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Urinary Tract Infection in Male Teens: Care Instructions

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Male urinary tract

Overview

A urinary tract infection, or UTI, is a term for an infection anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra. (The urethra is the tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body.) Most UTIs are bladder infections. They often cause pain or burning when you urinate.

UTIs are caused by bacteria. This means they can be cured with antibiotics. Be sure to complete your treatment so that the infection does not get worse.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

  • Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • Drink extra water and other fluids for the next day or two. This will help make the urine less concentrated and help wash out the bacteria that are causing the infection. (If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.)
  • Avoid carbonated drinks and drinks that have caffeine. They can irritate the bladder.
  • Urinate often. Try to empty your bladder each time.
  • To relieve pain, take a hot bath. Or you can lay a heating pad set on low over your lower belly or genital area. Never go to sleep with a heating pad in place.

To prevent UTIs

  • Drink plenty of water each day. This helps you urinate often, which clears bacteria from your system. (If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.)
  • Urinate when you need to.
  • Keep the tip of your penis clean, especially if you are uncircumcised. The foreskin can trap bacteria, which can then get into the urinary tract and cause an infection.

When should you call for help?

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have new or worse fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting.
  • You have new pain in your back just below your rib cage. This is called flank pain.
  • There is new blood or pus in your urine.
  • You have any problems with your antibiotic medicine.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You are not getting better after taking an antibiotic for 2 days.
  • Your symptoms go away but then come back.

Where can you learn more?

Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd

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The Health Encyclopedia contains general health information. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.