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How Do Men Get Kidney Infections

What Are Different Types Of Kidney Infection

How to Prevent a Urinary Tract Infection

Kidney infection, or pyelonephritis, may be classified as uncomplicated, complicated, or chronic kidney infection .

A complicated kidney infection refers to a kidney infection in which there is an accompanying condition that increases the risk of severe infection and ineffective treatment, such as abnormalities of the urinary tract, urinary obstruction, or diabetes. It can also mean there is severe involvement of the kidney, for example, abscess formation, obstruction, or enlarged kidney, or gas is seen in the kidney by an imaging study, such as a CT scan. In these situations, the symptoms may be more severe and less responsive to usual treatments.

A chronic kidney infection may refer to a recurring kidney infection that could be a result of a kidney stone obstructing the ureter or other structural abnormalities in the ureters . These conditions are usually associated with milder symptoms, but they may last longer.

The evaluation of complicated kidney infection and chronic kidney infection typically requires a more thorough evaluation and more extensive testing such as CT scans and X-rays.

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What Is A Uti

A UTI is an infection of the urinary tract, which can include the kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. The infection is most commonly caused by the bacterium escherichia coli , which is naturally present in the body.

The most common symptom of UTIs in men is urinary frequency, or experiencing a frequent urge to urinate. Some men may also experience a painful or burning sensation while urinating. Additional symptoms can also present depending on where your infection is located, and some men may experience no symptoms at all.

Generally, doctors refer to two types of UTIs:

  • Upper tract: An upper tract infectionrefers to a UTI that is found in the ureters or has spread to the kidneys. A kidney infection can occur when bacteria have traveled upward in the urinary tract from the bladder to the kidney or because bacteria carried in the bloodstream have collected in the kidney. Symptoms of an upper tract UTI or kidney infection can include pain in the upper back or side, high fever, shaking and chills, nausea, or vomiting.

Though its not always possible for a doctor to distinguish between a lower or upper tract infection, it can be helpful when determining the length of antibiotic treatment.

Kidney Infection Symptoms In Men

Pain in the back, flank, groin, abdomen, fever, nausea are the most common symptoms of kidney infection in men. It is essential to identify the symptoms at an early stage, in order to prevent the condition from becoming severe.

Pain in the back, flank, groin, abdomen, fever, nausea are the most common symptoms of kidney infection in men. It is essential to identify the symptoms at an early stage, in order to prevent the condition from becoming severe.

Kidney infection, or Pyelonephritis, is an infection caused by bacteria. It is a type of Urinary Tract Infection , where infection originating at the urethra travels to the kidneys. Urinary tract infections and kidney infections are equally common in case of men as well as women, however women are at a higher risk of developing it.

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Can Men Get Utis From Women

Men can get UTIs from women during sex, by getting the bacteria from a woman with the infection. However, this is unlikely.

Typically, the infection arises from bacteria that are already present in the mans body.

A doctor can diagnose a UTI by carrying out a physical examination, taking a medical history, and through laboratory tests.

Physical examination

The doctor may perform a physical examination that includes:

  • checking the vital signs
  • checking the abdomen, bladder area, sides, and back for pain or swelling
  • examining the genitals

Medical history

The doctor may ask if the person has had other UTIs in the past, or a family history of UTIs.

They may also question the person about their symptoms.

Laboratory tests

Laboratory tests are required to diagnose the infection as the symptoms of a UTI can be common to other diseases.

A urine sample is usually needed to look for the presence of pus and the bacteria causing the infection.

Men may be asked to give a urine sample. A man will need to start the urine stream to clean the urethra, and then collect a midstream sample in a cup. As bacteria multiply quickly at room temperature, this urine sample is either sent to the laboratory immediately or kept refrigerated until later.

The doctor may also ask for a urine test strip, also known as a urine dipstick test. This is a quick test in which a plastic or paper ribbon is dipped into the urine sample and then removed. If the person has a UTI, the ribbon will turn a particular color.

Frequency Of Urinary Intake

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Youâll feel like you need to go 20 times per day. In addition, your bladder will be irritated and you will have to go to the toilet only a few times. The bladder is designed to hold a lot of urine. However, if your bladder becomes irritated from an infection, you will feel like you need to go every day.

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How Does It Occur

Normally the urinary tract does not have any bacteria or other organisms in it. Bacteria that cause UTI often spread from the rectum to the urethra and then to the bladder or kidneys. Sometimes bacteria spread from another part of the body through the bloodstream to the urinary tract. Urinary tract infection is less common in men than in women because the male urethra is long, making it difficult for bacteria to spread to the bladder.

Urinary tract infection may be caused by a sexually transmitted disease. Sometimes a stone in the urinary tract blocks the flow of urine and causes an infection. In older men, an enlarged prostate can cause a urinary tract infection by keeping urine from draining out of the bladder completely. Infection might also be caused by the use of a catheter used to drain the bladder or by urethral stricture, which is a narrowing of the urethra by scar tissue from previous infections or surgical procedures.

You may be more likely to have a UTI if you have diabetes or another medical problem that affects the immune system.

What Is A Urinary Tract Infection

A urinary tract infection describes any bacterial infection in the tract that makes up your urinary system. This system comprises:

  • The kidneys: These two organs sit on each side of your body, generally around the waist. They filter out excess water and waste from your blood to create urine.
  • The ureters: These two thin tubes run between the kidney and bladder, transporting urine to the bladder.
  • The bladder: This organ stores urine until it reaches a certain level, at which point you feel the need to pee. The body voluntarily contracts the muscles that line the bladder to urinate.
  • The urethra: This thin tube connects the bladder to the outside of the body. When you pee, a muscle called the urinary sphincter relaxes as your bladder contracts to remove urine from your body.

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What Does A Kidney Infection Feel Like

The majority of kidney infections start off with a UTI, which occurs when bacteria enter the urinary tract. If this bacteria multiplies and travels to your kidneys, it can cause a kidney infection. As the urethra is shorter in women, kidney infections are in fact more common in women than in men.

As well as the infamous feeling of a persistent urge to urinate and a burning sensation when you do make it to the bathroom, kidney infections can cause a whole host of other symptoms, these include:

  • Fever and chills
  • Pain in the back, side, groin, or abdomen
  • Nausea
  • Cloudy urine or urine that smells bad

Kidney disease can easily be treated with antibiotics so if you are experiencing the above symptoms, its important to reach out to your doctor to avoid any potential complications by leaving the infection untreated.

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The Other Two Reasons That Are Not So Common For Urinary Infections Men Are As Follows:

Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments for Kidney Infection
  • Diabetes- Men who are diabetic have poor blood circulation that increases the risk of developing urinary infections. Also, of course, high blood sugar levels contribute majorly to developing UTIs in men. It is because while passing urine, some remnants of urine remain on the penis, the high sugar content allows the bacteria to thrive and result in a urinary tract infection.
  • Indulging in anal sex, – Especially, the E. coli bacteria found in the anus, when enters the urinary system makes a person prone to developing a urinary infection.

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How Can You Reduce The Risk Of Developing A Bladder Infection

There are several things you can do to minimize your risk of developing a bladder infection:

  • Wipe from front to back after having a bowel motion so your urethra is not contaminated
  • Urinate as soon as possible after sexual intercourse
  • Make sure your genital area is clean before and after sexual intercourse or activity
  • Take your medications for diabetes as directed
  • Eat a healthy diet and limiting sugar.

UTIs are not contagious nor sexually transmitted that is you cannot catch them from another person.

Can Utis Be Prevented

A few things can help prevent UTIs. After peeing, girls should wipe from front to back with toilet paper. After BMs, wipe from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.

Also, go to the bathroom when needed and don’t hold the pee in. Pee that stays in the bladder gives bacteria a good place to grow.

Keep the genital area clean and dry. Girls should change their tampons and pads regularly during their periods. Bubble baths can irritate the vaginal area, so girls should take showers or plain baths. Avoid long exposure to moisture in the genital area by not wearing nylon underwear or wet swimsuits. Wearing underwear with cotton crotches is also helpful. Skip using feminine hygiene sprays or douches, as these can irritate the urethra.

If you are sexually active, go to the bathroom both before and within 15 minutes after sex. After sex, gently wash the genital area to remove any bacteria. Avoid sexual positions that irritate or hurt the urethra or bladder. Couples who use lubrication during sex should use a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly.

Finally, drinking lots of water each day keeps the bladder active and bacteria-free.

UTIs are uncomfortable and often painful, but they’re common and easily treated. The sooner you contact your doctor, the sooner you’ll be able to get rid of the problem.

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Common Causes Of Utis In Men

Inactive lifestyle and unhygienic conditions An inactive and unhygienic lifestyle is a major cause of urinary tract infection in m. If a man does not clean the penis properly, dirt and dead cells tend to develop under the foreskin. It may ultimately cause harmful bacterial growth to reach the male urinary tract and result in urinary tract infection. Therefore, uncircumcised males are at higher risk of getting a UTI. Especially, uncircumcised males with a tight foreskin that cannot be retracted easily come in contact with a urinary tract infection.

Bowel incontinence and urinary tract infections- There are high chances for a male to catch a UTI if he is already dealing with fecal or bowel incontinence. The frequent leakage of the fecal matter can cause harmful bacteria to reach the urinary tract fast. Also, its a fact that males with bowel incontinence are 3 times more at the risk of developing urinary tract infections.

Drinking less water If a man does not drink enough water every day, he becomes more prone to a urinary tract infection. Drinking 7-8 glasses of water everyday flush out harmful bacteria out of the body. Hence, drinking less water can be a major cause of UTI in men.

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Blog Conditions

Its no secret that bladder infections, the most common type of urinary tract infection , can be painful and inconvenient. What you may not know is that the bacteria responsible for a bladder infection can spread to one or both of your kidneys. Left untreated, the resulting kidney infection, known as pyelonephritis, can lead to permanent kidney damage or even a life-threatening infection called sepsis that can travel throughout your entire body.

Its estimated that out of every 10,000 people in the United States, about a dozen women and three to four men are affected by a kidney infection, and kidney infections account for most of the 100,000 hospital visits for UTIs in the United States each year. If you suffer from acute or chronic bladder infections or experience the signs of a kidney infection, its important to seek immediate medical treatment. Thankfully, there are also some simple ways to help prevent kidney infections and the need for medical attention.

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Why Do Women Get Utis More Often Than Men

The main reason that urinary tract infections are more common in women is their anatomy. A womans urethra is much shorter than a mans, making it much easier for E. coli and other bacteria to reach the bladder in women. In other words, bacteria dont have to travel as far to reach in the bladder in women.

Furthermore, a womans urethra is much closer to the anus. This makes it much easier for bacteria to travel from the anus to the urethra from something like toilet splash back or wiping improperly.

Symptoms Of A Kidney Infection

Common symptoms of a kidney infection include:

  • Fever
  • Pain in your back, side, or groin
  • Chills
  • A feeling of needing to urinate, even though you just did
  • Painful, burning, and/or frequent urination
  • Cloudy or bad-smelling urine
  • Blood or pus in your urine

Symptoms can vary by age. Babies and older people might not have the common symptoms. Instead, they may have slurred speech, dizziness, or confusion. Get medical care right away if you have any of these symptoms.

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Congenital And Hereditary Diseases

Polycystic disease is the most common: 8% of chronic renal failure is due to this disease, characterized by the development of numerous cysts in both kidneys. It is an inherited disease that affects both sexes. The risk of transmission differs according to the genetic form. It can evolve into adulthood towards chronic renal failure but in a very slow way. A number of polycystoses never reach the stage of chronic end-stage renal failure.

Alport Syndrome is a hereditary disease characterized by abnormalities in the biochemical composition of the basement membrane of the glomerulus leading to a defect in filtration. The association of auditory and even ocular and renal insufficiency, especially in boys, must be reminiscent of this disease.

What Causes Male Bladder Infection

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Bladder infection is normally caused by bacteria which multiply in the urethra and travel into the bladder. These bacteria include Staphylococcus, Escherichia Coli, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas. If left unchecked, the infection can grow further and reach the kidneys and ultimately, get into the bloodstream.

Although rare, bladder infection in males can sometimes be caused by fungi or other parasites.

Predisposing Factors for Bladder Infection in Men

While bladder infections and UTIs in general are not very common in men, some factors can increase the risk. These include:

  • Circumcision Circumcised men are less likely to develop a bladder infection than their uncircumcised counterparts.
  • Age Due to enlargement of the prostate gland, men who are 50 years and above are more likely to contract bladder infection.
  • Pre-existing conditions Conditions such as kidney stones can cause blockages that would increase the risk of an infection.
  • Anal sex Anal sex increases the risk of getting sexually-transmitted UTIs.
  • Disruption in the normal flow of urine caused by a catheter When the flow of urine is disrupted, it is difficult to wash away the microbes.
  • A weak immune system caused by conditions like HIV or diabetes

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What Are The Risk Factors Of A Kidney Infection

As mentioned above, women are more likely to get a kidney infection than men. In fact, its estimated that women are six times more likely to get an infection than men – because their urethras are shorter, its easier for bacteria to get to the kidneys .

In addition to gender, according to Mayo Clinic, there are a handful of factors that may increase your risk of a kidney infection, including:

  • Having a weakened immune system
  • Having a blockage in the kidneys such as a kidney stone
  • Being sexually active

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How Can Male Bladder Infection Be Diagnosed And Treated

Diagnosis

If you suspect that you have a bladder infection, visit a medical facility where the following tests may be carried out:

  • A complete physical examination including reference to any medical history or surgeries
  • Rectal examinations to evaluate the state of the prostate

Lab tests such as:

  • Urine cultures to detect the pathogen causing the infection
  • Blood tests

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What Procedures And Tests Diagnose Kidney Infections In Men And Women

The most important test in diagnosing kidney infection is a urinalysis . Urinalysis is a test to analyze urine sample and evaluate for an infection in the urine. Urinalysis is done by collecting a clean catch, midstream urine in a sterile collection cup. The urine may be analyzed by the doctor in the office using or by analysis in a laboratory.

Because urine is normally sterile, any finding suggesting an infection may be considered abnormal and supportive of a kidney infection.

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