UTIs in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Medically Reviewed by Zilpah Sheikh, MD on July 04, 2024
Written by Markham Heid, Shawna Seed
7 min read

Your urinary tract includes the parts of your body that make urine and carry it out of your body.

For men, those assigned male at birth, and anyone with a penis, these parts include your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. Ureters are the twin tubes that carry urine from your kidneys to your bladder. Your urethra is the single tube that carries urine from your bladder past your prostate and to the tip of your penis.

If unhealthy bacteria build up anywhere in your urinary tract, this can cause an infection.

Although urinary tract infections (UTIs) are much more common in women and those assigned female at birth, men also can get them. Younger men rarely get UTIs. They mostly affect men older than 50. About 12% of men will get a UTI at some point.

Doctors divide UTIs into two types:

Lower tract infections 

A lower tract infection is one that happens in the bladder, prostate, or urethra. The most common type of UTI is an infection of the bladder. That condition is also called cystitis. Another type of lower tract infection is urethritis — inflammation of the urethra.

Upper tract infections

An upper tract infection happens in the ureters or kidneys. One specific type is called pyelonephritis. That's an infection of your kidneys, usually one that has spread up your urinary tract.

Depending on the location of your UTI, you may have one or more of these symptoms:

  • Frequent bathroom trips
  • Feeling like you have to pee all the time
  • Pain, burning, or discomfort while peeing or just after
  • Pain or tenderness below your stomach
  • Wetting the bed
  • Cloudy or smelly urine
  • Blood in your urine
  • Fever
  • Nausea
  • Pain in the sides or upper back

Some men don’t have any symptoms at all.

Causes of UTIs in men include: 

S exually transmitted disease s (STDs).Chlamydia and gonorrhea are two STDs that can cause UTIs. STDs are also the most common cause of UTIs in younger men.

Prostate problems . An enlarged prostate (BPH) 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 . This infection of the prostate shares many of the same symptoms as UTIs.

Diabetes . This condition and other medical issues that affect your immune system can also make you more likely to get a UTI.

Kidney stones. When you have kidney stones, the blockage can cause urine to build up in your bladder. That increases the chance of a UTI.

Catheter use. Catheters, which are thin tubes inserted into the bladder, allow people who can't urinate on their own to empty their bladders. You might have one in the hospital because you're paralyzed, or because you have a neurological condition that affects your ability to urinate. These tubes also raise your risk of a UTI.

Recent procedures. If you've had surgery recently on your urinary tract, that increases the risk of a UTI. An exam of your urinary system using medical instruments also poses a risk.

Dehydration. If your body isn't getting enough fluids, your pee becomes more concentrated and you might go less frequently. That can create the conditions for a UTI.

Previous UTIs. Some research indicates that when you have a UTI, your immune system's response to the infection may cause long-lasting inflammation, which increases the odds of another UTI in the future.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms. They will also ask about your sexual history because sex can raise your risk for a UTI.

Urine tests can confirm whether you have a UTI. If your doctor thinks the problem might be related to your prostate, you may get a prostate exam. Rarely, you may also need to get an X-ray or ultrasound so your doctor can get a better look at your urinary tract.

Doctors usually treat UTIs with antibiotics you take by mouth. Your doctor will probably choose an antibiotic based on the likely source (such as your bladder) and the bacteria that most commonly cause your UTI. You’ll probably start taking those antibiotics before you get the results of your urine test. (Your doctor may change the prescription if the test shows that the bacteria causing your UTI aren’t targeted by your first antibiotic.)

If you have a lower urinary tract infection, you’ll probably need antibiotics for a week or less. If you have an upper tract infection, you may need to take antibiotics for up to 2 weeks.

In rare and severe cases, you may need to take antibiotics by IV in a hospital.

If you have a UTI, there are steps you can take at home that might ease your symptoms:

Hydrate. Getting plenty of fluids can help flush bacteria from your system. Focus on drinking water, not things with sugar and caffeine.

Go frequently. Peeing can also help flush out your system. Go to the bathroom whenever you feel the urge. Don't hold your urine.

Up your vitamin C intake. Vitamin C makes your urine more acidic, which inhibits the growth of bacteria. You can take a supplement or load up on foods rich in vitamin C.

Watch your diet. Spicy foods, sugary treats, and carbonated drinks can irritate your bladder. Avoid them.

Use heat. A heating pad or warm bath may ease the pain in your back or stomach.

Try baking soda. Drinking a glass of water with a teaspoon of baking soda dissolved in it can make your pee more acidic.

Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines. There are a few OTC medicines designed to ease symptoms of UTIs. Research suggests that a drug called phenazopyridine can make you more comfortable. Another type of OTC medicine is a combination of two drugs, methenamine and sodium salicylate. It's approved by the FDA to treat pain and burning caused by UTIs. The research is limited, but there's some evidence that it might help older people avoid recurring UTIs. You also could try acetaminophen or ibuprofen instead. These drugs won't cure a UTI — only antibiotics can do that. But they might make you more comfortable.

Cranberry juice and UTI

One of the most well-known home remedies for UTI is cranberry — either the fruit itself, juice, or supplement capsules. But does it work?  One large review of studies on UTIs and cranberries concluded there wasn't enough evidence to recommend drinking cranberry juice instead of plain water when you have a UTI. However, if you want to try cranberry juice, it's unlikely to cause harm.

If untreated, a lower urinary tract infection can spread to your kidneys. Doctors can usually treat kidney infections. In rare cases, an untreated kidney infection can lead to chronic kidney disease or kidney failure. A kidney infection can be serious because it could cause sepsis (an infection in the bloodstream). If that happens and you feel very sick, you may need to be treated in a hospital.

You can’t prevent all UTIs, but you can help make them less likely. Wearing a condom during sex can protect you from STDs, which can lower your risk for a UTI. Treating prostate problems can also lower your risks.

Other steps to take include: 

  • Stay hydrated.
  • Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom.
  • Empty your bladder frequently. Holding urine can encourage bacterial growth.
  • Try loose-fitting clothing and cotton underwear if you have frequent UTIs.

If you're a man, assigned male at birth, or have a penis, your risk of getting a urinary tract infection is lower. But UTIs can still affect you, especially if you're 50 or older. Diabetes, prostate problems, and kidney stones are just a few of the underlying conditions that can raise the likelihood of a UTI. If you have symptoms, such as burning or pain when you pee, needing to pee frequently, or pain in your stomach or back, contact your doctor. UTIs generally clear up quickly with antibiotics.

What's the most common cause of urinary tract infections in men?

If you're younger than 50, the most common cause is a sexually transmitted disease. If you're older than 50, problems with your prostate are among the causes. 

How do you tell if a man has a urinary tract infection?

A frequent or urgent need to pee and pain or burning when you pee are among the most common symptoms.

How can a male get rid of a urinary tract infection?

If you have a UTI, your doctor will probably prescribe an antibiotic. Be sure to take all the medicine as directed, even if you start to feel better. 

How do men get UTIs without STDs?

Prostate problems, kidney stones, and structural issues with your urinary tract can all lead to UTIs.