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No, men are affected too.
While women are more prone to kidney infections due to anatomical differences, men are not immune too. Kidney infections in men can be serious; they are often diagnosed later due to a lack of awareness. Men may have unhealthier lifestyles, thereby leading to a higher risk for kidney failure. If a kidney infection isn’t treated, it can get worse and cause permanent kidney damage. You may feel shivery, feverish, or have a pain in your back or side.
Look at Tarun’s experience with male kidney infection and its symptoms.
Tarun’s Experience with a Kidney Infection
Tarun, a 38-year-old teacher, woke up with an aching lower back. He initially thought it was due to poor posture or an awkward sleeping position. But he kept feeling unusually tired. Generally, the urinary frequency in men is 6 to 7 times, but he had to urinate 12 to 15 times, with only small amounts coming out, accompanied by a burning sensation. Suspecting it could be a mild urinary infection, he drank more water. But slowly, his back pain worsened, becoming a stabbing pain. Subsequently, Tarun developed a fever of 102.8°F. After a urine test and some questions, the doctor suspected a kidney infection and prescribed strong antibiotics, advising him to stay hydrated and rest.
Over time, Tarun noticed his urine was cloudy and his muscles ached. Within seven days, his fever broke, and the pain subsided. The antibiotics worked, but he felt weak and spent significant time recuperating on the couch. He was almost back to normal the following week. However, focusing on his office work was a considerable challenge, as the infection had impacted him severely. He reached the doctor at the right time, but still had a difficult time.
He missed signs of kidney infection in males; otherwise, his male kidney infection might not have reached this level. Still, he had to take preventive measures to avoid catching the infection.
Now, he has become more responsive to his body’s warning signs. Also, men can get serious kidney infections, not just women, was his prominent realisation.
Symptoms Men Should Watch Out For
Male UTI symptoms might resemble those of a male kidney infection. One common early sign is a persistent bladder ache in males.
| Feature | UTI | Kidney Infection |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Gradual or mild | Sudden or rapidly worsening |
| Fever | Usually no or up to 100.4°F | High-grade (>101°F / 38.5°C), with chills and sweats |
| Pain Location | Lower abdomen, penis, urethra, perineum | Flank pain (side/back below ribs), may radiate to groin or lower back |
| Urinary Frequency and Urgency | Yes | Sometimes overshadowed by systematic symptoms |
| Burning sensation while urinating | Classic symptom | May be present but less prominent |
| Urine Appearance | Cloudy, strong odour, possibly bloody | Often darker |
| Chills/sweating | Rare | Common |
| Complications | Rare unless untreated | High risk of kidney damage or chronic infection, if untreated |
What Happens If a Kidney Infection Is Left Untreated?
Painful urination in men might seem common, but it is not if it lasts for more than a few days. If the situation persists, a doctor’s consultation is essential. Men often overlook their health, which can cause serious complications. Some of them are mentioned below-
Infection Spreads to Blood (Sepsis)
If the infection worsens, it can enter your bloodstream. This is called sepsis, a life-threatening condition that can lead to a sudden drop in blood pressure, organ failure, and confusion or dizziness. If not treated immediately, sepsis can even lead to death.
Permanent Kidney Damage
An untreated kidney infection can permanently damage your kidneys, potentially leading to chronic kidney disease. An individual may require dialysis or a kidney transplant.
High Fever and Severe Pain
Kidney infections in men can lead to intense back pain and raised body temperature.
Repeat Infections
Once your kidneys are weakened, you're more likely to experience infections again. This can lead to a cycle of health issues that worsens over time.
High Risk for Diabetes or Low Immunity
If you have conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or a weakened immune system, the risks of complications are even higher.
4 Prevention Steps to Avoid Kidney Infection
When bladder discomfort in males continues for more than two days and is accompanied by back pain, fever, and chills, the infection could have reached the kidneys. Men experiencing this discomfort may also report that their bladder hurts, particularly during urination.
Prevention is better than a cure. Fortunately, there are several steps to lower the risk of developing a kidney infection:
- Practice Good Hygiene: To prevent bacteria from spreading, wipe from front to back after using the washroom.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to remove toxins from the urinary tract.
- Urinate Regularly: Holding urine may multiply bacteria, so urinate regularly.
- Manage Underlying Conditions: If you have diabetes or kidney stones, take proper care of diseases that may increase the risk of kidney infections.
Protect Yourself from High Treatment Costs
The cost of treating a male kidney infection may vary according to the severity, treatment method, and location. Even treating a UTI can be expensive in a metropolitan city. It is crucial to treat the disease and reverse the condition. From antibiotics to diet and other treatment procedures, costs are very high.
So, rather than spending everything from your pocket, it is recommended to safeguard your finances with health insurance in India. Care Health Insurance provides comprehensive financial protection in times of urgency. We cover the cost of IPD, OPD, pre-hospitalisation medical expenses, advanced medical treatments, and daily allowance.
You can also avail of the cashless claim benefit, and tax benefits of up to Rs. 75,000 under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
So, if you have any bladder infection signs in males, ensure that you don’t delay seeing a doctor.
Stay protected, stay insured.
Disclaimer: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.
