Bladder Infection Symptoms in Men: Signs and Care

What are the symptoms of a bladder infection in men?

The symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in men overlap with those in women: 1Ref 1National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (2023).Bladder Infection (Urinary Tract Infection—UTI) in Adults.Overview of UTI symptoms, diagnosis, and the distinction between simple and complex UTIs in adults

• Dysuria — a burning or stinging sensation during urination
• Frequency — needing to urinate more often than usual
• Urgency — a sudden, strong urge to urinate that is hard to delay
• Cloudy, dark, or strong-smelling urine
• Pelvic pressure or discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Low-grade fever in some cases

If the infection has spread beyond the bladder to the kidneys (pyelonephritis), symptoms can also include fever above 38.5°C (101.3°F), shaking chills, flank or back pain, nausea, and vomiting — a more urgent situation that needs prompt medical attention.

Why are UTIs less common in men?

The male anatomy makes ascending urinary tract infections less likely than in women. Men have a much longer urethra, and the prostate gland produces secretions that have some antibacterial properties. These structural differences mean bacteria have a harder time reaching the bladder.

As a result, when a man does develop a UTI, clinicians tend to investigate for an underlying cause rather than treating it as a simple uncomplicated infection. Common contributing factors in men include:

• Enlarged prostate (BPH) — incomplete bladder emptying allows bacteria to persist
• Urinary catheter use — catheters can introduce bacteria directly into the bladder
• Kidney or bladder stones — create pockets where bacteria can grow
• Urinary tract abnormalities present since birth or developed over time
• Recent urologic procedures
• Immunocompromised states — diabetes, HIV, or medications that suppress the immune system

In younger sexually active men, a UTI-like picture can also reflect a sexually transmitted infection (STI) such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, which can cause urethritis (inflammation of the urethra) with similar burning symptoms. 3Ref 3Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2021).Chlamydial Infections — STI Treatment Guidelines.Chlamydia and other STIs cause urethritis with urinary burning that can mimic a UTI in men; NAAT testing recommended

How is a UTI in men diagnosed and treated?

A clinician will typically order a urinalysis and urine culture. The culture identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and which antibiotics will work, which is especially important in men since they tend to have more complex infections.

Treatment is with antibiotics, but the choice of antibiotic and the duration of treatment in men is typically longer than the standard short course used for uncomplicated UTIs in women — often 7 to 14 days, depending on the situation and the presence of prostate involvement.

If there is any concern that the infection involves the prostate (prostatitis), treatment and follow-up are different from a bladder infection alone.

A primary care clinician at Gale can evaluate your symptoms, order the right tests, prescribe treatment, and refer you to a urologist if needed for further workup.

What about recurring UTIs in men?

Recurrent UTIs in men — two or more in a year — should prompt a closer look for a structural or functional cause. A urologist is often involved to evaluate the urinary tract with imaging and sometimes cystoscopy. Addressing the underlying cause (such as treating BPH or removing a stone) typically reduces the frequency of future infections. 2Ref 2Anger J, Lee U, Ackerman AL, et al. (2019).Recurrent Uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infections in Women: AUA/CUA/SUFU Guideline.Guideline context for recurrent UTI evaluation and the importance of investigating underlying causes