Urinary Tract Infection in Men Birmingham

What is Urinary Tract Infection?

Your urinary system consists of kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Kidneys produce urine which is then passed down the ureters into the bladder. The bladder stores the urine for a few hours before we empty it through the urethra which is the water pipe. UTI or urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters this system, either through the urethra into the bladder or via the blood directly into the kidneys

Cystitis or Bladder Infection

When bacteria enter the bladder through the water pipe they can lead to the infection and inflammation of the bladder called cystitis. These infections are caused by bacteria from the bowel usually by spreading from the skin around the back passage to the urethra and then into the bladder.

In men the causes of bladder infections are:

Incomplete emptying of the bladder caused by prostatic enlargement, mostly in men over 50
Urethral stricture which is narrowing of the water pipe
Neurological conditions leading to weakness of the bladder muscle and thus poor emptying of the bladder can also lead to infections
Presence of bladder stone which can cause painful voiding along with infection or blood in the urine.
Urethral catheter can also lead to recurrent UTI

Birmingham Urethritis

Inflammation and infection of the water pipe may be caused by organisms which are transmitted through sexual contact including Gonorrhoea and Chlamydia.

Prostatitis

Inflammation and infection of the prostate can lead to a wide variety of symptoms, including pain, discomfort and lower urinary tract symptoms.

Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis)

Upper tract urinary infections often occur from bacteria which have travelled upwards to the kidney from the bladder or organisms spreading through the blood stream into the kidney. Pyelonephritis is a serious condition which can cause severe pain along with high grade temperature, shivering and feeling very unwell.

The majority of these patients require admission to be treated with IV antibiotics and further assessment of the cause of infection.

Symptoms

Frequency of urination
Urgency to urinate
Pain, discomfort or burning sensation during urination
Getting up at night to pass water
Pain or discomfort in the bladder area (lower part of the abdomen below the naval)
Urine that looks cloudy or smells foul
Nausea or vomiting
Pain in the sides or back
Fever

Diagnosis

You will be seen by Mr Syed in the clinic who will ask you a detailed history of your symptoms. You will be asked about any associated problems like kidney stones, previous history of any urethral stricture, prostate surgery, urinary retention or blockage to your kidneys.

Your clinical examination includes examination of abdomen, external genitalia and digital rectal examination to feel your prostate.

Various tests include:

Dipstick for microscopic urine examination
Plain X-ray, along with an ultrasound scan
CT scan is arranged in suspected stone cases, blood in the urine or severe infections
Flexible cystoscopy. This is a telescopic examination of the bladder carried out under local anaesthetic jelly to rule out any obstruction to the water pipe, assess the prostate and examine the bladder.
Flow rate study. In this test you will be asked to pass urine into a funnel which gives an objective assessment of your flow rate followed by a scan of your bladder to rule out any residual urine left after voiding.

Treatment and Prevention

Mr Syed will see you with the results of these investigations and any further treatment is based on the findings of these tests. If your urine shows definite infection you will be provided with a week’s course of antibiotics followed by a repeat urine examination. You are also encouraged to drink plenty of clear fluids.

If the cause of your infection is enlargement of the prostate causing obstruction to the outflow of your urine treatment options include medications or prostate surgery which will be discussed with you in detail.

Urological Surgeon

Senior Consultant Urological Surgeon Working at Spire Little Aston Hospital, Sutton Coldfield, near Birmingham for last since 2005.

Graduated as a doctor in 1984 and have been working in the NHS for over 30 years. I started my Urology career in 1991 and completed training at the John Radcliffe and Churchill Hospital, Oxford in 2000.

Urinary Tract Infection in Men Birmingham