Urinary Tract Infections in Men and How to Treat Them Naturally

Urinary tract infections in men and women are caused by bacteria such as E coli getting into the urethra. It is believed that men do not get utis as often as women because their urinary tract is longer, making it harder for the bacteria to travel up and invade the bladder and kidneys. Once past age 50, however, the infection becomes almost as frequent as in women--and harder to diagnose.

In younger men, the most common source of urinary tract infection is sexual intercourse. After 50, the other causes of male urinary tract infections become more prominent. These are blockages of the urinary tract such as kidney stones or an enlarged prostate, catheters in the urinary tract or bladder, and diseases such as diabetes that suppress the body's immune system.

UTIs show a number of symptoms, but not everyone will have all of them. First and foremost is a painful, burning sensation in the urinary tract and/or bladder while urinating. There is a frequent need to urinate, but usually there is very little urine. What urine there is will be milky or cloudy, or perhaps even have some blood in it. The smell will be unpleasant.

There will sometimes be a feeling of tiredness and weakness and back pain. If the infection has reached the kidneys there may be fever, nausea and vomiting.

Symptoms of urinary tract infections in men over 50 are harder to diagnose. An abrupt change in behavior is the best sign. This infection causes stress to the rest of the body, and can show itself as mood swings and bad temper--especially in people who already have dementia. Incontinence, going to the bathroom more often than normal, nausea and vomiting, and coughing and shortness of breath can also be signs. Fever is an indication of a serious infection.

Antibiotics are used in contemporary medicine to treat the symptoms of urinary tract infections. Bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics over the years, making it necessary to prescribe ever stronger drugs. These drugs kill the good bacteria along with the bad, in turn causing other types of infection. If you are being treated with drugs for an infection other than a uti, you can end up with a urinary tract infection because the "good" bacteria are gone as well.

Buchu and bearberry leaf are the most-used natural uti remedies. Buchu, found in southern Africa, has essential oils and flavonoids that cleanse and balance the entire urinary tract. Bearberry leaf has cleansing properties, but it also tones and tightens the walls of the urinary tract, making it harder for the bacteria to embed themselves. These two herbs are often used in combination with other herbs and homeopathic remedies to soothe the body and provide immune system support. A natural uti remedy can be used two or three times a year to balance the whole urinary tract system and prevent an occurrence--or recurrence. There are generally no down side effects to natural remedies unless you have an allergy to one of them. This should be checked with your physician or naturopath before you staring using them.

Male urinary tract infections should be taken seriously. Don't try to tough it out; it is an infection that won't go away on its own. Natural remedies can help you flush out the bacteria while balancing your body's systems quickly and without unwanted side effects.

(c) Debra Higgins, 2008

Debra Higgins has been researching herbal and homeopathic remedies for physical and mental health for many years. Visit her website at Four Seasons Herbal Shop to find her choice for urinary tract health.