UTI Symptoms in Men

UTIs in men are less common but can be serious. Learn the symptoms, causes, and how to get treated online.

How Common Are UTIs in Men

Urinary tract infections are far more common in women, but men are not immune. Roughly 12% of men will experience at least one UTI during their lifetime, and the incidence rises sharply after age 50. In younger men, UTIs are relatively rare because the longer male urethra creates a greater physical barrier against bacteria reaching the bladder.

The primary reason UTI risk increases with age in men is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate. As the prostate grows, it can obstruct the flow of urine and prevent the bladder from emptying completely. That retained urine becomes a breeding ground for bacteria. Other factors that raise the risk include catheter use, diabetes, kidney stones, and any structural abnormality in the urinary tract.

Because male UTIs are less common, providers often treat them as "complicated" infections that warrant a more thorough workup. If you are a man experiencing urinary symptoms, it is important to seek evaluation rather than assume the problem will resolve on its own. Men's health telehealth visits can help you get started with a same-day assessment.

Symptoms of a UTI in Men

UTI symptoms in men overlap with those in women but can also include signs that point to prostate involvement. The most common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection in men include:

• A frequent, urgent need to urinate, often with only small amounts of urine
• A burning or stinging sensation during urination (dysuria)
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain or pressure in the lower abdomen or pelvic region
• A weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination

If the infection involves the upper urinary tract or prostate, you may also experience fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in the lower back or flanks. Rectal pain or discomfort during ejaculation can indicate that the prostate gland is involved. These symptoms should prompt you to seek medical attention promptly.

Even mild symptoms deserve evaluation in men, because a UTI may signal an underlying condition such as a urethral stricture, prostate enlargement, or kidney stone. A provider can order a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria responsible and guide appropriate UTI treatment.

Causes and Risk Factors

The vast majority of UTIs are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), which normally lives in the gastrointestinal tract. In men, bacteria can enter the urinary tract through the urethra and ascend into the bladder. Any condition that impairs the normal flow of urine or weakens the immune system increases the likelihood of infection.

Key risk factors for UTIs in men include:

• Enlarged prostate (BPH): The most common cause in men over 50, leading to incomplete bladder emptying
• Urinary catheter use: Indwelling catheters provide a direct pathway for bacteria
• Kidney stones: Stones can obstruct urine flow and harbor bacteria
• Diabetes: Elevated blood sugar impairs immune function and promotes bacterial growth
• Sexual activity: Intercourse can introduce bacteria into the urethra, particularly with anal sex
• Urethral stricture: Scarring that narrows the urethra and impedes urine flow
• Immunosuppression: Conditions or medications that weaken the immune system

Men who have had prior urinary tract surgery, those with neurogenic bladder conditions, and uncircumcised men also carry a somewhat higher risk. Identifying the underlying cause is a key part of managing male UTIs and preventing recurrence.

UTI vs Prostatitis: Key Differences

UTIs and prostatitis share several symptoms, which often leads to confusion. Both can cause painful urination, urinary frequency, and pelvic discomfort. However, they are distinct conditions that require different treatment approaches. A standard UTI is an infection of the bladder or urethra, while prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate gland, which may or may not be caused by bacteria.

Acute bacterial prostatitis tends to present more dramatically than a simple UTI. Men with prostatitis often report deep pelvic or perineal pain (between the scrotum and rectum), pain during or after ejaculation, and difficulty sitting comfortably. Fever and chills are common with acute bacterial prostatitis and may be higher than what is typically seen with an uncomplicated bladder infection. Chronic prostatitis can cause persistent low-grade discomfort that waxes and wanes over weeks or months.

Accurate diagnosis matters because prostatitis usually requires a longer antibiotic course, often four to six weeks, compared to the seven to fourteen days typical for a male UTI. A provider will perform a urine culture and may also assess prostate tenderness on examination. If you are experiencing symptoms that could be either condition, a prostatitis evaluation can help determine the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

Treatment for Male UTIs

Male UTIs are typically treated with a course of oral antibiotics. Because infections in men are considered complicated by default, the treatment duration is usually longer than for women. A standard course runs seven to fourteen days, depending on the severity, the specific bacteria identified, and whether the prostate is involved.

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for male UTIs include trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (Bactrim), fluoroquinolones such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin, and nitrofurantoin for lower tract infections. Your provider will select the antibiotic based on local resistance patterns and, ideally, the results of a urine culture and sensitivity test. It is critical to complete the entire prescribed course even if symptoms improve within the first few days.

Alongside antibiotics, supportive measures can help ease symptoms. Drinking plenty of water helps flush bacteria from the urinary tract. Over-the-counter urinary analgesics containing phenazopyridine can temporarily relieve burning and urgency. If an underlying condition such as BPH or a kidney stone contributed to the infection, your provider may recommend additional treatment to address the root cause and reduce the risk of recurrence. Online UTI treatment through telehealth can get antibiotics prescribed and sent to your pharmacy the same day.

When to See a Provider

Any man experiencing urinary symptoms suggestive of a UTI should see a provider. Unlike in women, where uncomplicated UTIs are routine, a UTI in a man warrants clinical evaluation to rule out underlying structural or functional issues. Early treatment also prevents the infection from spreading to the kidneys or bloodstream.

Seek urgent or emergency care if you experience:

• High fever (above 101.3 degrees F) with chills or rigors
• Severe flank or back pain suggesting kidney involvement
• Nausea, vomiting, or inability to keep fluids down
• Blood in the urine that is heavy or persistent
• Symptoms that worsen despite being on antibiotics for 48 hours or more
• Confusion or altered mental status, particularly in older adults

For mild to moderate symptoms without alarm signs, a telehealth visit is a convenient and effective way to get evaluated. Your provider can review your symptoms, order a urine culture at a local lab if needed, and prescribe the appropriate antibiotic without a trip to the office.

Preventing UTIs in Men

While not all UTIs are preventable, several evidence-based strategies can meaningfully reduce your risk. Staying well hydrated is one of the simplest and most effective measures. Adequate fluid intake increases urine output, which helps flush bacteria out of the urinary tract before they can establish an infection.

Additional prevention tips for men include:

• Empty your bladder fully: Take your time when urinating and avoid rushing. Double voiding (urinating, waiting a moment, then trying again) can help if you have BPH.
• Urinate after sexual activity: This helps flush any bacteria that may have entered the urethra.
• Practice good hygiene: Keep the genital area clean and dry. Uncircumcised men should retract the foreskin and clean underneath regularly.
• Manage underlying conditions: Keeping blood sugar controlled if you have diabetes and treating prostate enlargement can both reduce UTI risk.
• Avoid unnecessary catheterization: If a catheter is needed, ensure it is removed as soon as medically appropriate.
• Limit bladder irritants: Caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods can irritate the bladder lining and worsen symptoms.

If you experience recurrent UTIs, your provider may recommend additional testing such as imaging of the urinary tract or a referral to a urologist. Addressing the root cause is the most reliable way to break the cycle. Schedule a UTI visit to discuss a personalized prevention plan.

Frequently Asked Questions