Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are commonly perceived as a health issue primarily affecting women, but men are also susceptible to these infections. UTIs in men can manifest through a range of symptoms, including unusually frequent urination, an intense urge to urinate, discomfort or burning sensations during urination, and the need to awaken from sleep to pass urine. These infections are often caused by the accumulation of bacteria in parts of the urinary tract, such as the urethra, bladder, prostate, or kidneys.

The urinary system, comprising the urethra, bladder, ureters, and kidneys, can become infected, most frequently by Escherichia coli bacteria. Though these bacteria play a crucial role in maintaining digestive health, they can cause infections if they enter the urinary tract. UTIs can also result from other less common bacterial sources.

Contrary to popular belief, men, regardless of age, can experience UTIs. Men’s lower risk compared to women is due to their longer urethra, which requires bacteria to travel a greater distance to reach the bladder. Factors like being uncircumcised or engaging in anal sex can increase the risk of UTIs in men.

It’s a myth that men don’t get UTIs. While it’s true that the longer male urethra offers more resistance to bacterial invasion, UTIs can still occur. Cranberries have been noted for their ability to prevent UTIs, thanks to tannins that hinder E. coli bacteria from adhering to the bladder walls.

Symptoms such as blood in the urine and burning sensations during urination are indicative of UTIs. Understanding the causes, treatments, and self-care measures is essential for managing these infections. In some cases, medical imaging like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans may be necessary for diagnosis.

UTIs can affect different parts of the urinary tract, with the bladder and urethra being the most common sites. Infections in the kidneys, although less common, are more serious. UTIs can be triggered by various factors, including sexual activity and catheter use.

For more detailed information on urinary tract infections in men, you can visit Harvard Health, Harvard Health, Harvard Health, Stanford Scope Blog, Washington University Physicians, and Mayo Clinic.