What Causes Kidney Stones in Men?

That sudden, sharp pain in your back or side can be alarming and debilitating. For many men, it’s the first sign of a kidney stone—a small, hard mineral deposit that forms in the kidneys. While common, they are often misunderstood. Understanding what causes kidney stones in men is the first and most critical step toward effective prevention and treatment. These painful stones affect approximately 1 in 10 people in their lifetime, with men being more susceptible than women.

This guide will walk you through the primary causes of kidney stones, from common symptoms you shouldn’t ignore to the dietary and lifestyle factors that increase your risk. We will also provide actionable steps you can take to prevent them from forming in the first place.

Common Kidney Stone Symptoms in Men

Before diving into the causes, it’s important to recognize the symptoms. A kidney stone may not cause any issues until it moves into the ureter—the tube connecting the kidney and bladder. When this happens, the signs can be intense and appear suddenly.

Key kidney stone symptoms in men include:

• Severe pain: Sharp, cramping pain in the back, side, lower abdomen, or groin.
• Painful urination (dysuria): A burning sensation or sharp pain while urinating.
• Changes in urine: Urine that appears pink, red, or brown (hematuria), or urine that is cloudy or has a foul smell.
• Urgent or frequent need to urinate.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Fever and chills, which may indicate an infection.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking medical evaluation is crucial for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other conditions.

Dehydration and Kidney Stones

If there is one single factor most responsible for kidney stone formation, it is inadequate fluid intake. The connection between dehydration and kidney stones is direct and significant. When you don’t drink enough water, your urine becomes more concentrated. This high concentration of waste products, such as calcium, oxalate, and uric acid, allows these minerals to crystallize and stick together, forming stones.

According to the National Kidney Foundation, individuals who produce 2 to 2.5 liters of urine daily are 50% less likely to develop kidney stones than those who produce less. For residents of warm climates like St. Petersburg, Florida, where fluid loss through sweat is common, staying hydrated is even more critical for kidney health.

Foods That Cause Kidney Stones in Men

While hydration is key, what you eat also plays a major role. Certain compounds in food can contribute to the formation of specific types of stones, most commonly calcium oxalate stones. Many patients ask us about foods that cause kidney stones in men, and the answer often lies in consuming too much of the following:

• High-Oxalate Foods: Oxalate is a natural compound found in many plants. When it binds with calcium in the urine, it can form stones. Foods high in oxalate include spinach, almonds, rhubarb, beets, and potato chips.
• High-Sodium Diets: A diet high in salt (sodium) increases the amount of calcium your kidneys must filter, which raises the calcium level in your urine and increases your risk of stone formation. Processed foods, canned soups, and fast food are common culprits.
• Excess Animal Protein: Diets high in red meat, poultry, and fish can raise uric acid levels in the body. High uric acid can lead to the formation of uric acid stones and also make it easier for calcium oxalate stones to form.

How Men Can Lower Their Risk of Kidney Stones

The good news is that for many men, kidney stones are preventable. By understanding the causes, you can take proactive steps to protect your health. Here’s how to prevent kidney stones in men through simple lifestyle changes:

1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Aim to drink enough fluid (preferably water) to produce at least 2 liters of light-colored or clear urine per day.
2. Balance Your Diet: You don’t need to eliminate healthy, oxalate-rich foods entirely. Instead, pair them with a source of calcium (like dairy) during a meal. This helps oxalate bind to calcium in the stomach and intestines rather than in the kidneys.
3. Reduce Sodium Intake: Aim for less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day. Read food labels and choose fresh, unprocessed foods whenever possible.
4. Limit Animal Protein: Moderate your intake of red meat and other animal proteins, balancing your diet with more plant-based options.

Conclusion

Understanding what causes kidney stones in men—primarily dehydration, specific dietary habits, and underlying medical conditions—empowers you to take control of your urological health. By staying well-hydrated, making mindful dietary choices, and recognizing the early symptoms, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing these painful stones.

If you are struggling with kidney stones or experiencing symptoms in the St. Petersburg area, you don’t have to manage them alone. The dedicated team at St Pete Urology is here to provide expert diagnosis, advanced treatment, and personalized prevention strategies.

Contact St Pete Urology today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a healthier, stone-free future.

References:

• Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, May 7). Kidney stones. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755
• National Kidney Foundation. (2022, September 29). 6 easy ways to prevent kidney stones. Retrieved from https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones_prevent
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2017, March). Kidney Stones. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Retrieved from https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/kidney-stones
• Urology Care Foundation. (n.d.). Kidney stones. American Urological Association. Retrieved from https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-stones