Many men wonder if a lack of ejaculation contributes to developing a urinary tract infection (UTI). This article clarifies the relationship between ejaculation patterns and UTI risk in men, providing evidence-based information.
Understanding Urinary Tract Infections
A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter and multiply within the urinary system. This system includes the kidneys, which filter waste; the ureters, which transport urine; the bladder, where urine is stored; and the urethra, through which urine exits the body. While UTIs are more common in women, men can also develop these infections, particularly as they age.
Common symptoms of a UTI in men include a persistent urge to urinate, frequent urination, and a burning sensation during urination. Other signs involve pain in the lower abdomen, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or blood in the urine. If the infection spreads to the kidneys, symptoms become more severe, including fever, chills, back pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Ejaculation and UTI Risk: The Truth
There is no scientific evidence that not ejaculating causes a urinary tract infection in men. The male urinary and reproductive systems, while sharing a common exit pathway through the urethra, are distinct in their functions. The urinary system produces and expels urine.
In contrast, the reproductive system produces and transports semen, which contains sperm and fluids from various glands. While both urine and semen exit the body via the urethra, the processes of urination and ejaculation are regulated separately. During ejaculation, mechanisms prevent urine from mixing with semen, highlighting the functional independence of these systems. Therefore, the absence of ejaculation does not lead to a build-up of substances that could cause a bacterial infection in the urinary tract.
Common Causes and Prevention of UTIs in Men
Instead of ejaculation patterns, UTIs in men are caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli, entering the urethra and ascending into the bladder. Several factors increase a man’s susceptibility to UTIs. One common cause in older men is an enlarged prostate, which obstructs urine flow and prevents complete bladder emptying, creating an environment where bacteria multiply. Kidney stones and the long-term use of urinary catheters also impede urine flow or introduce bacteria, increasing the risk of infection.
Certain sexual practices, such as unprotected anal intercourse, facilitate the transfer of bacteria from the rectum to the urethra, leading to UTIs. Poor hygiene practices also contribute to bacterial introduction. To help prevent UTIs, men should prioritize good hydration by drinking plenty of fluids, which helps flush bacteria from the urinary system. Practicing good hygiene, including cleaning the genital area, and urinating frequently also reduces bacterial accumulation. Addressing underlying medical conditions like an enlarged prostate or kidney stones is an important step in preventing recurrent UTIs.