What Are the Causes of a Male Urinary Tact Infection?

Though urinary tract infections are more common in women than they are in men, they do happen. The causes of these annoying and often painful infections are usually due to the growth of bacteria in an infection. There are several different ways in which this bacteria enters the urinary tract.

Bacteria from the Bowels

• The most common way that the bacteria enters the urinary tract and bladder is through the urethra. Bacteria from the bowels can work its way into the urinary tract, especially during bathroom use.

Sexual

• Sex is another way that bacteria can enter the urinary tract. Though this is more common for women than men, bacteria can be pushed further up from exterior areas and from the inside of the urethra.

Holding It

• Nnever hold your urine for too long. When you hold it too long, more urine fills the bladder and stretches it out. This stretching weakens the bladder muscles over time. When this happens, it can't release all the urine and some remains. This creates an area that is susceptible to infection.

Abnormalities

• Men who already have problems like an enlarged prostate or kidney stones have more problems with urinary tract infections. Other medical interventions like catheter tubes create a risk for bacteria entering the urinary tract.

Immune Systems

• General immune system deficiencies can cause urinary tract infections in men, as well as other kinds of infections.