Anyone who has suffered from a severe urinary tract infection will assure you it is no fun at all. Though a UTI is much less common in men than in women, it does happen - and intense penis pain can be one of the more troubling symptoms. Even men who practice excellent penis care might fall victim to a urinary tract infection, so it is important for every man to know the symptoms and be ready to head to the doctor as soon as they believe they might be suffering from a UTI.

What are the symptoms of a UTI?

A urinary tract infection often presents with very clear symptoms that get worse as time goes on. Since it is obviously an infection of the urinary tract, penis pain is one of the first symptoms a man might experience, especially when he urinates. Here are a few other signs that indicate a UTI might be to blame:

- A burning sensation during urination

- An urgent need to urinate, but when a man tries to do so, only a little urine comes out

- Discolored urine, that is either brownish or reddish, or has a milky-white sheen

- Urine that smells very unpleasant

Sometimes a UTI can move to the kidneys, and that can lead to even more severe issues, such as severe back pain, pain in the flank, nausea or vomiting, and a high fever. All these symptoms often happen when a man chooses to ‘tough it out’ and doesn’t visit the doctor in time to relieve the UTI before it moves into the kidneys or bladder.

What causes a UTI?

To put it simply, a UTI is caused by bacteria entering the urinary tract. But how does that happen? Sometimes it occurs during sex, especially anal sex. But other times, there is no clear reason why it happened or where the bacteria came from. That’s why a man should always pay close attention to penis pain and watch for other signs that might indicate a urinary tract infection.

There are some factors that make a man even more prone to a UTI, regardless of how good his daily penis care might be. A man who has a compromised immune system, those with diabetes, or those who are obese have a higher incidence of UTI. Other factors that might up the chances of developing the infection include men who have kidney stones, an enlarged prostate, or who use a catheter. Men who are uncircumcised are slightly more likely to develop a UTI, as are men who are over the age of 60.

What can a man do about a UTI?

A urinary tract infection requires the attention of a doctor. However, the treatment is very easy if caught early. It includes drinking many more fluids, as well as taking a course of antibiotics to eradicate the bacteria. Severe infections or those that have moved to the kidneys might require stronger antibiotics and maybe even a hospital stay to fight complications - that’s why it is so important for a man to seek medical attention when he experiences penis pain.

How to prevent UTIs in the future

A urinary tract infection is no fun at all, and a man doesn’t want to have a repeat performance. Therefore, he should take care to stay well-hydrated, keep the penis and surrounding area as clean as possible, and consider using a condom during sexual activity, especially anal sex. He should also be alert to the signs of a UTI and get attention from a doctor immediately upon noticing penis pain.

Another way to keep the penis healthy is through daily application of a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). A crème with strong antibacterial properties, such as the inclusion of vitamin A, C and D, is a great idea. Powerful vitamins and nutrients in a Shea butter emollient can help ensure the best penis health possible.