What Causes a Bladder Infections in Men?
The most common cause of bladder infections in men is poor emptying of the bladder. This is most often due to an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH). Small amounts of urine remain in the bladder, creating a perfect environment for bacteria to multiply and cause infection. Because BPH commonly develops as men age, bladder infections are more frequent in men over the age of 50. Additional causes of bladder infections in men include: • Kidney or bladder stones • Unprotected anal sex • Compromised immune systems • Poor emptying of the bladder due to other conditions, such as urethral stricture, neurogenic bladder, or prostate cancer Some stones contain bacteria, leading to recurrent urine infections. Bladder stones may cause blockages and urine pooling, much in the way an enlarged prostate gland does. Unprotected anal sex exposes the urethra to the bacteria that live in the bowels. These bacteria, although they cause no problems in the bowels, may lead to infections el
