International Men’s Day, taking place every 19th November aims to draw attention towards male health needs, both physical, mental, and emotional. Men’s health is sometimes considered less important, though recognizing the seemingly mundane problems that are significant, like UTIs, is important.
UTIs are not special to women only. Men are also prone to this infection, and if not treated timely, it can lead to complications.
Men, too, can suffer from UTIs because of an enlarged prostate, kidney stones, or diabetes, among many other causes. Some of the characteristic signs include the feeling of needing to urinate more than usual or the experience of pain at the location. The urine is cloudy and often of unhealthy colours and smells.
At more advanced stages of this infection, fever and pains in the back develop. Failure to consider these signs may create a kidney infection or another severe health problem.
It’s important to avoid UTIs because they can result from sometimes minor modifications in daily habits such as drinking the right amount of fluids, washing, not consuming too many products containing caffeine or alcohol, and the presence of specific medical conditions. This is especially true if a person wants to see a doctor as soon as symptoms start developing.
On International Men’s Day, it is suggested that early detection and healthy lifestyle promotion be focused on. As a result, by eradicating the stigma and putting decisiveness in health, men can prevent themselves from UTIs and live better lives.
International Men’s Day- Symptoms To Watch Out For
There are various symptoms that a man with UTI will feel. Recognizing these early signs is essential for prompt treatment and to prevent complications:
1. Frequent Urge To Urinate
Frequent and strong desire to urinate, especially when little urine is produced, is present frequently and persistently.
2. Painful Urination
While passing urine, there may be a burning sensation due to inflammation in the urinary system.
3. Cloudy Or Discolored Urine
Urine may have changed colour to cloudy, dark, or even brown or red colour as a result of inflammation or infection.
4. Foul-Smelling Urine
Urine containing a reddish or brownish colour and/or a strong, unpleasant smell could also indicate bacteria’s presence.
5. Lower Abdominal Or Pelvic Pain
Males are inclined to have discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen and the region of the pelvis.
6. Back or Flank Pain
That means that if you are experiencing pain around the lower back or the sides, then it might be a kidney infection.
7. Fever and Chills
Any value above that line, in combination with chills or fatigue, suggests a more dangerous infection.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is imperative that one has to apply for medical treatment. This can be treated early enough without complications, and the urinary system functions can be restored as soon as possible.
International Men’s Day- Common Causes Of UTIs In Men
UTIs in men can be caused by different issues, most commonly related to anatomy, age, or health conditions. Here are the primary causes:
1. Prostate BPH of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
If the prostate gland is enlarged, it may also block the urine stream. It also may increase bacterial growth in the urinary tract.
2. Kidney Stones
Stones that are in the urinary system can lead to blockage of the urinary system and promote bacterial growth.
3. Sexual Activity
Sexual activities put bacteria into contact with the urinary system if proper precaution is not taken during such moments.
4. Diabetes
Infections are more likely since high blood sugar levels reduce the body’s ability to fight them off.
5. Catheter Use
Prolonged catheter use increases the risk of bacteria building up on the catheter.
6. Weakened Immune System
HIV, diabetes, other chronic diseases, or the use of steroids, which lower one’s immune system, also puts men at an increased risk of developing a UTI.
Knowledge of these causes enables the male folk to practice adequate preventive measures in order to reduce contracting the disease, keep themselves clean, and have their ailments checked, among others.
International Men’s Day Awareness
UTI among males is a big issue that people rarely pay much attention to or think can affect them. Men can easily take preventive action to maintain their urinary health if they are aware of the signs and causes and how best to avoid them. Kidney Infections may occur once the viruses go unnoticed, especially in their early stages, and are not treated early.
The recommendations are concerned with drinking water, washing hands, and maintaining diseases like type 2 diabetes. On this International Men’s Day, we must focus on increasing the general population’s understanding and talking more about male health to enable all men to lead better, healthier lives. A healthy lifestyle and early treatment are significant activities in managing a condition.