What should you know about kidney stones in men?

A stone may sit in the kidney quietly, then cause pain when it enters the ureter. Flank or abdominal pain may come in waves, and movement can irritate the urinary tract. Painful urination, blood in urine, nausea or Difficulty Passing Urine can occur. These symptoms are not specific to stones, so they should be assessed rather than assumed to have one cause. Dehydration can make urine more concentrated and may contribute to crystal formation.

Book a GP Consultation for persistent pain, urinary changes or repeated episodes. A clinician may review your history, examine you, test urine and consider an Abdominal Ultrasound. Follow advice on fluids and pain relief, and mention medicines or previous stones. Do not delay review because symptoms temporarily settle.

Seek urgent care for severe pain, fever or chills, repeated vomiting, faintness, or Difficulty Passing Urine. Flank Pain together with fever can indicate an infected blockage and needs prompt attention. Painful Urination with feeling unwell also warrants urgent assessment.

Ask whether the symptoms fit a stone, which tests are suitable, how to manage pain safely, and how to reduce recurrence. Mention any groin or testicular pain so other causes are considered.