Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are far more common in women than men. In fact, about one in five women will experience a UTI at some point, while only 20% of UTI cases occur in men. Still, guys have plenty of questions about this pesky condition—and one of the most common ones is: Can men get a UTI from women? Let’s break it down.
Can You Catch a UTI from a Partner?
Here’s the deal: while men over 50 are more prone to UTIs, you can’t “catch” one directly from a woman who has it—even during sex. A UTI happens when bacteria are already present in your urinary tract, not because you’ve been exposed to someone else’s infection.
On the flip side, women are more likely to get a UTI from sex. Why? The female urethra is much shorter and located near the vagina, making it easier for bacteria to travel into the urinary tract. Men’s longer urethras make this much less likely.
So, What Actually Puts Men at Risk?
While you’re not picking up a UTI from your partner, there are other factors that can increase your chances of getting one. For instance, Escherichia coli (E. coli), a type of bacteria naturally present in the body, can sometimes linger in your urinary tract. Usually, peeing flushes it out, but if your bladder doesn’t empty completely, the bacteria can hang around and cause an infection.
Older men are especially vulnerable because of an enlarged prostate, often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This condition makes it harder to empty the bladder fully, setting the stage for a UTI. Other risk factors? Think diabetes, recent urinary tract surgeries, or being immobile for long stretches. Even things like engaging in anal sex, being uncircumcised, or dealing with fecal incontinence can up your risk.
Spotting UTI Symptoms in Men
If you’re wondering whether you have a UTI, the symptoms are pretty similar for men and women. Common red flags include:
- Cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Needing to pee frequently but only passing small amounts
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Lower back pain
- A burning sensation during urination
- An intense, sudden urge to pee
- A low-grade fever
For men specifically, a telltale sign is unusual discharge from the penis. If you notice any fluid leaking, seek medical attention ASAP. And if symptoms like fever, chills, and nausea show up, it could mean the infection has spread to your kidneys—a situation that needs urgent care.
Treating and Preventing UTIs in Men
UTIs are caused by bacteria sneaking into your urinary tract, so antibiotics are the go-to treatment. But why wait for an infection to hit when you can take steps to prevent one? Here are some practical tips:
- Keep your genital area clean, especially if you’re uncircumcised.
- Drink plenty of water to flush out bacteria.
- Don’t hold your pee for too long—when you gotta go, you gotta go.
- Wash up before and after sex.
- Use condoms to reduce bacterial transfer.
Staying hydrated is like giving your urinary tract a spring cleaning, helping to wash away unwanted bacteria. But if you’re already experiencing severe symptoms, don’t wait it out—get to a doctor. Untreated UTIs can escalate quickly, especially if they reach your kidneys, leading to more serious complications.