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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in males
It is unusual for men to have a urinary tract infection (UTI)
- If a UTI is confirmed further investigations will be required
- A single UTI in males does not require referral to secondary care
Out of Scope
- Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain
- Epidydimo-orchitis
- Catheter infections
- Males with retention caused by infection
Definitions
Urinary tract infection (UTI) is infection of any part of the urinary tract, usually by bacteria, but rarely by other micro-organisms such as fungi, viruses, or parasites.
- Lower UTI is infection of the bladder. In theory urethritis and prostatitis are also considered lower UTIs, the term 'lower UTI' implies infection of the bladder with no clinical evidence of urethritis, prostatitis, epididymitis, or orchitis.
- Upper UTI includes pyelitis (infection of the proximal part of the ureters) and pyelonephritis (infection of the kidneys and the proximal part of the ureters).
Risk factors
Most urinary tract infections (UTIs) in men are not associated with any risk factor. Men with a single UTI can be manged in the community and do not require secondary care referral.
The following risk factors may predispose men to a single episode or recurrent UTIs
- Abnormalities of urinary tract function (for example, neurogenic bladder, vesicoureteric reflux) or structure (renal tract anatomical abnormalities, urinary stones).
- Incomplete bladder emptying (for example caused by bladder outlet obstruction in men with prostatic enlargement). Previous urinary tract instrumentation or surgery.
- Men who are immunocompromised (may be more prone to viral and fungal infections).
- Recurrent UTI is repeated UTI, which may be due to relapse or reinfection, and may be defined as 2 or more episodes of confirmed UTI in 3 months.
- Relapse is a recurrent UTI with the same strain of micro-organism. Relapse is the likely cause if infection recurs within a short period after treatment (for example within 2-4 weeks).
- Reinfection is a recurrent UTI with a different strain or species of micro-organism. Reinfection is the likely cause if UTI recurs more than 2 weeks after treatment.
- Asymptomatic bacteriuria is the presence of significant bacteria in the urine without symptoms or signs of infection. These patients do not require antibiotics or referral.
Signs and Symptoms
- A lower UTI should be suspected if the man has:
- Dysuria, frequency, urgency, nocturia, or suprapubic discomfort
- Suprapubic tenderness, and cloudy, bloody, or foul-smelling urine
- Systemically unwell
- Confusion or cognitive impairment in the elderly
History and Examination
Focused history and examination
- Lower urinary tract symptoms (IPPS questionnaire following resolution of infection)
- Sexual history
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Persistent non visible and visible haematuria - see haematuria guideline
Suspected urological cancer - see 2ww guideline
- Midstream Urine Sample (MSU)
- Consider chlamydia testing
- Renal and bladder US to exclude anatomical abnormality and check on bladder masses and stones (KUB x-ray where available)
- Post void residual (<150mls unlikely to be significant)
- IPPS questionnaire and if available urinary flow test to exclude significant LUTS
True male UTI is rare and if suspected warrants thorough investigation. There is therefore no point in performing a urine dip as MSU is always required.
Men with a single UTI can be manged in the community and do not require secondary care referral.
Relapsing UTI can be managed in the community with a longer course of appropriate antibiotics.
Referral Criteria
- Indications for acute referral patient systemically unwell (temperature over 38°) not responding to initial antibiotic therapy
- Signs of upper urinary tract infection/ pyelonephritis
- Microbiological proven recurrent UTIs
- A complication of proven UTI not responding to initial therapy for example epidydimo-orchitis
- UTIs in men with risk factors
- Abnormalities of urinary tract function (for example, neurogenic bladder, vesicoureteric reflux) or structure (renal tract anatomical abnormalities, urinary stones)
- Incomplete bladder emptying (for example caused by bladder outlet obstruction in men with prostatic enlargement)
- Men who are immunocompromised (may be more prone to viral and fungal infections)
Referral Instructions
e-Referral Service Selection
- Specialty: Urology
- Clinic Type: Not Otherwise Specified
- Service: DRSS-Northern-Urology-NHS Devon - 15N
Referral Form
Northern Devon Healthcare Trust open appointment pathway
We have learnt from experience that not all patients who are seen in the complex UTI clinic need a routine follow-up appointment after consultation. After an initial consultation the clinician may place patients on an open appointment pathway, which means that if patients have any concerns within six months of their consultation, they can easily get in touch with us. If a patient develops a problem after this six-month period, they will need to contact their GP and ask for a re-referral
Evidence
Pathway Group
This guideline has been signed off on behalf of NHS Devon.
Publication date: February 2019
