What Are the Common UTI Symptoms in Men and Women? A Complete Guide

Are you wondering, “What are the symptoms of a UTI in males and females? " Well, there are some symptoms that can overlap, but there are some gender‑specific patterns you should know about. 

Continue reading to understand these signs. This will help you seek timely treatment and prevent complications.

What is a UTI in Men & Women?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection of your urinary system (which consists of the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra, responsible for making and storing pee).

UTIs are very common, particularly in females, because of a shorter urethra that allows bacteria to travel to the bladder more easily. About half of women will have a UTI at some point during their lives. Males can also get UTIs, as well as children; they only affect 1% to 2% of children.

Cause of a Urinary Tract Infection

UTIs are caused by both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, as well as by certain fungi that enter the urinary tract (usually via the urethra).

• Gram‑negative bacteria: Uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC), Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc.
• Gram‑positive bacteria: Staphylococcus saprophyticus, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus.
• Fungi: Candida species (especially Candida albicans).

Read Also: Dealing with UTIs: Risk Factors, Treatment Options, and Prevention Tips

Common Symptoms of UTI in Men & Women

Although symptoms may vary person to person, the following symptoms may overlap in males and females.

Here are some of the shared symptoms:

• A feeling of burning while urinating (dysuria).
• Frequent urge to urinate that doesn't go away.
• Urinating often and passing small amounts of urine.
• Urine that looks red, bright pink, or cola-coloured indicates the presence of blood in the urine.
• Pelvic pain occurs mostly in the centre of the pelvis and around the area of the pubic bone.

The symptoms may also differ based on the part of the urinary tract it affects.

Part of the Urinary Tract Affected	Signs & Symptoms
Kidneys	Back or side pain High body temperature Shaking and chills Nausea and vomiting
Bladder	Pelvic pressure Lower belly discomfort Consistent, painful urination Blood in urine
Urethra	Urination followed by a burning sensation Discharge

Symptoms of UTI in Women

Here are some symptoms specific to females:

• Vaginal Irritation: This may feel like irritation, discomfort, or mild itching around the vaginal area during a UTI.
• Pelvic Pressure: This may feel like heaviness or pressure in the pelvic region, particularly when the infection affects the bladder.
• Increased Urinary Frequency: Although both genders may experience frequent urination, women often notice more intense urgency and frequency.

Symptoms of Urinary Infection in Males

Here are some symptoms specific to males:

• Rectal Pain: Some men with UTIs can experience pain or pressure in the rectal area, particularly if the prostate gets inflamed.
• Difficulty Urinating: Men may experience the following:
  • Weak urine stream
  • Trouble initiating urination
  • Disrupted urine flow

Note: These symptoms sometimes overlap with prostate problems; hence, consult your doctor for the right diagnosis.

• Pain in the Testicles or Penis: In some cases, men may feel pain or discomfort in the genital (private) part, including the penis or testicles.

UTIs rarely lead to complications. But left untreated, they can cause serious health issues such as:

• Chronic kidney damage.
• Delivering a low birthweight infant.
• Narrowing of the urethra in men.
• Sepsis.

UTI Diagnosis

A team of highly skilled urologists in Kolkata at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital orders the following comprehensive tests: 

• Urinalysis
• Urine Culture
• If infections recur (using a camera to look inside the bladder) or an ultrasound for chronic cases

Treatment is based on the type and severity of your condition. Antibiotics are often the first treatment for an active urinary tract infection.

How to Prevent Urinary Tract Infection

You may lower your risk of getting UTI by following the following tips:

• Drink plenty of water.
• Try cranberry juice or other cranberry products.
• Do not use products such as deodorant sprays, powders, or other feminine products that can irritate your urethra.
• Wear cotton underwear that allows better air circulation.
• Avoid diaphragms and spermicide-treated condoms.

Difference of Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Males & Females

Explore this table to know the difference:

Key Points	Women	Men
Burning while urinating	Very common, often strong	Common, sometimes milder initially
Frequency and urgency	Very marked	Present, may be less obvious
Lower abdominal pain	Common	Less common
Pelvic/perineal/rectal pain	Rare	Suggests prostate involvement
Fever and chills	Usually, only if severe/upper UTI	Often indicates prostatitis/complicated UTI
Weak stream, hesitancy	Unusual	Common with prostate enlargement
Incomplete emptying	Less typical	More common
Recurrence	Recurrent simple cystitis common	Any UTI is usually classed complicated

Conclusion

A UTI is more common in women; it can also impact men too. Contact your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms like burning, pain, or stinging during urination and a frequent need to urinate, especially at night, etc. By recognising the early warning signs, you can take proactive steps to safeguard your urinary health.

If you notice any UTI symptoms, you can contact an expert at IRIS Multispeciality Hospital by calling +91 8929579509 and get personalised treatment.

Our Address: 82/1, Raja S. C. Mullick Road, Kolkata 700047 Open: 24x7

Our Experts:

• Dr. Kunal Kapoor
• Dr. Nilanjan Mitra
• Dr. Debasish Banerjee
• Dr. Chandra Nath Mukhopadhyay