Although urinary tract infection is more common in women, men can get them too. Urinary Tract Infection occurs when bacteria build up in the urethra, the bladder, the prostate or the kidney.
According to the Urology Care Foundation, 12 percent of men will have symptoms of at least one UTI during their lives. And, that too the older a man is, the greater his risk for getting one. Read on further to find out the risk factors, symptoms and treatment for UTI in men.
Causes of Urinary Tract Infection in Men
Women are susceptible to UTI because their urethra is shorter than men. The flow of urine is nature’s way of eliminating water and fluid from the system along with toxins and bacteria. Sometimes, there is a break down in the system and a bacteria named E-coli which is in our colon is the most common culprit.
With colonization, the bacteria accumulate and then pass to the urethra into the bladder and beyond causing an infection. Other factors that can set the stage for a break out in the system is a blockage in the form of kidney stones or an enlarged prostate.
Risk Factors for Urinary Tract Infection in Men
Besides age, there are additional factors that can put you at a greater risk of getting a UTI. Here are some:
- Diabetes
- Kidney Stones
- Bladder Catheter Insertion
- Enlarged Prostate Gland
- Any health condition that weakens the immune system
Signs and Symptoms of Urinary Tract Infection in Men
The symptoms are similar to either gender and these include:
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
- Foul smell in the urine
- Fevers or chills
- Urge to Urinate frequently, yet you don’t pass much urine
- Cloudy urine
- Pain in the lower back where kidneys are
How to Treat Urinary Tract Infections?
Although modern antibiotics are used in UTIs, they can be treated with herbal treatment without any side-effects and recurrences. According to Ayurveda, UTIs occur as a result of an imbalance in Pitta dosha.
The main factors that cause a vitiation of Pitta in the body to occur are because of over-eating hot, sour or spicy food, not drinking enough water, suppressing the urge to urinate, exposure to extreme heat, etc. Therefore, you should first focus on balancing your lifestyle to begin the healing process.
Treatment should include drinking plenty of water throughout the day to help flush out the bacteria from the urinary tract. No-sugar cranberry juice or pomegranate juice help in reducing Pitta and the proliferation of bacteria. It’s best to avoid caffeine, aerated drinks, chocolate, refined sugar, alcohol, and other processed food. Include lots of fiber, replace salt with Himalayan crystal salt, rock salt or sea salt to reduce the burden on the kidneys and bladder.
A potent herbal formulation that can soothe, nourish and cool your urinary tract is a coriander drink – Place 3 tablespoons of powdered coriander seeds and 1 tablespoon of mishri (rock candy) in 3 cups of water overnight. It is preferable to keep this mixture in an earthen pot. Stir and drink 1 cup of this mixture thrice a day.
Bacteria can flourish in warm and moist conditions so practicing good hygiene, wearing cool and loose-fitting underwear and clothing, drying thoroughly after shower or bath is essential.
Herbs for UTI
In recent years multiple-drug resistance has developed due to indiscriminate use of existing antimicrobial drugs in the treatment of infectious diseases. This resistance problem demands that a renewed effort be made to seek antimicrobial agents resistant to current antibiotics. This is where herbs can be beneficial:
- Echinacea – It improves overall immune responses and is an effective anti-inflammatory agent. Echinacea contains a natural antibiotic –echinacoside which is comparable to penicillin in its broad-spectrum activity. It also strengthens tissues against assault by invading microorganisms. Besides, Echinacea may act like the body’s own virus-fighting chemical, interferon. Interferon released in the body boosts the cell’s ability to resist infections. It is effective against UTIs
- Golden Seal – Its healing compound called Berberine demonstrates significant antimicrobial activity, including both sensitive and resistant E.coli in vitro
- Cinnamon and Garlic – Adding these spices to your food has a strong anti-bacterial effect
- Buchu – This leaf has been used traditionally for UTIs and is a powerful diuretic that stimulates urination and is excreted virtually by the kidneys. It is good for use with a bladder infection and if there is acidic urine with a constant desire to urinate with no relief from doing so
- Horsetail – It has astringent, diuretic and tissue healing properties that allow it to fight UTI. The diuretic property is believed to be due to equisetonin and flavone glycosides. Horsetail has been used for ages by the ancient Romans, Greeks, and native North Americans for curing kidney stones and bladder problems.
- Shilajit – Ayurvedic diuretic aids in alleviating various urinary problems such as painful urination, stones, incontinence, and glycosuria
Urinary Tract Infections can be easily thwarted with proper lifestyle measures. If you have recurrent UTI, which is also possible in older men you need to address the underlying problem that causes a frequent break out in the system.
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