Men and UTIs

• Some think urinary tract infections happen only to women. While women are more likely to contract a urinary tract infection, men get them, too. Urinary tract infections are caused when bacteria that are normally found on the skin or in the stool are spread into the urethra, the opening through which urine leaves the body. Men have much longer urethras than women do, giving them some measure of protection from UTIs. A longer urethra makes it harder for infection to travel up to the rest of the urinary system. Most men who contract UTIs are over 50 and have other prostate problems that cause the infection.
  
  

Dysuria

• For many men, the first sign of a urinary tract infection is painful urination. This is called dysuria and it can manifest itself as a painful burning. It is caused by the bacteria in the urethra. As the bacteria grow and multiply, they attach to the lining in the urethra, causing irritation. When the urine tries to pass through the urethra, it causes a burning sensation.
  
  

Lower Body Pain

• Urinary tract pain is not limited to the urethra. You may also experience burning or cramping in your pelvis or lower back. As the bacteria make their way up your urinary tract, they can irritate other parts, like your bladder or kidneys. As a rule, the further your infection has traveled, the more serious it has become. However, this is rare in men because their relatively long urethras make it harder for the bacteria to travel to other parts of the urinary system.
  
  

Increased or Decreased Urination

• Another common sign is a sudden change in the way you urinate. You may find yourself urinating more often as your body tries to flush its urinary system of the invasive bacteria. At times, you may be sure your bladder is full, but very little urine will come out. This can be caused by blockages in the urinary tract, such as kidney or bladder stones.
  
  

Unusual Urine

• Urine is your urinary system's main byproduct and it can hold important clues to what is going on within it. If you notice sudden changes in the way your urine looks or smells, it can be a sign of a urinary tract infection. If urine starts to smell unusually bad, it is a sign of infection. Another symptom is urine that is darker than normal. Your urine can also be bloody or cloudy.