10 UTI Symptoms In Men
Article Sources
- 1. Gargollo, Patricia. 'Bladder Infection in Men.' Mayo Clinic, 10 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/expert-answers/bladder-infection/faq-20058552.
- 2. 'Urinary Tract Infection.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 August 2019, www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/uti.html.
A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is an extremely uncomfortable infection that impacts the very system for which it is named. While various parts of the tract can be impacted, the most common area of infection is the bladder.2‘Urinary Tract Infection.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 August 2019, www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/uti.html. Because the symptoms mimic those of other conditions, people sometimes allow the condition to linger untreated, which can have long-term health impacts.
The way that a UTI manifests in men differs from women because of the biological differences in genitalia and internal systems. Knowledge of specific UTI symptoms in men can result in a positive health outcome.
1. Pain While Urinating
Pain while urinating is one of the most common symptoms of a UTI in men. Among the most common mistakes some men make when they feel this pain is attempting to stop the stream of urine to ward off the discomfort.
The best thing to do under these circumstances is to finish urinating, and then see a doctor as soon as possible. Treatment brings the infection under control and reduces the pain significantly. Left untreated, a UTI can progress to a much more serious health condition.
2. Frequent Urination
Frequent urination is another common symptom of a UTI in men. This is different from the kind of frequent urination that comes from consuming large amounts of water. Frequent urination associated with a UTI in men generally has no obvious reason.
While this can be a symptom of several conditions, a UTI is one of the first things a doctor may check for, since this is one of the telltale signs of this type of infection.
3. Bloody Urine
Bloody urine is another common symptom of a UTI in men.1Gargollo, Patricia. ‘Bladder Infection in Men.’ Mayo Clinic, 10 July 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cystitis/expert-answers/bladder-infection/faq-20058552. Many men panic when they see a bloody stream of urine coming from their penis, especially when it's accompanied by pain. However, this is common when an infection is present.
This is just another symptom that should compel those with a UTI to see a physician and start treatment to avoid the spread of infection to other areas of the body.
4. Cloudy Urine With Strong Odor
Some men are accustomed to a strong odor in their urine, depending on diet and lifestyle, but the smell of a UTI accompanied by cloudy urine is an indicator of infection.
Even if the urine is cloudy and the smell is not present, it's a sign that something may be amiss. This is especially true if there is no explanation for the change in urine color and means it's time to get tested by a physician.
5. Need to Urinate but Can't
Another common sign of a UTI in men is the need to urinate but an inability to do so. This is one of the more frustrating UTI symptoms in men, as they may stand at the toilet or urinal only able to squeeze out a drop or two of urine. Yet, the need to urinate remains, which can be uncomfortable and distressing.
There are few other conditions that have the same impact, which is why this one is a tell for a UTI in men.
6. Pressure in Groin Area
Pressure in the groin area is another UTI symptom in men.2‘Urinary Tract Infection.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 August 2019, www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/uti.html. Because the infection is causing the urinary tract to flare up and, for all intents and purposes, malfunction, pressure begins to build up in the groin area to alert the body that something is wrong.
Those with the condition may also feel pressure in the lower abdomen, depending on the extent of the infection. Generally, even if the person can urinate, the pressure isn't relieved, further indicating the need for treatment.
7. Fever
Anytime there's an infection somewhere in the body, fever is likely to be present, even if it is just a low-grade one. This is because an elevated body temperature is the body's way of saying that it's working harder to fight off the infection in question.
The combination of fever and issues with urination are clear indicators of a potential UTI in men, especially when accompanied by pain or discomfort.
8. Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain may be another UTI symptom in some men. Individuals who have never had issues with their kidneys might not realize that the back pain is due to a UTI.
Because the kidneys may be infected or inflamed as the infection is running its course through the urinary tract, those with the condition sometimes feel pain in their lower backs.2‘Urinary Tract Infection.’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 August 2019, www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/community/for-patients/common-illnesses/uti.html. This can sometimes result in a kidney infection, which is different from the average UTI.
9. Chills
Like fever, chills are another sign that the body is fighting an infection. The feeling associated with chills is one of coldness, even when the body is actually warm. Chills generally accompany fever as the body works to rid itself of the infection.
Chills can be a symptom of multiple different conditions. However, it's likely part of a UTI if accompanied by some of the other common signs of an infection in men.
10. Nausea
Nausea is another symptom of a UTI in men, although it's less common than some of the other symptoms. It may manifest if a UTI in the bladder ultimately extends to the kidneys.
If this happens and symptoms begin advancing to the point of nausea or vomiting, this may indicate that the infection is getting worse. At this point, treatment is necessary to keep the infection from spreading to other areas of the body.
