Primary prevention

Trials involving boys suggest that circumcision is preventative.[31] However, no clear recommendations exist for adult males. 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 pharmacological (e.g., methenamine hippurate) and non-pharmaceutical 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 haematuria

  • Signs of upper tract infection.

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

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