Urinary tract infections…not for the faint of heart and not just for women. That’s right, men can also experience the pain, burning and urinary urgency associated with UTIs.1 Because UTIs are not as common among men, many guys tend to be unfamiliar with the topic. But ignorance is never bliss—especially if one day you do wake up with an unusual urgency to pee and pain when you try to go. And since knowledge is power, let’s go through the basics of UTIs so you can know what to look for and how to act if you ever get one.
UTI DEFINED2
First things first, what is it? A urinary tract infection, or UTI as it’s commonly referred to, is exactly what it sounds like—an infection in your urinary tract. The urinary tract is made up of the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. It is here that urine is created, stored and expelled from the body. UTIs are most often caused by bad bacteria that have made their way into your urinary tract.
While most UTIs involve your urethra and bladder (lower urinary tract), left untreated, the infection can cause serious health complications such as an infection of the prostate.3
KNOW THE SIGNS4 OF A UTI FOR MEN
It is important to be able to identify the symptoms of a UTI so that if one presents itself, you will know to seek out a doctor for UTI treatment ASAP.
Pain When You Urinate
One of the first symptoms you may experience when you have a UTI is pain. A UTI can cause inflammation in the lining of the urethra, resulting in a painful, burning sensation when you pee.
Urinary Frequency and Urgency
What’s worse? UTI symptoms also include urinary frequency and urgency. Meaning no matter how much you want to avoid peeing because of the burn, you’ll have the sensation to go—and often.
Cloudy, Foul-Smelling Urine
When you do go, you can expect the urine to be cloudy and have a foul smell.
Knowing these symptoms is a good first line of defense, allowing you to know what questions to ask when you visit your doctor. If you begin to feel symptoms, you can also test yourself with AZO UTI Test Strips® before you make that appointment. AZO Test Strips® allow for safe and simple at-home UTI testing in just two minutes. Like the tests most doctors use, AZO Test Strips® tests for both leukocytes (white blood cells) and nitrites in urine. If your results suggest you have a UTI, just give your doctor a call. Of course, it is important to note that your doctor will be the one to officially diagnose your infection before prescribing the proper antibiotics and course of action for UTI treatment. If the results suggest you do not have a UTI but you are experiencing symptoms, be sure to call your doctor.
THE PROACTIVE APPROACH TO AVOID UTI's FOR MEN
Now that you know what a UTI is and you can recognize the symptoms, what’s next? Maintenance! Maintaining a healthy and clean urinary tract is important! Here are four easy steps to get you on the right track:
- Drink lots of water: staying hydrated can help keep your urinary tract flushed.
- Don’t hold it in: always go when you need to go. Holding in urine for prolonged periods of time can increase your risk of developing infection.
- Practice safe sex: safe sexual practices are also key to lowering your risk of getting a urinary tract infection. Unprotected sex with a partner who has a UTI or unprotected anal sex increases the risk of getting a UTI—another reason why it’s important to use a condom!5
- Try a cranberry supplement like AZO Cranberry® products. Cranberries are packed with antioxidants that can hinder bacteria from sticking to your urinary tract. AZO Cranberry® packs the power of cran into your choice of softgels, gummies or caplets. Just two every day offer the same urinary tract health benefits of an entire glass of cranberry juice†† thanks to Pacran®—a super-concentrated whole fruit cranberry powder. Add them to your daily regimen to help maintain a healthy urinary tract.*
It doesn’t end there! If you do find yourself with a UTI, AZO is here to help. AZO Urinary Pain Relief® Maximum Strength provides fast, over-the-counter relief from UTI pain, burning and urgency. While it is important to see a doctor at the first sign of a UTI, if you can’t see one immediately, AZO Urinary Tract Defense® can help slow the progression of your UTI and help address the pain until you can get to the doctor.∞
So guys, all of this information might be a lot to digest, but the most important thing is to take time to learn and understand the significance of urinary tract health. UTIs aren’t just a plight for women—become informed so you’re prepared if a UTI happens to interrupt your day.
AZO Test Strips®, AZO Cranberry®, AZO Urinary Pain Relief® and AZO Urinary Tract Defense® are trademarks of DSM.
Pacran® is a trademark of Naturex.
1 Urinary Tract Infections in Men: The Basics https://www.everydayhealth.com/urinary-tract-infections/can-men-get-urinary-tract-infections.aspx
2 What is a UTI? https://www.healthline.com/health/urinary-tract-infection-adults
3 What’s to know about urinary tract infections? https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/189953.php
4 Urinary Tract Infections https://www.medicinenet.com/urinary_tract_infection/article.htm
5 Urinary Tract Infections http://www.berkeleywellness.com/self-care/over-counter-products/article/dealing-urinary-tract-infections
