing to think about when attempting to determine when you have a UTI or an STI is that STIs are extra widespread, with greater than 1 million STIs acquired every day worldwide.
Indicators It’s Extra Possible To Be An STI
The obvious indication it’s extra more likely to be an STI is having had unprotected intercourse just lately!
Different indicators to search for embody:
- Discharge from the penis
- Genital rash, sores or itchiness
- Swollen glands across the groin space
- Testicular discomfort or ache
- Discoloured semen (yellow, inexperienced, brown or blood-tinged)
Indicators It’s Extra Possible To Be A UTI
- Peeing extra incessantly
- An increase in your urgency to pee
- Cloudy urine
- Decrease stomach ache
- Again or aspect ache
- Smelly urine
- Discoloured urine (darkish yellow, brown or crimson)
- A temperature
- Nausea or feeling usually unwell
In case you suppose you might need an STI or UTI, it is essential to see a physician for testing and therapy. Left untreated, each could cause critical well being issues. There are additionally at-home tests you can take to rule out STIs.
Can Males Cross On A UTI?
UTIs aren’t handed from individual to individual throughout intercourse in the identical method as STIs. So except you’ve got an STI, you don’t want to fret about passing on the an infection throughout body-to-body contact or sexual activity. Nonetheless, having stated that, sexual activity does enhance the chance of getting a UTI, as all that bumping and grinding can transfer micro organism from the again passage to the genitals, the place they will multiply and trigger a UTI.
Treating A UTI In Males
In case you suppose you might need a UTI, step one is to see your physician. They will affirm the prognosis with a urine check and prescribe antibiotics to deal with the an infection. They will additionally assist rule out attainable STIs. The earlier you begin therapy, the higher.
One other choice to rule out STIs is to get an at-home STI testing kit.
With immediate therapy, most UTIs clear up inside per week or two. Within the meantime, you are able to do a couple of issues to ease your signs. Drink loads of fluids, particularly water, to assist flush out the an infection. Keep away from caffeine and alcohol, which may irritate your urinary tract. And urinate if you really feel the necessity — holding it in can worsen your signs.
Take a look at your sexual well being from residence with our vary of at-home STI exams.
How Males Can Keep away from Getting UTIs
The excellent news is that males can take a couple of easy steps to scale back their danger of UTIs.
Some of the essential issues males can do is observe good hygiene. Males ought to urinate when wanted and never maintain pee for too lengthy. It is usually essential to empty the bladder completely after urinating. And go for showers as a substitute of baths.
Practising protected intercourse rules, particularly for males who’ve anal intercourse, is one other solution to cut back the chance of UTIs (and STIs, for that matter).
To be taught extra about STIs, testing kits, and general sexual well being, try Yoxly’s blog articles and pages.
