A kidney infection in men, medically known as pyelonephritis, usually develops when bacteria enter the urinary tract and travel upward toward one or both kidneys.

Although urinary infections are generally more common in women, a urinary infection in a man can deserve particular attention because an underlying problem such as a kidney stone, urinary obstruction, prostate enlargement or another structural abnormality may be contributing to the infection.

Common kidney infection causes in male patients include:

• Bacterial urinary tract infection

• Kidney or ureteral stones

• Incomplete emptying of the bladder

• Enlarged prostate

• Urinary obstruction

• Urinary tract abnormalities

• Catheter use

• Certain medical conditions

• Recurrent urinary infections

Identifying why the infection occurred can be as important as treating the infection itself.

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides evaluation and management for kidney infections and kidney-related complications.

What Is a Kidney Infection?

A kidney infection is an infection involving the kidney tissue and collecting system.

It is a type of upper urinary tract infection and is commonly caused by bacteria.

In many cases, bacteria first affect the lower urinary tract and then travel upward through the ureters to the kidneys.

Kidney infection can affect:

• One kidney

• Both kidneys

Prompt treatment is important because a significant kidney infection can spread beyond the urinary tract and potentially lead to serious systemic infection.

The Most Common Cause: Bacteria Moving Up the Urinary Tract

The urinary system normally has several mechanisms that help prevent infection.

When bacteria enter the urinary tract and multiply, they can cause a urinary tract infection.

If the infection is not adequately controlled or if urine flow is abnormal, bacteria may travel upward through the ureters and reach the kidneys.

Common bacteria responsible for urinary infections include Escherichia coli (E. coli), although other organisms can also be involved.

The specific organism can sometimes be identified through a urine culture.

Kidney Infection Causes Male Patients Should Know About

1. Urinary Tract Infection

A lower urinary tract infection can sometimes progress to the kidneys.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Burning while urinating

• Frequent urination

• Urinary urgency

• Lower abdominal discomfort

• Cloudy urine

• Blood in urine

If bacteria travel upward, symptoms such as fever, chills and flank pain may develop.

2. Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can interfere with normal urine flow.

A stone may create partial or complete obstruction, allowing urine to remain trapped above the blockage.

If bacteria are present behind an obstruction, the infection can become serious.

This is one reason kidney stones and kidney infection require careful evaluation when they occur together.

3. Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate can interfere with the normal flow of urine from the bladder.

When the bladder does not empty completely, residual urine can provide an environment in which bacteria multiply.

Men with prostate enlargement may experience:

• Weak urine stream

• Difficulty starting urination

• Frequent urination

• Urgency

• Dribbling

• Feeling that the bladder has not emptied completely

Recurrent urinary infections in a man with urinary symptoms may require evaluation for prostate-related obstruction.

4. Urinary Retention

Urinary retention means that the bladder cannot empty adequately.

Possible causes include:

• Enlarged prostate

• Nerve-related bladder dysfunction

• Certain medicines

• Urethral narrowing

• Other structural problems

Persistent urinary retention can increase the risk of urinary infection and, in some cases, kidney complications.

5. Urinary Tract Obstruction

Anything that interferes with urine drainage can potentially contribute to infection.

Possible causes include:

• Kidney stones

• Ureteral narrowing

• Prostate enlargement

• Urethral stricture

• Masses or tumors

• Blood clots

• Structural abnormalities

If infection occurs together with significant obstruction, urgent medical treatment may be required.

6. Urinary Catheter

Men who require urinary catheters can have an increased risk of urinary infection.

Catheters may be necessary for certain medical conditions, but they should be used and maintained according to appropriate medical protocols.

7. Structural Abnormalities

Some people have anatomical abnormalities of the urinary system that interfere with normal urine drainage.

These abnormalities may increase the risk of recurrent urinary infections.

Further imaging or specialist evaluation may be considered when infections repeatedly occur.

8. Diabetes

Diabetes can increase susceptibility to infections in some individuals.

Persistently elevated blood glucose can affect immune function and may contribute to urinary and other infections.

Men with diabetes who develop recurrent urinary infections may require assessment of both infection-related and urinary risk factors.

9. Previous Urinary Procedures

Certain urinary procedures or a history of instrumentation may increase infection risk in some circumstances.

The risk depends on the procedure, underlying condition and individual medical history.

10. Recurrent Urinary Infections

Repeated urinary infections may indicate an underlying issue rather than simply a series of unrelated infections.

Possible contributing factors include:

• Stones

• Prostate enlargement

• Urinary obstruction

• Bladder-emptying problems

• Structural abnormalities

• Certain medical conditions

Recurrent infection warrants evaluation of the underlying cause.

Kidney Infection Symptoms in Male Patients

Symptoms can develop suddenly or become progressively worse.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever

• Chills

• Flank or side pain

• Back pain

• Burning while urinating

• Frequent urination

• Urinary urgency

• Cloudy urine

• Blood in urine

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fatigue

• Feeling generally unwell

Some men may initially have urinary symptoms before developing the more characteristic symptoms of a kidney infection.

What Does Kidney Infection Pain Feel Like?

Kidney infection pain is often felt in the flank or side of the back, usually beneath the lower ribs.

It may occur on:

• The left side

• The right side

• Both sides

The pain can sometimes extend toward the abdomen.

Kidney infection pain differs from typical muscle pain in that it may occur together with fever, chills and urinary symptoms.

However, pain location alone cannot establish the diagnosis.

Can Kidney Infection Cause Fever in Men?

Yes.

Fever is an important symptom of an upper urinary tract infection.

A combination of:

fever + chills + flank pain + urinary symptoms

should prompt medical evaluation.

High fever with severe illness may indicate that the infection is affecting the whole body.

Can a Kidney Infection Occur Without Burning Urination?

Yes.

Not every person with a kidney infection experiences typical lower urinary symptoms.

Some patients may primarily have:

• Fever

• Chills

• Flank pain

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• General weakness

Therefore, the absence of burning urination does not completely rule out a kidney infection.

Kidney Infection vs Kidney Stone

Kidney stones and kidney infections can produce overlapping symptoms.

Feature	Kidney Infection	Kidney Stone
Fever	Common	Usually absent unless infection is present
Chills	May occur	Not typical
Flank pain	Common	Often severe
Blood in urine	May occur	Common
Nausea/vomiting	May occur	Common with severe pain
Burning urination	May occur	Can occur, especially with lower urinary tract irritation
Urinary obstruction	Can coexist	Can cause obstruction
Antibiotics	May be required for bacterial infection	Do not treat the stone itself

The two conditions can occur together. A stone causing obstruction in an infected urinary system requires particularly urgent attention.

How Is a Kidney Infection Diagnosed in Men?

The doctor may combine symptoms, physical examination and laboratory tests.

Urine Routine Examination

A urine test can look for:

• White blood cells

• Red blood cells

• Bacteria

• Other abnormalities

Urine Culture

A urine culture can help identify the bacteria causing the infection and guide antibiotic selection.

Blood Tests

Depending on the severity of illness, tests may include:

• Complete blood count

• Serum creatinine

• eGFR

• Electrolytes

• Blood glucose

• Other relevant tests

Kidney-function testing is particularly important when infection is severe or obstruction is suspected.

Imaging

Imaging may be recommended when there is concern about:

• Kidney stones

• Hydronephrosis

• Urinary obstruction

• Recurrent infections

• Structural abnormalities

• Complications

Ultrasound or other imaging may be selected according to the clinical situation.

Why Kidney Function Should Be Checked

A significant kidney infection can affect kidney function, particularly when it is associated with dehydration, severe infection or urinary obstruction.

Doctors may therefore check:

• Creatinine

• eGFR

• Electrolytes

• Urine output

A rise in creatinine during infection does not automatically mean permanent kidney damage. Kidney function can sometimes improve when infection, dehydration or obstruction is treated promptly.

Treatment for Kidney Infection in Men

Treatment depends on the severity of infection and whether an underlying urinary problem is present.

Antibiotics

Bacterial kidney infections generally require appropriate antibiotic treatment.

The medicine and duration depend on factors such as:

• Suspected or confirmed organism

• Culture results

• Severity of infection

• Kidney function

• Previous antibiotic exposure

• Other medical conditions

Antibiotics should be prescribed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Fluids

Adequate hydration can be important, particularly when fever or vomiting causes fluid loss.

However, fluid intake should be individualized for people with kidney failure, heart disease or fluid restrictions.

Treating the Underlying Obstruction

If a stone, prostate problem or another obstruction is preventing urine drainage, antibiotics alone may not be sufficient.

The obstruction may need to be relieved.

An infected obstructed urinary tract can require urgent drainage, followed by definitive treatment of the underlying cause.

Can a Kidney Infection Damage the Kidneys?

A single appropriately treated infection does not necessarily cause permanent kidney damage.

However, severe, recurrent or untreated infections can potentially cause complications.

Risk may be greater when infection occurs with:

• Urinary obstruction

• Kidney stones

• Significant urinary retention

• Severe systemic infection

• Pre-existing kidney disease

Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the risk of complications.

What Happens if a Kidney Infection Is Left Untreated?

An untreated kidney infection can become increasingly serious.

Potential complications include:

• Severe dehydration

• Acute kidney injury

• Bloodstream infection

• Sepsis

• Abscess formation

• Worsening urinary obstruction

• Kidney damage in severe or recurrent cases

For this reason, suspected kidney infection should not be managed solely with home remedies.

Can Kidney Infection Be Treated at Home?

A mild urinary infection and a kidney infection are not necessarily the same condition.

A suspected kidney infection, particularly in a man with fever or flank pain, should be medically evaluated.

Home measures such as rest and appropriate fluid intake may support recovery, but they do not replace diagnosis and antibiotic treatment when bacterial kidney infection is present.

Do not take leftover antibiotics or use unverified herbal remedies.

Kidney Infection and Prostate Problems

In older men, prostate enlargement can contribute to urinary symptoms and incomplete bladder emptying.

If urinary infections repeatedly occur, the doctor may assess whether prostate enlargement or another obstruction is contributing.

Management may involve medicines or procedures depending on the severity and underlying cause.

A urologist may be involved when a structural or prostate-related intervention is required, while a nephrologist can assess kidney function and kidney-related complications.

Kidney Infection in Men With Diabetes

Men with diabetes may require closer attention when they develop urinary infections.

Factors such as glucose control, kidney function and the presence of urinary obstruction can influence treatment.

A doctor may review:

• Blood glucose

• Kidney function

• Urine culture

• Urine albumin when appropriate

• Current medicines

• Previous infections

Diabetes should not be assumed to be the only cause of a urinary infection.

How Can Men Reduce the Risk of Kidney Infection?

Prevention depends on the underlying cause.

General measures may include:

• Drink an appropriate amount of fluid.

• Do not routinely hold urine for prolonged periods.

• Seek medical attention for persistent urinary symptoms.

• Treat urinary infections according to medical advice.

• Manage diabetes appropriately.

• Address recurrent kidney stones.

• Evaluate repeated urinary retention or weak urine flow.

• Follow medical advice regarding urinary catheters.

• Attend follow-up appointments for recurrent infections.

Men with repeated kidney infections may benefit from investigation for an underlying urinary abnormality.

When Is a Kidney Infection an Emergency?

Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms include:

• High fever with chills

• Severe flank or back pain

• Confusion

• Fainting

• Persistent vomiting

• Very little or no urine

• Severe weakness

• Rapidly worsening condition

• Known urinary obstruction with infection

An infected blocked kidney can deteriorate rapidly and may require urgent drainage.

Kidney Infection Causes Male Patients Should Discuss With a Specialist

A first episode of kidney infection may have a straightforward explanation, but recurrent or complicated infections deserve further investigation.

A specialist may look for:

• Kidney stones

• Urinary obstruction

• Prostate-related problems

• Recurrent urinary retention

• Structural urinary abnormalities

• Reduced kidney function

• Recurrent infection

• Medication-related factors

• Other underlying kidney conditions

Understanding the reason for repeated infection can help guide long-term prevention.

Kidney Infection Evaluation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation for kidney infections and associated kidney-function concerns.

Depending on the clinical presentation, assessment may include:

• Review of fever and urinary symptoms

• Kidney-function testing

• Urine examination

• Urine culture review

• Assessment for urinary obstruction

• Evaluation of kidney stones

• Review of diabetes and blood pressure

• Imaging review

• Assessment of recurrent urinary infections

• Long-term kidney care when required

When a structural urinary problem requires procedural management, coordination with an appropriate urological specialist may be recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main kidney infection causes in male patients?

Common causes and contributing factors include bacterial urinary infections, kidney stones, urinary obstruction, enlarged prostate, urinary retention, catheter use, structural abnormalities and certain medical conditions such as diabetes.

Can kidney stones cause kidney infection in men?

Yes. A stone can obstruct urine flow, and infection occurring behind an obstruction can become serious and may require urgent treatment.

Can an enlarged prostate cause kidney infection?

An enlarged prostate can interfere with bladder emptying and urine flow, which may increase the risk of urinary infections in some men.

What are the symptoms of kidney infection in men?

Symptoms can include fever, chills, flank pain, back pain, burning urination, frequent urination, nausea, vomiting and feeling unwell.

Is kidney infection in men serious?

It can be, particularly when infection is associated with urinary obstruction, severe illness, dehydration or reduced kidney function. Prompt medical assessment is important.

Can a kidney infection cause high creatinine?

A significant kidney infection can contribute to acute kidney injury and a rise in creatinine, especially when dehydration or urinary obstruction is present. Kidney function may improve when the underlying problem is treated.

Can kidney infection go away without antibiotics?

A bacterial kidney infection generally requires appropriate medical treatment and should not be assumed to resolve safely without antibiotics. The appropriate treatment depends on the diagnosis and severity.

Which doctor treats kidney infection in men?

A nephrologist can evaluate kidney infections and kidney-function complications. A urologist may also be involved when stones, prostate enlargement or structural urinary obstruction requires procedural treatment.

Conclusion

Understanding the kidney infection causes male patients may experience is important because infection in men can sometimes be associated with an underlying urinary problem.

Bacterial urinary infection, kidney stones, urinary obstruction, enlarged prostate, urinary retention and certain medical conditions can all contribute to infection involving the kidneys.

Symptoms such as fever, chills, flank pain, burning urination, nausea and vomiting should not be ignored. Diagnosis may involve urine testing, urine culture, blood tests and imaging when necessary.

Treatment generally focuses on controlling the infection while also addressing conditions such as stones or obstruction when they are present. An infected obstructed urinary tract can require urgent medical attention.

For specialist evaluation of kidney infection, recurrent urinary infections and associated kidney-function concerns, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kidney infection can have different causes and may require prescription antibiotics, imaging, drainage or other treatment depending on the individual situation. Do not self-medicate with leftover antibiotics, painkillers or herbal remedies. Fluid intake should be individualized in people with kidney disease, heart disease or fluid restrictions. Fever or chills with flank pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, very little or no urine, severe weakness or known urinary obstruction may indicate a serious infection requiring urgent medical attention. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized evaluation and treatment.