Men often suffer from kidney pain for different reasons than women. Do you know what the most common reasons for this condition are? Here at FastlyHeal, we will explain everything in detail about kidney pain and its causes in men. This symptom can be the consequence of an infection, inflammation, or injury to the kidney. It is advisable to remain attentive to the signs that accompany this discomfort to find out what the exact cause is and be able to start the appropriate treatment in each case.
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Symptoms of kidney pain in men
Both men and women can experience kidney pain, often related to infection or stone (accumulation of material) in the urinary tract. Many symptoms of some diseases are similar to those of others, so it is challenging to know which one we are suffering from if we do not go to the doctor.
Among the most common symptoms that accompany kidney pain, we find:
- Frequency in urination.
- Pain when urinating
- Fetid or foamy urine.
- Blood in the urine
- Fever.
- Dizziness and vomiting
- Shaking chills.
- Low back pain
- Kidneys pain.
Although these symptoms are common for both sexes, it should be noted that the genitourinary system of men and women is different, so some conditions are more frequent in males than in females. Let’s now see the leading causes of kidney pain in men.
Prostatitis and urethritis
If cystitis is one of the most common urinary infections in women, as we mentioned in this other article about this type of disease, Dysuria: definition, causes, and treatment, prostatitis, and urethritis are the most frequent in men.
Both conditions (prostatitis and urethritis) develop in the lower urinary tract, specifically the prostate and urethra. The suffix ‘-itis’ means inflammation. Often inflammation of the prostate and urethra is caused by some bacteria, although in the case of prostatitis, there are other causes as well.
However, only bacterial prostatitis is related to subsequent kidney pain. This is because the microorganisms that cause prostatitis and urethritis can travel through the urinary tract to reach the pelvis of the kidney and lead to a more severe infection. It is also possible that a kidney stone produces discomfort during urination, similar to that caused by prostatitis or urethritis.
Let’s now go to the description of its characteristics:
Prostatitis bacteriana
Bacterial prostatitis can be caused by the exact causes of a urinary infection, poor hygiene, or a sexually transmitted disease. It is one of the most common conditions in men and is quickly treated with antibiotics. However, if acute prostatitis is not treated correctly or recurs numerous times, it can turn into chronic prostatitis, which is more challenging to eradicate.
Bacteria that infect the lower genitourinary tract can affect the kidneys and lead to more severe infection if left untreated.
Urethritis
Urethritis is also very common and is often caused by viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Urinary or sexually transmitted infections and poor hygiene or injury to the area can lead to a condition of the urethra, which, if left untreated, will spread to the kidneys, causing fever and great pain in the lumbar region.
Nephritis, inflammation, and pain in the kidneys
As its name suggests, nephritis is an inflammation of the kidney caused by an infection or toxin. There are several subtypes: glomerulonephritis and pyelonephritis (the latter is more common in women).
Glomerulonephritis is more common in men, and often, it is called ‘nephritis.’ It affects the purification capacity of the blood, commonly of both kidneys. It usually occurs due to an immune system reaction, although it can be caused by other causes, such as infections or other diseases.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above related to urinary infections, there is also a rise in blood pressure and confusion.
Usually, it will be necessary to stay in the hospital for a few weeks, with rest and a proper diet. Sometimes, dialysis may be essential, and later complications may appear if it has not been adequately treated or all the care indicated by the doctor has not been followed.
Nephrolithiasis, pain in the back in the area of the kidneys
‘Litias’ is a Latin term that means ‘accumulation.’ Nephrolithiasis is the accumulation of material in the kidneys, usually from salts in the urine, known as kidney stones (or kidney stones). Men are much more likely to suffer them than women. Therefore it is one of the most common problems associated with kidney pain.
These stones can form anywhere in the urinary system (urethra, bladder, kidney ducts, and kidneys). When they form in the kidneys, they will cause severe pain, which can include part of the lower back and abdomen.
Many times, kidney stones dissolve on their own, although other times, surgery or other procedures, such as shock waves, are required to break up the rock.
Avoiding a sedentary lifestyle and maintaining a healthy diet is essential to prevent stone formation.
Nephrotic syndrome
Another syndrome that can cause kidney pain in men is nephrotic. In this disorder, the body expels enormous amounts of protein through the urine, so the levels in the blood are deficient. It is also accompanied by other problems, such as cholesterol and the risk of blood clots.
Usually, nephrotic syndrome is related to glomerulonephritis, although it can also be the cause of other diseases such as:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Sexually transmitted infections (syphilis and HIV)
- Autoimmune diseases
- Hepatitis B
- Inherited disorders
The most common symptoms are:
- Generalized swelling
- Sores
- Foamy urine
- Fluid retention
- Seizures
- Urinary discomfort
- Fever
Treatment is usually life-long, and dialysis or kidney transplantation may be necessary.
This article is merely informative. At FastlyHeal .com, we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor if you present any condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Kidney pain: causes in men, we recommend that you enter our Kidneys and urinary system category.
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.