What should you know about gallstones in men?

Gallstones in men can cause episodes of upper abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting when a stone blocks bile flow. Some stones cause no symptoms and are found during tests for another reason. The symptoms themselves do not identify the cause, so a clinician may need to assess the pain pattern and arrange imaging.

Gallstones are solid pieces that form from substances in bile, a digestive fluid stored in the gallbladder. A stone may remain in the gallbladder without trouble, or move into a bile duct and trigger biliary pain. Men can also develop inflammation or blockage involving the gallbladder, bile ducts or pancreas. A history of obesity can be relevant, but body size alone does not diagnose gallstones.

Pain is often felt beneath the ribs on the right or across the upper abdomen and may spread toward the back or shoulder. Indigestion, nausea and vomiting can occur, although these symptoms have many possible explanations.

Arrange a GP consultation if pain keeps returning, follows meals, or is accompanied by nausea. Assessment may include questions about timing, food triggers, previous episodes, medicines and alcohol, followed by an examination. An ultrasound and blood tests may help check the gallbladder, bile ducts, liver and pancreas. Keep a brief record of symptoms and seek advice before making major dietary changes; smaller, lower-fat meals may be suggested while you wait.

Seek urgent medical help for severe or persistent abdominal pain, fever, repeated vomiting, yellowing of the skin or eyes, unusually dark urine, pale stools, faintness, or a swollen and very tender abdomen. These signs can accompany infection, a blocked bile duct or pancreatitis and should not be explained away as ordinary indigestion.

Ask whether your symptoms fit gallstones, which tests are appropriate, what other causes should be considered, and whether a surgical opinion is needed. You can also ask how to manage meals and pain safely while the diagnosis is being clarified.