What is UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are considered as the most commonly diagnosed infectious diseases caused by bacteria. The urinary system is composed of the kidneys, bladder, ureters and urethra. The infection can attack any part of the urinary tract.

The urinary tract infection is divided into two types:

1. Lower urinary tract infection: include cystitis and urethritis.
2. Upper urinary tract infection: include pyelonephritis (kidney infection).

Urinary tract infection in men (UTIs in men), causes and risk factors

Urinary tract infections in men tends to be less common compare to women and this is due to the anatomical differences, because the length of the urethra is 20 cm in men in contrast with 5 cm in women.

At most of the cases a bacteria known as Escherichia coli is the cause of the infection, Most of these infections follow invasion of the urinary tract by the ascending route.

The risk of infection increases with age in men, specially those have impaired bladder emptying due to prostatic disease.

There are factors that increase the risk of infection in old people, including:

• • Immobility resulting in poor bladder emptying
• • Bladder outflow obstruction caused by prostatic hyperplasia or Kidney stones.
• • Bladder ischemia caused by urine retention
• • Constipation
• • abnormal narrowing of urethra

Symptoms of UTI in men

UTIs in men is usually asymptomatic, but if symptoms occur they may include:

• Frequency of micturition
• Urgent urination
• Painful urination (dysuria)
• Suprapubic pain
• Haematuria
• Strong odor of urine
• Cloudy urine
• Rectal pain

Treatment of UTIs in men

Usually the treatment is based on the pathogen causing the infection and this include the antibiotic medications. Most medications which is used to treat UTIs in men include:

• Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole
• Penicillin (amoxicillin, ampicillin)
• Fluoroquinolones (levofloxacin)
• Nitrofurantoin