How Do I Know If I Have a UTI?

Have a UTI

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in women, but men can experience them too. UTIs will happen when bacteria infect the urinary tract. These infections often come from the skin or rectum and can occur anywhere along the male urinary tract, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. If you have a UTI, you may experience these common symptoms.

Common signs

If you are experiencing a UTI, you may be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:

  • Pain or burning while urinating
  • Frequent urination
  • Feeling the need to urinate despite having an empty bladder
  • Bloody urine
  • Pressure or cramping in the groin or lower abdomen

In some older men, the only symptoms may be:

  • fever
  • confusion

Types of urinary tract infection

Depending on which part of your urinary tract is infected, you may experience a more specific sign and symptom:

  • Kidneys: upper back and side pain, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea and vomiting
  • Bladder: pelvic pressure, lower abdomen discomfort, frequent or painful urination, and blood in the urine stream
  • Urethra: burning with urination and discharge

Risk factors

You can experience a UTI with or without any of the risk factors listed below. Though, having one or more of the following risks can increase your chances of getting a UTI:

  • Being sexually active
  • Changing sexual partners within the year
  • Health problems such as weak immune system, diabetes, kidney stones, or nervous system disease
  • Medical devices and procedures such as a urinary catheter
  • Medications such as antibiotics or SGLT2
  • Age, the risk for men goes up after the age of 40

How to reduce recurring UTIs

Sometimes a simple lifestyle change can make UTIs less likely to occur. If you are experiencing several UTIs, try some of these lifestyle changes:

  • Urinate before and after sex
  • Clean genital areas completely before and after sex.
  • Drink plenty of water to flush bacteria out of the bladder
  • Use the bathroom when you feel the urge, rather than holding it in

 

If you are experiencing UTIs with a condom or internal catheters, you may consider switching to Men’s Liberty. Men’s Liberty External Catheter is an alternative that will keep you dry 24/7. Call Men’s Liberty today, 1-800-814-3174 to discuss your options.

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