While we usually think about urinary tract infections or UTIs when it comes to women’s health, the truth is that men are susceptible to these painful, and sometimes even dangerous, bacterial conditions as well.
In fact, 12% of men will be affected by a UTI — a problem that can become chronic.
And some men are more susceptible than others, leaving them open to the extreme pain, bleeding and sepsis these infections can cause.
Here are the six most common causes behind this increased susceptibility…
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6 ways men get UTIs
#1 – BPH
Benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH, is one of the leading causes of UTIs in men.
That’s because when the prostate enlarges, it compresses the urethra, blocking the flow of urine. This can increase the chances of bacteria building up and lead to a UTI.
#2 – Kidney stones
As with BPH, kidney stones can cause a blockage in the urinary tract that leads to a buildup of urine in the bladder. When this happens, bacteria can multiply and take over, resulting in a UTI.
Additionally, as kidney stones pass through the tiny tubes of the urinary tract, they scrape and irritate the sides, leaving a pathway open for those bad bacteria.
#3 – Diabetes
Because diabetes can negatively affect your immune system, it can leave you open to a wide variety of infections, including UTIs.
Research has also revealed that the high blood glucose levels associated with diabetes result in a decrease in psoriasin, an important natural antibiotic that protects against urinary tract infections.
#4 – Age
Like with many medical conditions, UTIs become more common in men with age. In fact, while younger men rarely experience a UTI, men older than 50 tend to get more infections.
This can be due to the increased likelihood of prostate enlargement, which prevents full emptying of the bladder. Other issues that are more likely to be seen with age that can cause problems with bladder emptying may include nerve damage from stroke or injury to the spine.
#5 – Medical procedures/catheter use
Surgeries or exams of the urinary tract can also increase a man’s chances of suffering a UTI.
Catheters, which are thin tubes inserted into the urethra to reach the bladder to assist emptying it in people who can’t urinate on their own, are another known UTI risk.
#6 – Anatomical abnormalities
Structural deformities of the urinary tract, including abnormal narrowing, can prevent urine from leaving the body normally and lead to bacterial growth.
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6 steps to avoid UTIs
The good news is that while these six issues can make men more likely to end up with a painful UTI, there are easy steps that can be taken to prevent these bacterial takeovers.
The first is to empty the bladder often. After all, as urine builds up, so can bacteria.
Next, be sure to drink plenty of liquids, especially water.
It’s also wise to avoid bladder irritants when possible, like sugary foods and carbonated or caffeinated drinks.
I also recommend taking D-mannose and probiotics regularly to keep UTIs at bay.
D-mannose is a natural fruit sugar that helps prevent certain bacteria from sticking to the walls of the urinary tract. And it’s been shown to be effective at keeping recurrent UTIs at bay.
And of course, probiotics are beneficial bacteria that help keep your body’s microbiome in balance to prevent bad bacteria from taking over your urinary tract.
Finally, don’t throw out the old wisdom for the new…
Cranberries are still a great, natural option for UTI prevention and are now research-backed.
Studies have shown that cranberry products (like juices and supplements) are linked to a lower risk of recurring UTIs. And they’ve proven that the polyphenols in cranberries work by keeping E. coli (the bacteria behind most UTIs) from sticking to the urinary tract lining.
Sources:
Urinary tract infections in men: Here are 10 things to know — CNN
All you need to know about UTIs in men — MedicalNewsToday
How Does a Male Get a UTI? Causes of UTIs in Men — MedicineNet
UTIs in Men: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment — WebMD
Why people with diabetes have more UTIs and how to prevent infections — MedicalNewsToday
3 steps to avoid recurrent urinary tract infections — Easy Health Options
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