When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Urinary tract infections in men

Last reviewed: 21 Oct 2024
Last updated: 17 Nov 2022

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • dysuria
  • urgency
  • frequency
  • suprapubic pain
  • costovertebral angle pain
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • hesitancy
  • nocturia
  • enlarged prostate
  • tender prostate
  • rectal/perineal pain
  • fever/rigors
  • urethral discharge
Full details

Risk factors

  • benign prostatic hypertrophy
  • urinary tract stones
  • urologic surgery, instrumentation
  • urethral strictures
  • age >50
  • previous UTI
  • catheterization
  • anal sex
  • vaginal sex
  • recent hospitalization
  • uncircumcised
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • dipstick urinalysis (U/A)
  • urine microscopy
  • urine culture
  • Gram stain
Full details

Tests to consider

  • CT renal tract
  • ultrasound
  • plain x-ray kidneys, ureters, and bladder (KUB)
  • intravenous urogram (IVU)
Full details

Treatment algorithm

INITIAL

asymptomatic bacteriuria before urologic procedure

ACUTE

not severe and tolerating oral therapy

severe or not tolerating oral therapy

Contributors

Authors

Timothy J. Benton, MD
Timothy J. Benton

Regional Chairman

Residency Program Director

Associate Professor

Department of Family and Community Medicine

Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center

Permian Basin Campus

Odessa

TX

Disclosures

TJB declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Catherine DuBeau, MD

Professor of Medicine

Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center

Lebanon

NH

Disclosures

CD is a member of the American Geriatrics Society Revision Panel for the Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate medications in older persons; planning committee, speaker, and manuscript co-author for the American Urogynecological Association State of the Science on OAB and cognition; and co-investigator, RELIEF trial (botulinum toxin for refractory overactive bladder in older women, funded by PCORI.

Richard Viken, MD

Professor of Family Medicine and Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine

University of Texas Health Sciences Center

Tyler

TX

Disclosures

RV declares that he has no competing interests.

Robert Pickard, MD, FRCS (Urol)

Professor of Urology

Institute of Cellular Medicine

Newcastle University

Newcastle upon Tyne

UK

Disclosures

RP declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Differentials

    • Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
    • Prostatitis
    • Pyelonephritis
    More Differentials
  • Guidelines

    • Guidelines on urological infections
    • Diagnosis of urinary tract infections: quick reference guide for primary care
    More Guidelines
  • Patient information

    Urinary tract infections in men

    More Patient information
  • padlock-lockedLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer