What are the symptoms of kidney stones in men

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the lower back or abdomen, difficulty urinating, hematuria, nausea and vomiting. Due to the special physiological structure of men, they may also experience severe urethral pain and pain during ejaculation. If relevant symptoms are found, it is recommended to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

1. Severe pain in waist and abdomen

One of the most typical symptoms of kidney stones is pain. When stones move or block, they can cause severe pain in the bladder and ureter. This pain is often described as "like a knife cutting". The pain is mostly concentrated in the waist and abdomen, and is usually paroxysmal. The pain may be more obvious when the patient stands, exercises, or changes position. When the pain is severe, it may even radiate to the lower abdomen, inner thighs, or male scrotum.

2. Hematuria Blood in the urine

Kidney stones may damage the urinary tract mucosa, causing blood to be mixed in the urine, which manifests as "hematuria". In patients with kidney stones, hematuria can be divided into red urine visible to the naked eye, or microscopic hematuria, where an increase in red blood cells can be seen under a microscope. If you find that your urine is red and dark, you need to be alert to the possibility of kidney stones.

3. Difficulty urinating or frequent urination

When stones grow or move, they may block the normal outflow of urine, which manifests as difficulty urinating. At the same time, when stones irritate the bladder or urethra, patients may feel the urge to urinate frequently, but the amount of urine is small, often accompanied by urinary urgency and pain. These symptoms not only affect the quality of life, but may also increase the risk of urinary tract infection.

4. Nausea and vomiting

Because the severe pain caused by kidney stones involves the nerve reflex arc, some patients will experience nausea and vomiting. This symptom is similar to biliary colic and is often accompanied by severe pain in the waist and abdomen. If the symptoms cannot be relieved in a short period of time, you need to go to the hospital as soon as possible.

5. Sex-related pain

The male reproductive system and urinary system are closely related. When kidney stones are close to the bladder or the end of the ureter, they may compress or irritate the nerves around the urethra, causing pain during ejaculation or discomfort in the scrotum. This situation can affect sexual function, especially the quality of sex life.

The symptoms of kidney stones vary depending on individual differences and the location of the stones. Once the above symptoms occur, you should seek medical attention in time. The doctor may use ultrasound, CT, and urine tests to confirm the diagnosis and formulate a treatment plan as soon as possible, including drug treatment such as alpha receptor blockers to help stones pass, extracorporeal lithotripsy, and minimally invasive surgery such as ureteroscopy. If the symptoms are severe, do not relieve them on your own to avoid delaying the condition.

Paying attention to the signals sent by the body, especially when there is pain or abnormal urination, timely medical treatment can avoid greater risks and ensure the long-term health of the urinary system. Men should pay more attention to prevention, develop good drinking habits, and regular check-ups will help maintain kidney health.