Urinary Tract Infections in Men: Why Does the Risk Increase After Age 40?

JAKARTA - Until now, urinary tract infections (UTIs) have been more commonly associated with women due to their anatomical structure that makes them more susceptible. However, the reality is that men can also experience similar conditions.

In younger age groups, the risk is relatively small, but with age, especially after 40, the likelihood of developing a UTI increases significantly.

Unfortunately, many men ignore the symptoms, often considering them trivial or merely a temporary inconvenience when urinating. However, if left untreated, infections can lead to serious complications, including kidney damage.

"UTIs are less common in young men due to the longer urethra and the antibacterial action of prostatic fluid, but the incidence has increased in recent years, especially in men over 40. Even young men are now reporting UTIs, usually due to busy lifestyles, dehydration, excessive supplement consumption, and poor hygiene," said Dr. Arun Balakrishnan, Chief Urologist, Robotic Surgeon, and Uro-Oncologist at the Asian Institute of Nephrology and Urology (AINU), as quoted by the Hindustan Times.

Several factors trigger UTIs in men, including an enlarged prostate, which presses on the urinary tract, preventing urine from fully exiting. This condition creates an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive.

Diabetes and high blood sugar levels also play a role by weakening the immune system and providing "food" for bacteria. Furthermore, kidney stones can block urine flow, making infections more difficult to treat.

As we age, decreased immunity due to chronic illness, smoking, stress, and lack of sleep also weaken the body's resistance to infection. Modern lifestyle factors such as insufficient hydration, excessive alcohol consumption, and a high-protein diet further increase the risk.

UTI symptoms in men are often misunderstood. For example, frequent urination at night is considered normal, but it could actually be an early sign of infection. Other symptoms include pain or a burning sensation during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, and even blood. In more severe cases, infections can cause pelvic or lower abdominal pain, fever, chills, and even back pain.

Dr. Balakrishnan advises men not to delay seeking medical attention if they experience these symptoms. According to him, consultation with a urologist is very important so that treatment can be carried out early and does not develop into more serious complications.