Urinary Tract Health | 6 min read
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are often thought of as a women's health issue—and for good reason, since they're far more common in women. But men get UTIs too, and when they do, there are important differences worth understanding. Male UTIs tend to happen at particular times of life and for particular reasons, and they more often signal an underlying issue that needs a doctor's attention. In this article, we'll explain why UTIs are more common in women, when men are most at risk, and how recognizing the early signs can help you act quickly.
Why UTIs are more common in women
The main reason comes down to anatomy. Women have a much shorter urethra than men, and the opening sits close to both the vagina and the anus. That gives bacteria—most often E. coli from the gut—a short trip to travel up to the bladder and facilitated with sexual activity. As a result, UTIs are one of the most common infections in women, and about half of women will have at least one in their lifetime.
Why men get UTIs less often
Men have some built-in advantages against UTIs. The male urethra is considerably longer, so bacteria have a much greater distance to travel to reach the bladder. In addition, prostatic fluid has natural antibacterial properties that help protect the urinary tract. Because of this, UTIs are relatively uncommon in younger men—so uncommon that a UTI in a young man is often investigated for an underlying cause.
When men are more at risk
Male UTIs become more common when there is outflow obstruction leading to higher residual volumes left in the bladder after peeing (micturition). Key risk factors include:
- An enlarged prostate (BPH). This is the leading cause in older men. An enlarged prostate can inhibit complete emptying of the bladder—leaving urine that lets bacteria grow.
- Prostatitis. Inflammation or infection of the prostate can cause UTIs and recurrent infections.
- Older age. Risk rises significantly in men over 50, largely due to prostate changes and other age-related factors.
- Urinary catheters. Catheters can introduce bacteria directly into the bladder and give them a surface to cling to.
- Urinary obstruction. Kidney stones or other blockages that impede urine flow raise the risk.
- Incomplete bladder emptying. Anything that prevents the bladder from fully draining leaves residual urine where bacteria can multiply.
- Diabetes or a weakened immune system. Both make infections more likely and potentially more serious.
- Being uncircumcised. Bacteria can accumulate under the foreskin, modestly increasing risk.
- Anal intercourse or certain sexual activity, which can introduce bacteria toward the urethra.
Because a UTI in a man is more likely to point to an underlying cause, men with UTI symptoms should generally be evaluated by a healthcare provider—both to treat the infection and to check for anything contributing to it.
Recognizing the early signs—and why acting early matters
UTI symptoms in men are similar to those in women and may include a burning sensation when urinating, a frequent or urgent need to go, cloudy or bloody urine, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Men may also notice difficulty urinating or a weak stream (often related to the prostate), or pain in the pelvis, perineum, or testicles. Fever, chills, and back or side pain suggest the infection may have spread and require urgent care.
Noticing these signs early is valuable. The bacteria that cause UTIs don't just float in the urine—given time, they can invade the lining of the bladder and form protective biofilms and hidden reservoirs that make infections more stubborn and prone to return. Catching a UTI at the very first symptoms opens a window to act—flushing the urinary tract with fluids, testing to confirm what's going on, and getting prompt treatment—before bacteria can dig in and establish those strongholds.
Acting early and getting care quickly
For those first-sign moments, having tools on hand can help you respond fast and relieve symptoms until you can see a doctor. The Cadence OTC UTI Emergency Relief Kit includes UTI test strips to check for signs of infection, phenazopyridine for fast relief of burning and urgency, methenamine, and a pH power flush drink mix with vitamin C, D-mannose, and cranberry extract (PACs) to slow the bacteria growth. UTIs in men usually warrant medical evaluation and prescription treatment. For convenience, the kit includes telehealth access—so you can connect with a licensed clinician and, when appropriate, have a prescription for antibiotics sent to any pharmacy, often within about 4 to 6 hours.
When to see a doctor
Given that male UTIs are more likely to be complicated, it's wise to consult a healthcare provider whenever UTI symptoms appear. It’s important to seek care right away if your symptoms are severe, if they persist for more than a day or two, or if they worsenand you will likely need antibiotics to clear the infection. Fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, or pain in your back or side can signal that the infection has reached the kidneys or prostate and needs prompt medical attention. Recurrent UTIs, or any blood in the urine, also warrant evaluation to identify and address the underlying cause.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.
References
1. Mayo Clinic. Urinary tract infection (UTI)—Symptoms and causes. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/urinary-tract-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20353447
2. Schaeffer AJ, Nicolle LE. Urinary Tract Infections in Older Men. N Engl J Med. 2016;374(6):562-571. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26863357/
3. Sabih A, Leslie SW. Complicated Urinary Tract Infections. StatPearls, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK436013/
4. Cleveland Clinic. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/9135-urinary-tract-infections
5. Flores-Mireles AL, Walker JN, Caparon M, Hultgren SJ. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2015;13(5):269-284. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25853778/
From the desk of
Dr. Sonia Bahlani
Pelvic pain specialist/ gynecologist
https://www.pelvicpaindoc.com/
