Men’ Take Notice: 3 Urinary Conditions You’re More Likely to Face Than Women

By Dr. David Samadi

When it comes to urinary health, most people associate problems like urinary tract infections, incontinence, or overactive bladder with women. And while it’s true that some conditions affect women more frequently, there are other serious urinary tract issues that men are more likely to face.

Today, we’re shining a light on three significant urinary conditions—kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney stones—that occur more commonly in men. These are not just uncomfortable issues; they can be life-threatening or severely affect your quality of life if left untreated.

Yet far too many men tend to ignore the early signs. Whether it’s due to busy schedules, a lack of awareness, or simply putting off that doctor’s appointment, this delay can be costly. However, remember that understanding your risks is the first step in taking control of your health. Early detection is key, and it starts with knowing what to look out for.

Let’s take a closer look at these three urinary conditions that men need to be especially aware of.

1. Kidney Cancer: Twice the Risk in Men

Kidney cancer is ranked in the top 10 most common cancers diagnosed in men in the United States. While both men and women can develop kidney cancer, men are about twice as likely to be diagnosed. The American Cancer Society estimates that men have a lifetime risk of kidney cancer is about 1 in 46, compared to 1 in 80 for women.

Why the difference? Several risk factors are more prevalent in men, including higher rates of smoking and occupational exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos, cadmium, and certain herbicides. Additionally, conditions like high blood pressure, obesity, and type 2 diabetes—more common among men—also raise the risk.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Blood in the urine (even if it’s not visible)
• Pain that is persistent or pressure in the back or side
• A lump or mass in the side or abdomen
• Fatigue and general malaise
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling in the legs or ankles
• Loss of appetite

Early-stage kidney cancer often has no symptoms, which makes regular check-ups and imaging tests important, especially if you fall into any high-risk categories.

2. Bladder Cancer: The Fourth Most Common Cancer in Men

Bladder cancer is another condition where men have a much higher risk than women. Men are about three to four times more likely to be diagnosed. It is ranked fourth in terms of the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men, with a 1 in 28 lifetime risk, compared to 1 in 91 for women.

The biggest culprit? Smoking. Tobacco smoke introduces harmful chemicals into the bloodstream, which are then filtered by the kidneys and stored in the bladder—exposing the bladder lining to carcinogens. Smoking is responsible for about 50% of all bladder cancer cases.

Other risk factors include:

• Older age (most cases are diagnosed after age 55)
• Being male
• Chronic bladder infections or irritation
• Exposure to industrial chemicals (such as in dye, rubber, leather, or printing industries)
• Previous pelvic radiation or chemotherapy (such as cyclophosphamide)
• Family history of bladder cancer
• Arsenic in drinking water (more common in some regions)

Common warning signs of bladder cancer:

• Blood in the urine (the most common and often the first symptom)
• Frequent urination
• Painful urination
• Urgency, even when the bladder isn’t full
• Pelvic or lower back pain

Men should not ignore any change in urinary habits. Even something as seemingly minor as pink-tinged urine or needing to urinate more often can signal a deeper issue.

3. Kidney Stones: A Painful Reality for Many Men

If you’ve ever passed a kidney stone, you know the pain can be brutal—some describe it as worse than childbirth. And unfortunately for men, kidney stones are more common in males, particularly between the ages of 30 and 60.

Why do men get more kidney stones? It may come down to diet and hydration habits. Men are more likely to eat a diet composed mostly of animal protein and sodium, both of which are associated with the formation of stones. Not drinking enough water and being overweight also significantly raise the risk.

Other contributing factors:

• Family history of kidney stones
• High intake of sugar, especially from sodas or sweetened drinks
• High-oxalate foods (like spinach and nuts) without enough calcium in the diet
• Conditions such as gout or digestive diseases (Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis)
• Use of certain medications, such as diuretics or calcium-based antacids

Symptoms to look out for:

• Severe, cramping pain in the back or side
• Blood in the urine
• Painful urination
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fever and chills if an infection is present
• Frequent urge to urinate, or urinating in small amounts

Kidney stones can have a wide variation in size from some as small as a grain of sand to others, the size of a golf ball. While smaller stones can often be passed with increased fluid intake, larger ones may require medical intervention such as lithotripsy (shock wave therapy) or surgical removal.

Final Thoughts: Men, Your Health Is Worth the Appointment

Men often wait until symptoms become unbearable before seeking medical help. However, when it comes to your urinary tract and your overall health, proactive care consistently outperforms reactive care.

Regular checkups with a urologist or your primary care doctor can help catch potential issues early, especially if you’re at higher risk. The key takeaway? If you’re experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms, don’t wait. Get evaluated. Knowing that you’re taking proactive steps towards your health can give you the confidence you need.

Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy.  Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of two books, Prostate Cancer, Now What? A Practical Guide to Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery and The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.