Primary prevention

Trials involving boys suggest circumcision is preventive.[31] However, no clear recommendations exist for adult men. Silver- or antibiotic-coated catheters decrease catheter-associated bacteriuria but have not conclusively been shown to prevent urinary tract infection (UTI); therefore, removal or avoidance of the catheter offers the best prevention.[27][32][33][34][35][36][37]​ The quality and applicability of evidence regarding prophylaxis for use of several pharmacologic (e.g., methenamine hippurate) and nonpharmaceutical treatment strategies (e.g., encouraging cranberry juice intake) in clinical practice for different patient groups is debatable, as there are significant gaps in understanding for particular subgroups of men with UTI. Trial of these therapies should never preclude investigation for structural abnormality in the male urinary tract.[38][39][40][41][42]

Secondary prevention

Secondary prevention of UTI in men is possible when a correctable or treatable cause of the UTI exists. For example, treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and restoration of appropriate urine flow may decrease the risk of future UTI development.

Underlying conditions contributing to UTI should be sought using imaging of the urinary tract in men with:

  • Voiding dysfunction without a clearly identifiable cause such as BPH

  • Treatment failure

  • Persistent hematuria

  • Signs of upper tract infection.

Urologic consultation may be necessary to correct an underlying structural or functional abnormality.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer