By Dr. Rubén Cutanda - Urology Specialist. GUA Urology and Andrology, Gran Canaria
Table of Contents
- Why do urinary tract infections increase in men in summer?
- Quick tips to prevent urinary tract infections
- Risk factors in men
- Most common symptoms and clinical forms
- New diagnostic tools 2025
- Effective summer prevention
- When to consult a urologist?
- Make an appointment today
Why do urinary tract infections increase in men in summer?
Urinary tract infections in men, although less frequent than in women, clearly increase during the summer. This pattern is well documented by medical studies. Factors such as heat, dehydration and some summer habits contribute to the increase of these infections.
- Reduced hydration: causes more concentrated urine, which irritates the bladder and favors bacterial proliferation.
- High temperatures: cause sweating and reduce urinary volume.
- Prolonged use of wet clothing, such as wet swimsuits, creates an environment conducive to bacteria.
- Holding urine: long trips or outdoor activities favor bacterial multiplication.
- Increased sexual activity: increases the risk of urinary tract infections and STIs.
Quick tips to prevent urinary tract infections
Men can take simple steps to avoid urinary tract infections, especially in hot weather:
- Drink 2 to 3 liters of water a day, even if you are not thirsty.
- Change bathing suits after swimming and shower with clean water.
- Urinate every 3-4 hours and always after sexual intercourse.
- If you have a foreskin, retract it to urinate and avoid using toilet paper on the glans.
Preventing urinary tract infections in men is easier than it seems if you follow good daily habits.
Risk factors in men
Urinary tract infections in men are often associated with medical or anatomical conditions. Some common factors include:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): hinders complete emptying of the bladder.
- Unprotected sex: especially anal sex.
- Urinary lithiasis or malformations: anatomical in the urethra, foreskin or kidneys.
- Poorly controlled diabetes: increases the risk of infections due to altered defenses.
- Urological catheterization: or frequent cystoscopies.
- Immunosuppression: transplant, HIV or biological treatments.
Most common symptoms and clinical forms
Uncomplicated low ITU
Typical symptoms: itching when urinating, urgent and frequent need to urinate, sensation of incomplete voiding. No fever.
Acute prostatitis
Fever, pain in the perineal area and urinary difficulty. There may be retention. Requires urine culture and follow-up.
Pyelonephritis
Low back pain, high fever, general malaise. May require imaging tests if not improved with antibiotics.
New diagnostic tools 2025
Thanks to medical advances, it is now possible to diagnose urinary tract infections in men more quickly and effectively:
- Flow-UTI®: flow cytometry that rules out infection in less than one minute.
- Multiplex PCR: useful in hospitals to detect antibiotic resistance.
Effective summer prevention
In addition to the above tips, keep the following in mind:
- Do not withhold urine for prolonged periods of time.
- Use a condom for casual or anal sex.
- Check the BPH if you notice a weak or dribbling stream.
- Check your blood glucose if you are diabetic.
- Wear dry underwear after swimming.
When to consult a urologist?
Go for a medical check-up if you have any of the following symptoms:
- High fever or chills.
- Flank or lower back pain.
- Presence of blood in the urine.
- Severe difficulty urinating.
- Persistent symptoms after 48 h of antibiotic.
- Testicular pain or discharge from the urethra.
Early diagnosis avoids complications and unnecessary treatment.
Make an appointment today
Do you have urinary discomfort or do you want to prevent problems this summer?
At GUA Urology and Andrology we offer you an expert diagnosis and a personalized approach.
References
- EAU Guidelines. Urological Infections. 2025.
- IDSA Clinical Practice Guideline for UTIs in Adults. 2025.
- ECDC. Antimicrobial Resistance in Europe 2024 Report.
- EMA. EPAR: Tebipenem pivoxil HBr, 2025.
"Urinary tract infections in men: more common in summer, but always preventable."
