Male Bladder Infection Cystitis in Men

Basic Information

Description

Inflammation or infection of the urinary bladder.

Male Bladder Infection signs and symptoms

• Burning and stinging on urination.
• Frequent urination, although the urine amount may be small.
• Increased urge to urinate even when bladder is empty.
• Pain in the pubic area
• Penile discharge.
• Low back pain.
• Blood in the urine.
• Low fever.
• Bad-smelling urine.
• Lack of urinary control (sometimes).

Causes

• Bacteria that reach the bladder from another part of the body through the bloodstream.
• Bacteria that enter the urinary tract from skin around the genitals and anal area.
• Injury to the urethra.
• Use of a urinary catheter to empty the bladder, such as following surgery.
• Over-large prostate gland.
• Structural defect in the urinary tract.

Risk increases with

• Infection in other parts of the genitourinary system.
• Illness that has lowered resistance.
• Excess alcohol consumption.
• Obstruction of urine in the urinary tract in men, usually by partial obstruction caused by an enlarged or inflamed prostate gland.
• Trauma to the urethra.
• Recent surgery with catheterization.

Preventive measures

• Drink plenty of fluids, at least 8 glasses a day.
• Use protection of a latex condom during anal sex to prevent spread of any infection.
• Avoid the use of catheters, if possible.
• Obtain prompt medical treatment for urinary-tract infections.

Expected outcomes

• Usually curable with antibiotic therapy.
• If due to underlying disease or obstruction, these will need to be resolved first.

Possible complications

Inadequate treatment can cause chronic urinary-tract infections, leading to kidney failure.

Treatment of Male Bladder Infection

General measures

• Medical tests to aid diagnosis may include urinalysis and careful urine collection for bacterial culture, cystoscopy (examination of the bladder with a lighted optical instrument) and ultrasound.
• Treatment is usually with antibiotics.
• Warm baths may provide relief from symptoms.
• Additional information available from the National Kidney Foundation

Medications

• Antibiotics to fight infection.
• Antispasmodics to relieve pain.

Activity

• Bedrest may be necessary during acute phase.
• Avoid sexual intercourse until you have been free of symptoms for 2 weeks to allow inflammation to subside.

Diet

• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol during treatment.
• Drink cranberry juice to acidify urine. Some drugs are more effective with acid urine.

Last updated 6 August 2015