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Bladder infection in men

Bladder infection symptoms in men need a doctor's assessment, because a urinary tract infection (UTI) is less common and may be linked to the prostate, urinary retention, stones or another problem. A urine sample helps guide treatment.

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  • Bladder infection is less common in men than women and needs medical assessment, because the prostate, kidney, a stone, obstruction or a catheter may be involved.
  • Pain or burning when passing urine, frequently passing small amounts, a strong urge, lower abdominal pain and cloudy or bloody urine suggest a lower urinary tract infection (UTI).
  • Fever, shivering, back or side pain, nausea or feeling seriously ill may indicate a kidney infection or bacterial prostatitis.
  • Pain between the scrotum and anus, pain on ejaculation, difficulty passing urine or a weak stream makes prostate involvement more likely.
  • Discharge from the penis, sores or recent unprotected sexual contact may indicate urethritis or a sexually transmitted infection (STI); this requires different tests and treatment.
  • If possible, provide a midstream urine sample for culture before antibiotics. Treatment choice and duration depend partly on prostate involvement and the culture.
  • If you cannot pass urine, have clots or become more unwell quickly, seek immediate help.
  • If symptoms recur, investigation of the prostate, residual urine, stones, narrowing or another cause is important.

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Further reading

Browse A–Z
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Bladder infection in childrenA bladder infection in children is usually bacterial. Babies and young children may only have fever, irritability or poor feeding; older children may have burning and frequent urination. Prompt assessment helps prevent a kidney infection.
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Bladder infectionA bladder infection, or cystitis, is usually a bacterial infection of the bladder. It may cause burning when passing urine, frequent urges and lower abdominal pain; without treatment, an infection may spread up to the kidneys.
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Bladder infection in womenBladder infections are common in women because the urethra is shorter. Burning, frequent urges and pressure in the lower abdomen are typical; pregnancy, fever, back pain or blood needs earlier assessment.