While more common in females, urinary tract infections can also affect males. Symptoms include a sudden urge to urinate, frequent urination, and a burning sensation when you urinate.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter your urinary tract. They are more common in males over age 60 years and are commonly treated with antibiotics.

Language matters

In this article, we use “male and female” to refer to someone’s sex as determined by their chromosomes, and “men and women” when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language).

Sex is determined by chromosomes, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus.

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when there is an overgrowth of bacteria in your bladder, kidneys, or ureters.

Your ureters are the tubes that drain urine from your kidneys into your bladder.

UTIs commonly happen when bacteria from your skin or rectum enter your urethra, which is the tube through which you pass urine. This leads to infection.

Treatment with antibiotics is effective for most UTIs.

Are there different types of UTIs?

There are two categories of UTI: uncomplicated and complicated.

UTIs that are considered uncomplicated typically affect healthy, non-pregnant females. With antibiotic treatment, uncomplicated UTIs typically resolve in 3 days to 6 weeks.

Complicated UTIs refer to urinary tract infections that affect the following groups:

  • people who have a penis
  • pregnant people
  • people who are immunocompromised
  • older adults
  • people who use catheters
  • people who experience recurring UTIs
  • people with a preexisting condition like diabetes or a neurological condition
  • people with anatomical abnormalities of the urinary tract

If you think you may have a UTI, it’s best to contact your doctor. They will typically make a diagnosis using a sample of your urine. However, they may also recommend an ultrasound to check for any abnormalities in your urinary system.

Females are at least four times more likely to experience UTIs than males.

People with vaginas typically have shorter urethras that are closer to the rectum. This makes it easier for bacteria to enter the urinary tract.

UTIs in males are more common with older age. One reason is that older males are more likely to develop noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, called benign prostatic hyperplasia.

The prostate wraps around the urethra where it connects to bladder. Because of this, an enlarged prostate can compress the bladder neck, restricting urine flow. If the bladder does not empty completely, bacteria that are normally flushed out with urine can gain a foothold.

Some UTI symptoms are similar in males and females, and can include:

  • pain or burning sensation during urination
  • frequent need to urinate
  • sudden urge to empty your bladder, called urinary urgency
  • pain in your central lower abdomen, just above the pubic bone
  • blood in your urine

Males may also experience:

  • slow urinary stream
  • a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
  • penile discharge
  • testicular pain
  • difficulty starting and maintaining urination

Symptoms of prostate infection (bacterial prostatitis)

If a UTI becomes acute, it can lead to a prostate infection in males. Signs you may have prostate infection include:

  • fever
  • chills
  • fatigue
  • difficulty urinating
  • pain in your pelvis

A UTI happens when a bacterium or virus enters your urinary tract through your urethra. For males, this is the tube that drains urine from your bladder through your penis.

Most UTIs in males are caused by the bacterium E. coli, which is naturally present in your body. This type of UTI is more likely in males ages 60 years and older.

While less common, UTI symptoms in males under the age of 35 years are more likely to be caused by a sexually transmitted infection (STI), like gonorrhea or chlamydia.

Factors that increase the risk of UTIs in males include:

  • urinary retention, such as from kidney stones or an enlarged prostate
  • being uncircumcised
  • age 60 years or over
  • long-term catheter use
  • diabetes
  • STIs

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will first perform a physical exam and ask about your:

  • UTI symptoms
  • history of urinary tract infections
  • sexual history

Your doctor will then collect a urine sample to check for bacteria and white blood cells, which indicate an infection. If an infection is present, they may send the sample to a lab to identify the bacteria.

If you have no signs of an enlarged prostate, your doctor may order additional tests to check for abnormalities in your urinary tract. These can include an ultrasound or CT scan.

Treatment for a UTI typically involves taking a course of antibiotics for 10 to 14 days. For people with prostates, this may be longer due to the additional risk of prostate infection.

After starting antibiotics, UTI symptoms usually improve within 24 to 48 hours.

Fluid intake

If urinating with a UTI is uncomfortable, you may be tempted to reduce your fluid intake.

However, drinking adequate fluids with a UTI can help flush harmful bacteria from your system.

Additionally, it’s important to stay hydrated while taking antibiotics.

A note about antibiotics

It’s important to finish all the antibiotics your doctor has prescribed, even if you’re feeling better.

Stopping your antibiotics prematurely can encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Talk with your doctor if you still have symptoms after taking antibiotics.

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If you suspect you have a UTI, seek immediate medical attention.

UTIs in males are generally considered complicated. This is because they are typically caused by factors like an enlarged prostate or other underlying issues.

Without treatment, a complicated UTI may lead to more serious complications.

Kidney infection (acute pyelonephritis)

If a UTI spreads to your upper urinary tract, it can potentially lead to a kidney infection.

In most cases, antibiotics are effective for kidney infections caused by a UTI. However, if the condition progresses, it may lead to more serious complications, like urosepsis or kidney failure.

Symptoms of a bacterial kidney infection due to a UTI include:

  • pain in your side or back that doesn’t go away when you change positions
  • fever and chills
  • nausea and vomiting
  • burning sensation when you urinate

Bacterial prostatitis

In some cases, an UTI can lead to a bacterial infection of the prostate gland, known as bacterial prostatitis.

Without treatment, bacterial prostatitis can become difficult to treat and may potentially be life threatening.

Symptoms of acute prostatitis include:

  • difficulty starting urination or inability to pass urine
  • cloudiness or blood in your urine
  • pain that occurs above the penis, below the scrotum, or in the rectum
  • flu-like symptoms, like muscle aches and weakness

Urosepsis

Sepsis is a life threatening condition. It occurs when your immune system has an extreme response to an infection, leading to organ damage.

In some cases, onset of sepsis can occur quickly, leading to severe illness in a short period of time.

Urosepsis refers to sepsis caused by infections of the urinary tract.

Symptoms of urosepsis can include:

  • irregular or fast heart rate
  • sudden changes in body temperature
  • change in mental status
  • fever and chills
  • difficulty breathing

Treatment for urosepsis typically involves a hospital stay, antibiotics, and intravenous fluids.

Sepsis in an emergency

Sepsis is a life threatening infection. If you or someone else may have sepsis, seek immediate emergency medical attention by calling 911 or your local emergency services.

The best thing you can do to prevent a UTI is to reduce the chance of bacteria entering your urinary tract.

Steps you can take to prevent a UTI include:

  • urinating when you feel the need instead of holding it in
  • drinking plenty of fluids
  • keeping your genital area clean and dry

With antibiotic treatment, most UTIs in males resolve in 14 to 21 days.

However, if you have complications like chronic bacterial prostatitis, treatment may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks.

How can you tell the difference between a UTI and bladder infection?

Bladder infections are a type of lower urinary tract infection. Without treatment, a bladder infection can spread to other parts of your urinary tract or kidneys. The symptoms of bladder infections and UTIs can be similar. Contact a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI.

Is it possible to treat a UTI at home without the use of antibiotics?

Antibiotics are the most effective treatment for UTIs. While some UTIs may resolve on their own, delaying treatment increases your risk of complications, like kidney infection or sepsis.

Are cranberries good for UTIs?

Cranberry juice and supplements are a popular home remedy for UTIs.

According to a 2024 review of studies, compounds in cranberry may improve UTI symptoms by inhibiting bacterial growth.

However, most of these studies involved female participants, and increased fluid intake with cranberry juice may be a factor. Because of this, more research is needed to confirm whether cranberries can help speed recovery in males.

UTIs occur when bacteria enter your urinary tract. They are more common in females than in males. However, older age, conditions that cause urinary retention, and diabetes can increase the risk of UTIs in males.

Contact your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of a UTI. They can perform an evaluation and recommend the best treatment for your condition.