Bladder Infection, Male (Adult)

Side view of the male pelvic anatomy, showing the bladder, rectum, prostate, testicle, and urethra.

You have a bladder infection.

Pee (urine) is normally free of bacteria. But bacteria can get into the urinary tract from the skin around the rectum. Or it may travel in the blood from other parts of the body.

This is called a urinary tract infection (UTI). An infection can occur anywhere in the urinary tract. It could be in a kidney (pyelonephritis) or in the bladder (cystitis) and urethra (urethritis). The urethra is the tube that drains pee from the bladder through the tip of the penis. Normally, the one-way flow of pee from the kidneys to the urethra prevents the bacteria from infecting your urinary tract.

The most common place for a UTI is in the bladder. This is called a bladder infection. Most bladder infections are easily treated. They aren't serious unless the infection spreads up to the kidney.

The terms bladder infection, UTI, and cystitis are often used to describe the same thing. But they aren’t always the same. Cystitis is an inflammation of the bladder. The most common cause of cystitis is an infection. 

Keep in mind that:

  • Infections in pee are called UTIs.

  • Cystitis is often caused by a UTI.

  • Not all UTIs and cases of cystitis are bladder infections.

  • Bladder infections are the most common type of cystitis.

Symptoms of a bladder infection

The infection causes inflammation in the urethra and bladder. This inflammation causes many of the symptoms. The most common symptoms of a bladder infection are:

  • Pain or a burning feeling when you pee.

  • Having to pee more often than normal (frequency).

  • Feeling like you need to pee right away (urgency).

  • Having only a small amount of pee come out.

  • Being unable to start the urine stream (hesitancy).

  • Blood in your pee.

  • Discomfort in your belly (abdomen), often in the lower belly, above the pubic bone.

  • Cloudy, strong, or bad-smelling pee.

  • Being unable to pee (urinary retention).

  • Urinary incontinence.

  • A fever.

  • Loss of appetite.

Older adults may also feel confused.

Causes of a bladder infection

Bladder infections aren't contagious. You can't get one from someone else, from a toilet seat, or from sharing a bath.

The most common cause of bladder infections is bacteria from the bowels. The bacteria get onto the skin around the opening of the urethra. From there they can get into the pee and travel up to the bladder. This causes inflammation and an infection. This often happens because of:

  • An enlarged prostate.

  • Poor cleaning of the genitals.

  • Procedures that put a tube (catheter) in your bladder, such as a Foley catheter.

  • Bowel incontinence.

  • Older age.

  • Not emptying your bladder. (The pee stays there, giving the bacteria a chance to grow.)

  • Dehydration. (This lets pee stay in the bladder longer.)

  • Constipation. (This can cause the hard stools in the bowels to push on the bladder or urethra and keep the bladder from emptying.)

  • Other factors, which may include:

    • Diabetes.

    • Problems with your body’s immune system.

    • Kidney stones (calculi).

    • New or multiple sexual partners.

    • Using antibiotics that increase bacterial resistance.

Treatment

Bladder infections are treated with antibiotics. They often clear up quickly without complications. Treatment helps prevent a more serious kidney infection.

Medicines

Medicines can help to treat a bladder infection.

  • You may have been given phenazopyridine to ease burning when you pee. It will cause your pee to be bright orange. It can stain clothing.

  • You may have been prescribed antibiotics. Take this medicine until you have finished it, even if you feel better. Taking all of the medicine will make sure that the infection has cleared.

You may have been told that you can use acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain, fever, or discomfort, unless another medicine was prescribed. If you have chronic liver or kidney disease, talk with your doctor before using these medicines. Also talk with your doctor if you’ve had a stomach ulcer or GI (gastrointestinal) bleeding or are taking blood thinner medicines.

Home care

Here are some guidelines to help you care for yourself at home.

  • Drink plenty of fluids, unless your doctor told you not to. Fluids will prevent dehydration and flush out your bladder. Talk with your doctor if you can’t drink a lot of liquids due to other health problems, such as urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, or heart or kidney failure.

  • Be aware that the amount of liquid you need to drink depends on the weather and your activity level.

  • Use good personal hygiene. Wipe from front to back after using the toilet, and clean your penis regularly. If you aren’t circumcised, retract the foreskin when cleaning.

  • Pee more often. Don’t try to hold it in for long periods of time, if possible. Don't rush while peeing. Relax and take your time to fully empty your bladder.

  • Take showers instead of baths.

    • A gentle, liquid soap without fragrance, liquid baby soap, or baby shampoo should be used in bathing. Liquid soaps are cleaner than bar soap that can collect bacteria.

    • When you shower, apply the soap with a freshly cleaned, soft cotton or microfiber washcloth.

  • Wear loose-fitting clothes and cotton underwear. This helps keep you clean and dry. Don't wear tight-fitting pants.

  • Change your diet to prevent constipation. This means eating more fresh foods and more fiber, and fewer unhealthy and fatty foods.

  • Don't have sex until your symptoms are gone.

  • Don't have caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. These can irritate the bladder.

  • Try using a heating pad on your belly (abdomen) to help you manage pain from a bladder infection.

Follow-up care

Follow up with your doctor, or as advised, if all symptoms haven't cleared up in 5 days. It's important to go to your follow-up appointment. You can talk with your doctor to see if you need more tests of the urinary tract. This is especially important if you have infections that keep coming back.

If a culture was done, you'll be told if your treatment needs to be changed. If directed, you can call to find out the results.

If X-rays were taken, you'll be told of any findings that may affect your care.

Call 911

Call 911 if you have:

  • Trouble breathing.

  • Trouble waking up.

  • Feelings of confusion.

  • A loss of consciousness (fainting).

  • A fast heart rate.

When to get medical advice

Contact your doctor right away if:

  • You have a fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as advised by your doctor.

  • Your symptoms don’t improve after 2 days of treatment.

  • Pain in your back or belly gets worse.

  • You keep vomiting, or you aren’t able to keep medicine down.

  • You feel weak or dizzy.

  • You have blood in your urine.

Online Medical Reviewer: Melinda Murray Ratini DO
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Vinita Wadhawan Researcher
Date Last Reviewed: 5/1/2025
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.