Can a UTI Cause Erectile Dysfunction?

Published: 2025-11-05

Updated: 2025-11-06

3 mins

A urinary tract infection (UTI) occurs when bacteria enter and multiply anywhere along the urinary system, which includes the bladder, urethra, ureters, and kidneys. While UTIs are far more common in women, men can develop them too – especially with age, prostate changes, or other underlying health conditions that affect urination.

Some men may also notice changes in their sexual health during an infection, including discomfort or difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. In this article, we’ll explore how UTIs and erectile dysfunction (ED) are connected, what symptoms to watch for, and how both can be effectively treated.

What is a UTI?

A UTI is an infection that can develop anywhere along the urinary system, including the urethra, bladder, ureters, or kidneys. In most cases, UTIs are caused by bacteria – most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli) – that travel up the urethra and multiply within the urinary tract.

In men, the longer urethra provides a bit more protection compared to women, making infections less common but often more complicated when they do occur. 

Because bacteria have a greater distance to travel before reaching the bladder, UTIs in men are more likely to indicate another underlying issue. Conditions such as prostate enlargement (BPH), urinary retention, or kidney stones can increase the risk by making it harder to fully empty the bladder or by trapping bacteria in the urinary system.

Common Causes of UTIs in Men

In men, urinary tract infections often develop when something interferes with the normal flow of urine or allows bacteria to linger in the urinary system. One common cause is urinary retention – when the bladder doesn’t fully empty – creating an environment where bacteria can multiply. 

Prostate problems, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis, can also make urination more difficult and increase the risk of infection.

Kidney stones or structural abnormalities in the urinary tract may block urine flow or cause irritation, giving bacteria more opportunities to grow. In some cases, unprotected sex or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can introduce bacteria into the urethra. 

Poor hygiene habits, dehydration, and chronic conditions like diabetes – which can weaken immune defenses – further raise the risk of developing a UTI.

UTI Symptoms in Men

UTI symptoms in men can range from mild discomfort to more intense pain, depending on the severity and location of the infection. Many men experience a burning sensation or pain while urinating, along with an urgent or frequent need to use the bathroom – even when very little urine comes out. The urine itself may appear cloudy, dark, or have a strong odor.

Discomfort often extends beyond the bladder, causing pain or pressure in the lower abdomen, back, or pelvic area. In more serious infections, fever or chills may develop, signaling that the infection has spread to the kidneys or prostate. Some men also notice temporary erectile difficulties during a UTI, which can stem from pelvic inflammation, pain, or stress related to the infection.

How a UTI Can Affect Sexual Function

When a UTI develops, it can affect more than just the urinary tract – it can also impact sexual function in several ways. Pain and discomfort from burning or pelvic pressure can make arousal or sex physically unpleasant, which naturally interferes with performance. The infection can also cause inflammation in nearby structures like the prostate or urethra, reducing blood flow and nerve sensitivity that are essential for achieving and maintaining an erection.

Beyond the physical symptoms, the emotional toll of a UTI – such as anxiety, fatigue, or self-consciousness – can further disrupt sexual desire and erectile function. In some cases, what seems like a typical UTI may actually involve prostatitis, or a prostate infection, which can prolong symptoms and lead to ongoing erectile issues if not properly treated. The good news is that ED related to UTIs is usually temporary and tends to resolve once the infection and inflammation are addressed.

Can a UTI Cause Long-Term Erectile Dysfunction?

In most cases, erectile difficulties that occur during a UTI are temporary and resolve once the infection clears. However, if a UTI is left untreated or keeps coming back – particularly when the prostate is involved – it can lead to ongoing inflammation that affects sexual function over time. Chronic inflammation in the prostate or surrounding tissues can interfere with blood flow, nerve sensitivity, and overall pelvic health, increasing the risk of more persistent erectile dysfunction.

That’s why early diagnosis and completing the full course of treatment are so important. Addressing the infection promptly not only relieves painful urinary symptoms but also helps protect long-term sexual and reproductive health.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosing a UTI typically starts with a urine sample, which helps detect bacteria, white blood cells, or other signs of infection. If the infection is severe or keeps coming back, your provider may order a urine culture to identify the specific bacteria causing it or imaging tests to check for kidney stones, prostate issues, or other structural problems in the urinary tract.

Treatment usually involves a course of antibiotics to clear the infection, along with increased fluid intake to help flush bacteria from the system. Addressing potential underlying conditions is also key to preventing future infections.

Once the UTI has resolved, any erectile issues that developed during the infection often improve on their own. If symptoms persist, your provider may suggest lifestyle changes to support sexual health, prescribe medications like PDE5 inhibitors, or explore other potential causes to ensure a full recovery.

How Rex MD Can Help

If your erections haven’t fully returned to normal after a UTI, that’s a good time to check in with a provider. Rex MD helps men get convenient, confidential care for ED and access to trusted medications like Viagra and Cialis. After answering a few questions about your experience and medical history, a licensed clinician will review your information and may prescribe treatment if it’s appropriate. If prescribed, your medication is shipped directly to your door—so you can start feeling like yourself again without ever leaving home.

Get started today.