Management of urinary tract infection in elderly men.

The frequency of asymptomatic bacteriuria increases with age, both in men and women. Most cases are benign, and antibiotics do not appear necessary. Symptomatic infections, however, obviously require treatment. Functional obstructions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or urethral stricture, should be ruled out. If present, surgery is recommended. In the absence of an obstruction, antibiotic treatment is indicated. The risk of septicemia from urinary tract infection is also high in the elderly. Preventive therapy will reduce the need for surgical treatment, which can be hazardous in elderly patients.