Top 10 Home Remedies for Urinary Tract Infections in Males

A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a bacterial infection of the urinary system. Most UTIs affect the bladder and the urethra, the tube that drains urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Approximately 12% of men and 60% of women develop a UTI at some point. 

Due to the longer male urethral tract, male urinary tract infections (UTIs) are typically regarded as more complex. Thus, they are more likely to spread to the kidneys and upper urinary tract, and in some cases, surgery may be required. 

While antibiotics are the most effective way to treat a UTI, home remedies for urinary tract infections in males may help ease symptoms. These home-based solutions complement professional medical care effectively. Keep reading to learn about the ten effective home remedies to provide urinary tract infection relief for men. 

How Many Types of UTI Occur in Men?

Urinary tract infections mainly affect the kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. Hence, based on the affected region of the urinary tract, these infections are divided into two categories: 

• Lower Tract Infections 

A lower tract infection occurs in the bladder, prostate, or urethra. The most common types of UTIs related to lower tract are bladder infections and prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate gland. The condition is also known as cystitis. Urethritis, or inflammation of the urethra, is another type of lower tract infection.

• Upper Tract Infections

An upper tract infection affects the ureters or kidneys. A particular type is pyelonephritis, which indicates a kidney infection, typically one that has progressed up the urinary tract.

Symptoms of UTI in Men

UTIs are less common in younger men and primarily affect men over the age of 50. Men with UTIs may not show any signs or symptoms of infection. However, when symptoms appear, they can include:

• Discomfort when urinating,
• Urge to urinate frequently,
• Inability to start urinating,
• Slow urine flow or urine leakage,
• A sudden urge to urinate,
• The release of small amounts of urine at a time,
• Blood in urine,
• Pain in the centre of the lower abdomen,
• Cloudy urine with a strong odour.

Also Read: What is UTI and How it is diagnosed?

Top 10 Home Remedies to Prevent UTIs in Men

UTIs can cause major complications and health issues if not detected and treated timely. Antibiotics will continue to be the most effective and standard treatment for UTIs until further advancements in the field. However, antibiotic resistance can develop in people when antibiotics lose their effectiveness over time. In that case, consult with a doctor to determine the best remedy for symptom relief.

Some home remedies, in addition to antibiotics, may reduce symptoms and prevent infections from reoccurring. Following are some of the natural UTI remedies for men:

1. Try Cranberries

Cranberries may contain an ingredient that prevents bacteria from attaching to the lining of the urinary tract. A 2023 study found that substances known as proanthocyanidins might stop Escherichia coli (E. coli) from attaching to bladder cells.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water and staying hydrated is the most effective home care for male UTIs. While urinating can be painful with a UTI, it is important to drink as much fluids as possible, particularly water. The recommended daily intake for most adults is six to eight 8-ounce glasses of water. The more you drink, the more you urinate, which can aid in the removal of harmful bacteria from the urinary tract.

3. Take Probiotics

Probiotics promote good digestion and immunity. You should consume probiotics and fermented foods such as yoghurt, kimchi, and kefir. When used in combination with standard antibiotic therapy, they may also help treat and prevent UTIs. 

A UTI causes bad bacteria to replace good bacteria in the urogenital system, particularly those from the Lactobacillus group. Probiotics can help restore good bacteria and reduce the likelihood of recurrent UTIs.

4. Take D-mannose Supplements

Fruits and vegetables contain a natural sugar called D-mannose, which may help fight off bacteria that cause UTIs. The effectiveness of D-mannose powder in preventing recurrent UTIs was found to be comparable to that of nitrofurantoin, a common antibiotic. However, more thorough research is required to confirm these findings.

5. Consume Vitamin C-rich Foods

Vitamin C-rich foods and fruits strengthen immunity and stop dangerous bacteria from growing in the urinary tract. Additionally, it makes the urine sufficiently acidic to eradicate the source of the infection. 

Among the fruits that are abundant in vitamin C are mango, papaya, strawberries, watermelon, kiwi, grapefruit, orange, berries, pineapple, and cantaloupe. In addition to this, you should incorporate tomatoes, cauliflower, bell peppers, and broccoli into your daily diet. 

6. Garlic

Garlic is an effective treatment for male urinary tract infections (UTIs). It can be consumed raw or as an extract to provide quick relief. It effectively kills the bacteria that cause UTIs and helps restore normal urinary tract function.

7. Coconut Oil

Although it cannot treat internal symptoms, it is extremely effective for external ones. Coconut oil relieves the burning sensation and reduces swelling. Furthermore, it can kill the viruses and bacteria that cause infections. However, before directly applying coconut oil to the affected skin, ensure that you are not allergic to coconut oil.

8. Wear Loose Clothing

Wearing loose-fitting, cotton-lined clothing can help keep the area dry and clean, which may help reduce the symptoms of an existing UTI infection. Certain fabrics and tight-fitting clothing can retain moisture, which encourages the growth of bacteria in the genital area and may worsen the infection.

9. Practice Healthy Hygiene Habits

The primary step in preventing UTIs is following a few basic bathroom and hygiene practices. First, avoid holding your urine for too long. This can result in bacterial buildup and infection. Furthermore, those who are susceptible to UTIs should refrain from using spermicide because it has been linked to an increase in UTIs.

10. Use a Heating Pad

Pelvic pain is a common symptom of UTI, and it causes constant restlessness. Using a heating pad on your lower abdomen can help reduce frequent bathroom visits that can cause painful burning and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with a UTI.

If you're experiencing severe pain that won't go away even with home treatments for UTI in men, it's probably best to see a doctor.

The Bottom Line

The incidence of male UTIs increases with age. Factors like an enlarged prostate, reduced immune function, and underlying health conditions can compromise the urinary tract's natural defences over time. Men's UTI symptoms are similar to those of women, including painful, urgent, and persistent urination. However, following various home remedies for urinary tract infections in males is always advised. 

Good genital hygiene, staying well-hydrated, avoiding irritants, prompt medical attention for any UTI symptoms, and regular prostate health screenings are some of the male UTI prevention tips. 

Our doctors at Apollo Spectra have extensive experience treating a variety of male problems, including UTIs. So, schedule an appointment today to get rid of your UTI infection!