Cystitis in Men: Does It Occur, Causes and Symptoms

Cystitis is inflammation of the bladder. In men it occurs significantly less often than in women but is not an exception: male sex is included among the circumstances in which a urinary tract infection requires medical evaluation. Below are the definition, causes, symptoms, and a list of examinations.

Does cystitis occur in men

Cystitis is defined as inflammation of the bladder; in urological practice the term often denotes a symptomatic infection with inflammation of the mucous membrane, impaired bladder function, and changes in the urine sediment. In English-language literature it is referred to as a lower urinary tract infection — of the bladder and urethra. Such infections are common predominantly in women: in men the corresponding symptoms occur 8 times less often, and among all patients women are approximately four times more numerous. Urinary tract infections are the second most common type of infection in the body.

The answer to the question of whether cystitis can occur in men is affirmative. The difference in frequency is explained by anatomy: the female urethra is shorter and wider, so it is easier for bacteria to reach the bladder.

Causes of bladder inflammation in men

Inflammation is caused by bacteria from the intestine that enter the urinary tract through the urethra. The main causative agent is Escherichia coli (up to 95% of cases of infectious cystitis); less often Klebsiella, Proteus, Staphylococcus (up to 20%), group B and D streptococci (1–2%), viruses, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and fungi are identified. Routes of infection are ascending, descending, lymphogenous, and hematogenous.

Cystitis is distinguished as primary and secondary, acute and chronic, infectious and non-infectious. Secondary cystitis develops against the background of bladder stones or tumor, prostatic adenoma and prostate cancer, urethral stricture, and chronic inflammatory diseases of the genital organs. For men, difficult or incomplete bladder emptying is significant, including with an enlarged prostate: it increases the risk of infection.

Other risk factors: mucosal injury, hypothermia, urolithiasis, urinary catheter, diabetes, and weakened immunity.

Symptoms and signs of cystitis in men

Symptoms depend on the form. Characteristic are:

• frequent imperative urges with a minimal amount of urine;
• cutting or burning at the end of urination;
• a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying;
• cloudiness, darkening of urine, or admixture of blood, sometimes noticeable only on toilet paper;
• discomfort or aching pain in the lower abdomen or in the rectal area.

Nocturnal awakenings to urinate, pain in the back under the ribs, chills, high temperature or temperature below 36 °C, and fatigue are also possible. In chronic cystitis during remission, symptoms are almost absent; during exacerbation they repeat the picture of the acute form.

What tests and examinations are prescribed

The diagnosis is based on the clinical picture and examination results. The doctor may prescribe a urine test, although it is not always needed. Diagnosis of chronic cystitis is based on history, characteristic symptoms, macro- and microscopy of urine, bacteriological studies, cystoscopy (after the acute inflammation subsides), and functional studies of the lower urinary tract; ultrasound of the urogenital organs allows concomitant diseases to be excluded. With persistently persisting symptoms, urine tests do not always detect infection, and the examination is expanded.

Complications and when to see a doctor

The infection can spread to the kidneys; pyelonephritis is dangerous because of the development of sepsis. Urgent medical evaluation is needed with very high or very low temperature, chills and shivering, pain in the lower abdomen or in the back under the ribs, blood in the urine, rapid deterioration of the condition, no improvement within 48 hours, repeated episodes (2 in 6 months or 3 in 12), diabetes, catheter, weakened immunity. Male sex in itself is classified among such circumstances.

Bladder inflammation in itself is not a reason to call an ambulance. Numbers 103 and 112 — for confusion, drowsiness, or difficulty speaking: such signs may indicate a severe infection with a risk of sepsis.

The material is for reference purposes and does not replace consultation with a doctor.

This content is for reference and does not replace a doctor's consultation. Medical disclaimer