Bladder infections can be a touchy subject, but it’s important to know how to recognize one as soon as possible in order to get effective treatment from your urologist. A bladder infection occurs when bacteria from the digestive tract cling to the urethra and begin multiplying and spreading up the urethra and into the bladder. Symptoms of a bladder infection include:

• Frequent and urgent need to urinate
• Only passing small amounts of urine
• Burning or tingling sensation during urination
• Cloudy, strong-smelling urine
• Fever
• Blood in the urine

Bladder Infections in Men

Statistically speaking, most bladder infections occur in women because they have a shorter urethra than men, so it’s easier for the bacteria to get into the bladder. However, men can also suffer from bladder infections, and its important to seek professional urological treatment to prevent serious damage.

A common cause of bladder infections in men is incomplete emptying of the bladder, often caused by an enlarged prostate. Normally, urine is sterile; it contains some of our body’s waste products, but not bacteria, viruses, or fungi. However, when it remains in the bladder instead of being completely emptied from the bladder, it provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria. Because this becomes more common as men age, bladder infections are most common in men over 50.

Other common causes of bladder infections in men include:

• Diabetes
• Having a medical condition that affects the immune system
• Other conditions involving the urinary system such as kidney stones, bladder stones, prostate cancer, or neurogenic bladder
• Recently having a catheter inserted during surgery or an illness

If you suspect you might have a bladder infection, it’s very important to see a urology professional right away. When left untreated, a bladder infection could spread to the kidneys and affect their ability to filter out your body’s waste products from your blood, possibly resulting in serious illness or even death. The most common course of treatment is antibiotics. Most people feel better within a few days, but it’s important to take the full prescribed dose to make sure there are no bacteria left in your bladder.

Taking care of your bladder and urinary system is vital for good health, and an experienced urologist is your best source of information and treatment options to keep your urinary system healthy. To learn more about bladder infection symptoms and treatment, contact Dr. Michael S. Kaplan, one of the top urologists in Las Vegas at (702) 454-6226 today.