If you are like most people, you have had a UTI, or urinary tract infection. Caused by bacteria that invade and grows in the bladder and spreads into the urinary tract, these infections are not only painful but also dangerous if left untreated. Sexual intercourse, the use of vaginal lubricants, and the manner in which a woman wipes make urinary tract infections more common in women. However, men are also capable of developing these uncomfortable infections. With this guide and the help of your doctor, you will be able to learn the signs and treatment options if you are a man experiencing a urinary tract infection.

Signs and Symptoms

In some instances, you may have a UTI and even realize it. You may be at the doctor for a general checkup, submit a urine sample, and be diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. This is actually more common than people think.

Unfortunately, infections that are not diagnosed and treated will worsen over time. If you are experiencing one or more of the following signs, you most likely have a UTI that should be addressed immediately:

• Painful urination
• Burning sensation when urinating
• Increased need or urge to urinate
• Pain and discomfort in bladder area
• Traces of blood in your urine
• Swelling and redness around urinary opening of penis

Again, if the UTI is left untreated, the infection can spread into the kidneys. With a kidney infection, you will have the same above symptoms of a urinary tract infection, but they may be more severe. In addition, kidney infections can cause pain in your sides and back, fever, chills, and even nausea or vomiting.

Treating the infection is imperative since the bacteria may spread and enter the bloodstream. Once this happens, your body is at risk of blood poisoning, kidney disease, and permanent kidney damage that can be life-threatening.

Testing

You should schedule an appointment with your doctor at the first sign of a UTI since these infections can spread hard and fast.

Your doctor will ask what symptoms you are having and it is important to let them know each problem you are noticing.

A simple urine test will be ordered first in the doctor's office. If there are any traces of blood, bacteria, white blood cells, or red blood cells in the urine, you most likely have a serious urinary tract or kidney infection.

If the infection has spread into the kidneys, imaging tests, such as X-rays and CT scans, may be necessary to determine if the kidneys are enlarged or damaged in any way. If signs of damage are noted, ultrasounds and even biopsies may be ordered to determine if you have lost kidney function.

Treatment

If you are like many men, you will try and live with the pain or attempt to treat a UTI on your own. Unfortunately, this is definitely the wrong way to approach the condition. As stated above, an infection of the urinary tract can spread into a life-altering infection or disease of the kidneys, so you must listen to your doctor's orders when it comes to treatment.

Most doctors will prescribe a simple antibiotic medication to treat the infection. The dosage and amount of time you will need to take this medicine will depend on the severity of your infection.

A numbing medication will also be prescribed. This medication will numb the urethra and bladder, reducing the burning pain and any feelings of urgency you may be experiencing.

Make sure to drink plenty of water while you have the infection. The water will help flush bacteria out of your bladder and urethra, promoting a more efficient recovery.

Urinary tract infections may be common in women, but men will still develop this painful issue, so don't hesitate to visit a doctor at a clinic like Calverthealth if you think you have one.