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What are the Signs of Kidney Stones in Men?

Autumn Rivers
Autumn Rivers

Though both men and women can get kidney stones, they are more prevalent in men, largely due to more metabolic waste, and a more complex urinary tract. Some of the main symptoms of kidney stones in men include pain in the back, abdomen, sides, and groin. An increased urge to urinate, sometimes accompanied by blood, is also a common sign of this condition. Nausea, vomiting, chills, and a fever can also show up, making any man suffering from kidney stones quite uncomfortable. Symptoms of kidney stones in men are usually only noticed when a medium or large stone is being passed, as most small stones can be passed without issue.

One of the most obvious signs of kidney stones in men is pain in the back and on either side, depending on which kidney contains the stone. The pain location usually moves as the stone continues on its way through the urinary tract, as many men begin to feel either cramping or sharp pains in their abdomen. This pain may also radiate to the pelvis or testicular region as the stone moves down to be expelled from the body.

Kidney stones next to a ruler to show the size.
Kidney stones next to a ruler to show the size.

Another common sign of kidney stones in men is the increased urge to urinate. Unfortunately, the stone can irritate the bladder and other areas of the urinary tract as it comes down, resulting in urine that appears orange or pink due to blood. In some cases, the urine can also have a strong odor, which may not help diagnose kidney stones on its own, but it can be a strong indicator when combined with other symptoms.

A kidney with a kidney stone.
A kidney with a kidney stone.

Most men feel generally ill when trying to pass a stone, as it takes a toll on the whole body. For example, the body tends to react to the pain with nausea, vomiting, and chills. Usually, the stronger the pain, the stronger these symptoms are. A fever may be present in those experiencing kidney stones, but it has more to do with an infection in the body than the stones themselves. Men who notice this and other symptoms should see a doctor to be diagnosed and treated.

Men with kidney stones can feel nauseated.
Men with kidney stones can feel nauseated.

In most cases, the signs of kidney stones in men will disappear once the stone has passed, which should happen naturally. On the other hand, a visit to a doctor can be helpful in deciding whether any treatment is needed. Most will pass on their own, but the patient may require pain medication to deal with the process. Stones that do not seem to be passing may need to be broken up into smaller pieces, which can be done using ultrasound.

Discussion Comments

Ruggercat68

I usually get kidney stones about every two to three years. I know the usual treatment of kidney stones involves drinking a lot of fluids and taking some prescription painkillers. I've had really bad attacks some years, but then I'll have times when the stones are small and pass quickly without much pain.

One way of passing kidney stones quickly is to get very aggressive mentally and physically. You should adopt a mindset that says you are going to work through the pain and get those kidney stones out of your system. Drink plenty of fluids, even if you feel like the pressure on your bladder and kidneys is unbearable. It's that pressure that will help force the kidney stones to move out of the kidney's ureter and into your bladder. Once that happens, the pain will go away almost entirely.

AnswerMan

The very first kidney stone symptoms I'll notice are the nausea and the abdominal pain. I may break into a cold sweat, but sometimes I'll just think it's a stomach bug or heat exhaustion. That discomfort may last for a few hours, but I can still function. I may lie down and take an OTC painkiller.

It's the second set of kidney stone symptoms that get me concerned. I'll feel like urinating more frequently, but I'll hear a gurgling sound on one side of my abdomen near the kidney. I'll become very aware of my entire urinary tract, almost like a urinary tract infection. Everything involved in urination will become very tender and sore. I can sense something is blocking the usual flow when I urinate. I'll figure it's a kidney stone starting to move at that point.

The pain of an actual kidney stone attack is difficult to describe. It feels like something is spasming in my lower abdomen, then a wave of excrutiating pain will come over me. This cycle will continue until the stone finally passes. It may be a matter of hours or days.

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    • Kidney stones next to a ruler to show the size.
      By: erik gould
      Kidney stones next to a ruler to show the size.
    • A kidney with a kidney stone.
      By: p6m5
      A kidney with a kidney stone.
    • Men with kidney stones can feel nauseated.
      By: ftlaudgirl
      Men with kidney stones can feel nauseated.
    • Kidney stones may be diagnosed through a renal ultrasound.
      By: jeff gynane
      Kidney stones may be diagnosed through a renal ultrasound.
    • Vomiting may be a sign of a kidney stone.
      By: Tom Wang
      Vomiting may be a sign of a kidney stone.
    • Drinking large amounts of water is an effective way to prevent and pass kidney stones.
      By: Photographee.eu
      Drinking large amounts of water is an effective way to prevent and pass kidney stones.
    • A urinalysis may be conducted to detect kidney stones.
      By: Mi.Ti.
      A urinalysis may be conducted to detect kidney stones.