Men can absolutely get a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) without sexual activity. While UTIs are frequently discussed in the context of women’s health, they affect men, especially as they age. When a UTI occurs in a man, it is often viewed as a complicated infection because it commonly points to an underlying issue within the urinary tract system. This article focuses on the physiological reasons UTIs develop and the specific non-sexual risk factors involved.
Understanding How UTIs Develop in Men
A UTI begins when bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli) from the bowel, enter the urethra and travel upward toward the bladder. The male urethra is significantly longer than the female urethra, providing a natural defense. This longer pathway means a higher bacterial load is typically necessary to establish an infection.
The normal flow of urine acts as a self-flushing mechanism, washing bacteria out of the urinary tract before they can multiply. If bacteria overcome this defense and reach the bladder, they attach to the lining and multiply, leading to cystitis. If the infection is not cleared, the bacteria can ascend to the kidneys, resulting in a serious condition called pyelonephritis.
Male UTIs become more common with age, particularly after 50, as protective mechanisms are compromised. Any factor that hinders the complete emptying of the bladder significantly increases the risk. A small amount of urine left in the bladder after urination, known as post-void residual, creates a stagnant environment where bacteria can flourish.
Key Non-Sexual Risk Factors for Male UTIs
The most significant non-sexual risk factors for male UTIs are conditions leading to obstruction or incomplete bladder emptying. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common cause in older men. As the prostate gland surrounds and enlarges, it squeezes the urethra, impeding urine flow.
This obstruction causes urine to pool in the bladder, bypassing the normal flushing action and allowing bacteria to multiply. If BPH is the underlying cause, the UTI is considered a complication of the prostate condition. Structural issues, such as kidney stones or a narrowing of the urethra (urethral stricture), can also block urine flow, promoting bacterial growth.
The use of a urinary catheter is another major non-sexual risk factor for UTIs in men. Catheters are thin tubes inserted into the bladder to drain urine, typically used in hospital settings or for long-term care due to an inability to urinate naturally. The catheter provides a direct route for bacteria to enter the bladder, and the risk of infection, known as Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI), increases with the duration the catheter is in place.
Chronic health conditions can also compromise the body’s defenses against infection. Diabetes, for example, can contribute to UTIs in two ways: high sugar levels in the urine can feed bacteria, and nerve damage from the disease can impair the bladder’s ability to empty fully. Any condition that suppresses the immune system, whether a disease or a medication, makes the body less capable of fighting off invading bacteria, increasing overall susceptibility to a UTI.
Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Care
Symptoms of a UTI in men are often similar to those experienced by women, but they may also include signs related to the prostate. Common indicators include dysuria (pain or a burning sensation during urination), increased urinary frequency, and urgency. The urine may also appear cloudy, have a strong odor, or contain visible blood.
Men may also notice symptoms related to obstructed flow, such as a weak urine stream, difficulty starting urination, or the persistent feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. If the infection spreads to the prostate gland, it causes prostatitis, which can lead to pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, or testicles. A complicated UTI that has spread to the kidneys may cause fever, chills, nausea, and pain in the side or upper back.
It is important to seek prompt medical attention if a UTI is suspected, as male UTIs are often considered “complicated” and may require a longer course of antibiotics. A healthcare provider will diagnose the infection using a urine test to identify specific bacteria present. Treating the infection is necessary, but identifying and addressing the underlying non-sexual cause, such as an enlarged prostate or kidney stone, is equally important to prevent future infections.