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Bladder Infection Treatment for Males

Bladder infections are commonly diagnosed in women, but men and children suffer from them as well. Commonly called urinary tract infections (UTIs), the condition is called cystitis in men, which quite literally means "inflammation of the urinary bladder." In males, the condition is common at all ages, but it is most prevalent in males over the age of 50. Learning how to identify symptoms of a bladder infection can lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment.

  1. Signs and Symptoms

    • Symptoms of a bladder infection in a male include a burning or stinging sensation while urinating and the frequent urge to urinate, although only a small amount of urine is produced. Some men complain of pain in the pubic area where the bladder is located or in the lower back. Many men experience discharge from the genitalia and may even spot blood in the urine. Other indications of a bladder infection include bad-smelling urine, dark yellow or cloudy urine and an occasional low-grade fever.

    Causes

    • A male bladder infection is typically caused by a bacterial infection. Men who undergo catheterization for medical procedures or surgery are especially at risk for contracting bladder infections. Some bladder infections are caused by other kidney prostate issues, including an enlarged prostate gland, kidney stones or injury to urethra (i.e., the tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder). According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 600,000 patients contract UTIs following acute care in hospitals every year.

    Treatment for Catheter-Caused Bladder Infection

    • Preventative measures are essential when utilizing catheters, but infections are nevertheless quite common. Treatment for urinary tract or bladder infections is usually approached with antibiotics such as Maxaquin, Bactrim or Levaquin.

    Treatment for Occasional Bladder Infections

    • The most commonly prescribed medication for men suffering from bladder infections is a 7-day regimen of doxycycline or single doses of azithromycin. Other oral antibiotics such as TMP-SMX (a combination of Bactrim, Cotrim and Septra) may also be prescribed at the discretion of the phsyician. Patients are advised to complete full course of antibiotics even if symptoms subside or disappear before full pill quota is completed. Other antibiotics might include Cipro and Furadantin.

    Treatment of Recurring Bladder Infections

    • Men who suffer from recurrent bladder infections may benefit from continuous preventive antibiotics known as prophylaxis. Low-dose medications are prescribed for periods of 3 to 6 months. Because relapsing infections may indicate additional medical factors, patients are usually required to undergo multiple tests to determine the causes for the recurrences.

    Preventing Bladder Infections

    • Reducing chances of catheter-associated urinary tract infections during or following hospitalization can be achieved through proper care and placement of urinary catheters. According to the CDC, short-term catheterization (i.e., 1 to 4 days) is recommended. Minimizing errors by health care staff and ensuring sterilization also help prevent UTIs. Many male bladder infections are also factors of age, overall health and post-surgical condition. Men should avoid intimate contact with others who have UTIs to prevent risk of bacterial spread of infection.

    Relief Through Hydration

    • Men and women suffering from UTIs may benefit from drinking plenty of water and at least several citrus-based juices on a daily basis. Cranberry juice has been long known to help relieve symptoms of bladder infections. In addition, many individuals consume foods that contain the probiotic Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is commonly found in yogurt.

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