A Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system, most commonly caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli), which typically originates in the gastrointestinal tract. While UTIs are not classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and are far less frequent in men, sexual activity can create conditions that allow bacteria to enter the male urethra. A male can develop a UTI following intimacy, but the infection results from bacterial transfer, not contagion like a virus or true STI.
How Bacteria Transfer During Intimacy
The risk of a UTI in a male partner stems from the physical movement of bacteria during sex, not the direct transmission of an established infection from the female partner’s urinary tract. The primary culprit is often E. coli, a bacterium naturally found in the perianal region. During sexual activity, friction and contact can easily push these fecal bacteria toward the urethral opening, the entry point to the urinary tract.
This mechanism is particularly relevant during anal intercourse, where exposure to high concentrations of E. coli is significant. The bacteria can travel up the male urethra, leading to infection in the bladder or, less commonly, the prostate. Men can substantially reduce this risk by practicing simple hygiene measures immediately following intercourse. Urinating right after sexual activity helps flush out any bacteria that may have entered the urethra, minimizing colonization.
Factors That Predispose Men to UTIs
While sexual transfer is a possible route, UTIs in men are often considered “complicated” because they usually point to an underlying anatomical or systemic issue. The male anatomy naturally provides more protection against ascending infections due to the length of the urethra, which is significantly longer than the female urethra. Prostatic fluid also contains antibacterial properties that help guard against pathogens.
When a man develops a UTI, the cause is frequently related to a condition that impedes the normal, complete flow of urine, allowing bacteria to multiply. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, is a common cause in older men, as it can compress the urethra and prevent the bladder from fully emptying. Residual urine provides a breeding ground for bacteria.
Other structural factors include kidney stones or anatomical abnormalities that create an obstruction within the urinary tract. Systemic conditions, such as poorly controlled diabetes, can also increase susceptibility by compromising the immune system and increasing glucose levels in the urine, which feeds bacteria. For younger men, the infection may sometimes be related to a sexually transmitted infection (STI), such as chlamydia or gonorrhea, causing urethral inflammation. Given these factors, the infection warrants a thorough medical investigation to address the root cause and prevent recurrence.
Symptoms and Necessary Medical Intervention
A male developing a UTI should watch for several noticeable symptoms. These commonly include dysuria (pain or a burning sensation during urination) and a frequent or intense urge to urinate, often resulting in only small amounts of urine being passed. The urine may appear cloudy, have a strong odor, or contain blood (hematuria).
If the infection has ascended beyond the bladder, systemic symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, and pain in the lower back or flank may develop, signaling a kidney infection. Given the complicated nature of male UTIs, prompt medical evaluation is required to identify the causative bacteria and rule out underlying structural issues. Treatment involves a course of antibiotics, often lasting 10 to 14 days, to ensure the complete eradication of the pathogen and prevent the infection from spreading to the prostate or kidneys.