Exploring What Causes UTI in Men: Studying the Factors
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be troublesome and uncomfortable for both men and women.
The signs and symptoms of UTIs in men are similar to those in women.
However, the causes of UTIs in men can vary, but they often stem from anatomical factors such as the proximity of the urethra to the anus and certain medical conditions like enlarged prostate or urethra structures.
Additionally, lifestyle factors like sexual activity and the use of urinary catheters can also lead to UTI in men.
Understanding these causes can help identify potential risk factors and guide preventive measures to reduce the occurrence of UTIs in men.
In this article, we will know what causes UTI in men, shedding light on the factors contributing to their occurrence.
Causes of UTI in men
By understanding what causes UTI in men, we can take steps toward effective prevention and management.
The following are the main causes that are responsible for UTIs in men.
Bacterial infections
UTIs can be caused by various bacteria, which have been discussed below:
Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria
The most common bacterium associated with UTIs is Escherichia coli (E. coli), which causes approximately 80% of UTIs.
These bacteria can reach the urethra and ascend into the bladder, causing infection.
Once attached, the bacteria can invade the cells of the urinary tract epithelium, leading to infection.
E. coli strains can also form biofilms, which provide a protective environment for bacterial survival and resistance to the immune system and antibiotics.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Klebsiella pneumoniae is a bacterium that commonly colonizes the gastrointestinal tract.
It can ascend the urinary tract, leading to UTIs, particularly in individuals with compromised immune systems or structural abnormalities.
Proteus mirabilis
Proteus mirabilis is known for its motility and ability to form Urease, an enzyme that hydrolyzes urea into ammonia and carbon dioxide.
This urease production leads to urine alkalization and increases the risk of stone formation, which can contribute to UTIs.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is another bacteria that can cause UTIs.
It primarily affects individuals with compromised immune systems or those undergoing long-term catheterization.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa is known for its intrinsic resistance to many antibiotics, making treatment challenging.
Enlarged prostate gland
The presence of an enlarged prostate gland, known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), can significantly contribute to the development of UTI in men.
As the prostate gland enlarges, it can compress and constrict the urethra, obstructing urine flow.
This obstruction leads to incomplete bladder emptying, resulting in urinary stagnation.
BPH can affect bladder function by impairing its ability to contract and empty properly.
The weakened bladder muscles may fail to expel urine, resulting in incomplete bladder emptying effectively.
Urine that remains in the bladder for prolonged periods provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth, increasing the risk of UTIs.
Kidney stones
Kidney stones are medically known as Nephrolithiasis.
Kidney stones can increase the risk of UTIs in various ways, such as:
Urinary tract obstruction
Large kidney stones or stones lodged in critical areas of the urinary tract can cause obstruction, preventing normal urine flow.
Obstructed urine flow can lead to urinary stasis, where urine pools behind the stone, increasing the risk of bacterial colonization and subsequent UTIs.
Irritation
Kidney stones, especially large ones, can irritate and damage the lining of the urinary tract.
This irritation creates vulnerable sites for bacteria to adhere to and initiate infections.
Urinary tract damage
Kidney stones can cause mechanical trauma to the urinary tract, including the ureters, bladder, and urethra.
This trauma can disrupt the standard defense mechanisms of the urinary tract, making it more susceptible to bacterial invasion and UTIs.
Urinary tract inflammation
Kidney stones can lead to inflammation in the urinary tract.
Inflammatory processes can compromise the integrity of the urinary tract lining, making it easier for bacteria to invade and cause UTIs.
Catheterization
Catheterization is a procedure involving using catheters to drain urine from the bladder.
It can be done using indwelling catheters or Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC).
Indwelling catheterization involves leaving a catheter in the urinary tract for an extended period, while intermittent catheterization involves inserting and removing a catheter as needed for emptying the bladder.
While both methods serve different purposes, they carry an increased risk of UTIs due to several factors,
Bacterial entry
Whether indwelling or intermittent, catheterization provides a direct way for bacteria to infect the urinary tract.
Bacteria from the surrounding environment or the catheter can ascend along the catheter and colonize the bladder, leading to UTIs.
Biofilm formation
Catheters can facilitate the formation of biofilms, which are communities of bacteria that adhere to the surface of the catheter.
These biofilms provide a protective environment for bacteria, protecting them from antibiotics and immune responses.
The presence of biofilms increases the risk of persistent and recurrent UTIs.
Urinary stasis
Indwelling catheters can disrupt the normal flow of urine and lead to bacterial colonization.
Stagnant urine provides an ideal environment for bacterial growth, allowing bacteria to multiply and increase the risk of UTIs.
In the case of CIC, incomplete emptying of the bladder can result in residual urine, promoting bacterial growth and UTI development.
Trauma and irritation
The presence of a catheter, whether indwelling or intermittent, can cause trauma and irritation to the urinary tract.
This trauma and irritation can lead to inflammation and increased susceptibility to bacterial infections.
Hygiene practices
Proper hygiene practices are crucial in reducing the risk of catheterization-associated UTIs.
Inadequate handwashing, improper catheter insertion, or insufficient catheter cleaning can introduce bacteria and contribute to UTI development.
Sexual hygiene
Various aspects of sexual activity, such as frequency, multiple sexual partners, and unprotected anal intercourse, can increase the risk of UTI development.
The reasons behind this association include the following.
Bacterial transmission
During sexual activity, bacteria from the genital or anal area can enter the urethra, leading to UTI development.
The bacteria commonly involved in UTIs, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), can be present in the genital region.
Intense or frequent sexual activity can increase the likelihood of bacteria being transferred to the urethra, resulting in a higher risk of UTIs.
Frequency
Repeated or vigorous sexual activity can cause minor trauma to the male urethra.
Frequent intercourse can make it more susceptible to bacterial invasion and subsequent UTIs.
Diabetes
Diabetes, particularly uncontrolled or poorly managed Diabetes, can significantly increase the risk of UTIs in men.
The following points elaborate on the relationship between Diabetes and UTI risk in men.
Weakened immune response
Diabetes can impair the immune system’s ability to fight off bacterial infections, including UTIs, in men.
Elevated blood sugar levels can compromise the functioning of immune cells, making men more susceptible to infections.
Glucose in urine
In Diabetes, elevated blood glucose levels can spill into the urine, leading to Glucosuria.
The presence of glucose in urine provides a favorable environment for bacterial growth.
Bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) can utilize glucose as a nutrient source, increasing the risk of UTIs in men.
Reduced bladder function
Diabetes can affect bladder function in men, leading to urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying.
Incomplete emptying increases the likelihood of bacterial colonization and UTI development.
Diabetes-related neuropathy, or nerve damage, can affect the nerves that control bladder function in men.
Nerve damage can disrupt regular bladder contractions and urinary flow, contributing to urinary stasis and increasing the risk of UTIs.
Conclusion
Understanding what causes UTIs in men is essential for effectively preventing and managing this common condition.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the main bacterium that causes UTIs in males among the several bacteria that can cause UTIs.
UTIs in men can be caused by conditions like kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, and Diabetes as well.
Additionally, men are more likely to get UTIs when using indwelling catheters with Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC).
Numerous sexual partners, frequent sex, and unprotected anal sex are also major factors.
By recognizing and understanding these causes, individuals and healthcare professionals can implement appropriate preventive measures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to men when they get a UTI?
The most common symptom of UTIs is in men experiencing a frequent urge to urinate. They also share a painful or burning sensation while urinating. Additional symptoms depend upon where your infection is located; some men may experience no symptoms.
What happens if men don’t treat UTIs?
An untreated UTI in your urethra can cause scarring, leading to stricture, which is a narrowing of your urethra that makes it more difficult to pass urine. Symptoms include spraying, decreased stream, pain, and the inability to empty your bladder fully.
How is a UTI transmitted?
UTI can be transmitted very easily. Bacteria in the genital and anal areas travel to the bladder through the urethra, which causes an infection. This may happen during sexual activity when bacteria from your partner’s genitals, anus, fingers, or sex toys get pushed into your urethra.
Can UTI cause bleeding?
UTIs can cause bleeding, making urine look red-brown or pink. With a UTI, you may have a strong urge to pee that lasts for a long time. You may experience pain and a burning sensation while peeing. Your urine may have a potent smell as well.
What foods are good for UTIs?
Try incorporating plain yogurt, pickles, and sauerkraut in your diet since they contain good bacteria that help combat infection—high-fiber foods. Foods high in fiber, such as bananas, beans, lentils, nuts, oats, and other whole grains, can help remove harmful bacteria from your body.
