By: Jennifer Nerkie Kenney
Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), often perceived as common and harmless, can signal serious underlying medical conditions, especially in men, according to Dr. Isaac Tetteh Secorm, an Obstetrician and Gynecologist at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital, who explained the causes, risks, and prevention of the infection during a health discussion on the GTV Breakfast Show on Monday, December 1, 2025.
Dr. Secorm said UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system through the urethra and travel upward to infect the bladder, ureters, or even the kidneys, stressing that recurrent infections in men are medically unusual and should prompt further investigation.
“If a man keeps getting UTIs, we must suspect a deeper problem,” he said.
He explained that anatomically, men are less likely to get UTIs because their urethra is longer—about 15 centimetres—while women have a much shorter urethra of about four centimetres, making it easier for bacteria to travel into the bladder. This makes women and young girls more vulnerable, including infants as young as six months.
Dr. Secorm added that UTIs are commonly caused by bacteria, especially E. coli, which usually migrate from the anal area to the urethra, often due to improper hygiene practices. “The most common cause of UTI is bacteria, especially E. coli,” he added.
He noted that poor wiping techniques, especially cleaning from back to front in females, can introduce bacteria into the urinary system. Increased sexual activity can also trigger infections, a condition commonly referred to as “honeymoon cystitis”.
Dr. Secorm clarified that UTIs are not classified as sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but sexual activity can facilitate the movement of bacteria through hands, fingers, or other forms of contact. “It is not sexually transmitted, but sexual activity can easily transfer bacteria into the urinary tract,” he stated.
He outlined common symptoms of UTIs as frequent urination, pain during or after urination, passing small amounts of urine despite feeling a strong urge, cloudy urine, and sometimes blood in the urine. These symptoms are generally the same in both men and women.
Explaining how to distinguish between frequent urination caused by high water intake and infection, he said UTIs usually come with pain and low volumes of urine, unlike normal urination caused by hydration. “With UTI you feel pressed but only a small amount comes out,” he informed.
On treatment, Dr. Secorm said UTIs are managed through medical treatment and lifestyle changes, including drinking plenty of water, frequent urination, and maintaining proper hand and genital hygiene.
He added that proper diagnosis requires laboratory testing of urine samples through dipstick tests, microscopy, and culture to identify the exact bacteria before prescribing medication. “We must grow the bacteria and test which drug can kill it before giving the right medication,” he said.
He warned against self-medication, explaining that improper antibiotic use contributes to drug resistance, where bacteria become “stubborn” and harder to treat.
Touching on UTIs in pregnancy, Dr. Secorm said hormonal changes and pressure on the urinary system make pregnant women more susceptible to infections, which can lead to premature labour if not treated early. “One of the commonest causes of preterm labour is UTI in pregnancy,” he said.
He stressed that pregnant women diagnosed with UTIs must follow proper medical treatment to protect both mother and baby, as untreated infections can lead to kidney infections known as pyelonephritis.
Addressing home remedies, Dr. Secorm said sitting in warm salted water may soothe discomfort but does not replace medical treatment and should only be considered a supportive measure. “It may give temporary relief, but it does not cure the infection,” he said.
In wrapping up, he advised the public to prioritise personal hygiene, practice proper cleaning techniques, and seek medical attention for recurrent symptoms, especially men, for whom UTIs could indicate serious underlying problems. “If you keep getting UTIs, especially as a man, please seek medical help because it could mean something is wrong underneath,” he said.
