What Are the Key Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones in Men?

While kidney stones affect both men and women, certain symptoms—especially in adult males—can present more acutely or with distinct patterns due to anatomical and hormonal differences. Recognizing these early warning signs is essential for timely diagnosis, effective pain management, and prevention of complications such as urinary obstruction or kidney damage.

1. Severe, Radiating Flank or Abdominal Pain (Renal Colic)

One of the most characteristic and distressing symptoms is intense, colicky pain—commonly referred to as renal colic. This typically begins suddenly in the flank (side of the back), often radiating toward the lower abdomen, groin, or even the testicles in men. The pain tends to wax and wane in intensity but progressively worsens without intervention. Many men describe it as one of the most excruciating experiences they've ever had—comparable to childbirth or major trauma. Immediate medical attention is strongly advised to rule out complications like ureteral obstruction or hydronephrosis.

2. Visible or Microscopic Blood in Urine (Hematuria)

Hematuria—whether visible (gross) or detectable only under a microscope (microscopic)—is another hallmark sign. As a stone moves through the urinary tract, it can irritate or abrade the delicate urothelial lining, causing small blood vessels to rupture. Gross hematuria may tint urine pink, red, or brown, while microscopic hematuria is often discovered during routine urinalysis. Although not always painful, its presence warrants further imaging (e.g., non-contrast CT scan) to confirm stone location and size.

3. Fever and Chills: A Red Flag for Infection

When a kidney stone causes urinary stasis—especially in the upper tract—it creates an ideal environment for bacterial growth. If infection develops alongside obstruction (obstructive pyelonephritis), men may experience high fever (>101.5°F / 38.6°C), shaking chills, rapid heart rate, and worsening flank pain. This is a urological emergency requiring prompt IV antibiotics and urgent stone removal—delayed treatment risks sepsis or permanent kidney injury.

4. Gastrointestinal and Lower Urinary Tract Disturbances

Upper Tract Stones (Kidney & Ureter)

Nausea and vomiting are extremely common—triggered by shared nerve pathways between the kidneys and gastrointestinal system. Autonomic activation from severe pain often leads to profound gastric stasis and retching, sometimes mistaken for gastroenteritis.

Lower Tract Stones (Bladder & Urethra)

Men with bladder or distal urethral stones frequently report classic irritative voiding symptoms: frequent urination (urinary frequency), sudden, compelling urges to void (urinary urgency), painful or burning urination (dysuria), and even interrupted or weak urine stream. In some cases, especially with larger bladder stones, men may notice terminal hematuria—blood appearing only at the end of urination—or experience acute urinary retention.

When to Seek Medical Help

If you're a man experiencing persistent flank pain lasting more than a few hours, visible blood in your urine, fever with back pain, or inability to pass urine, don't wait—contact a healthcare provider or visit an urgent care or emergency department immediately. Early imaging and targeted treatment significantly reduce recovery time and long-term risks. Staying well-hydrated, limiting sodium and animal protein intake, and undergoing metabolic evaluation after a first episode can help prevent recurrence.