Can Kidney Stones Affect Your Prostate?
They can move into the urinary tract, causing severe kidney stone pain — often described as one of the most intense forms of discomfort. The pain typically radiates from the lower back or side and may extend towards the groin or abdomen.
The prostate, on the other hand, is a small gland located below the bladder, responsible for producing fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. With age, it can naturally enlarge — a condition known as benign prostate enlargement (BPE) or prostate enlargement — which can make urination difficult or frequent, particularly at night.
While these two organs are part of the same urinary system, they don’t directly cause one another’s problems. However, the symptoms of kidney stones can sometimes mimic or worsen those associated with prostate enlargement, leading to confusion or misdiagnosis without a proper urological evaluation.
Can kidney stones cause enlarged prostate or prostate symptoms?
A key question many men have is whether kidney stones cause enlarged prostate. Medically, kidney stones do not cause the prostate gland to enlarge. Benign prostate enlargement is primarily linked to hormonal changes that occur with ageing.
However, the presence of kidney stones can irritate the urinary tract and bladder, causing symptoms similar to those seen with prostate enlargement, such as:
- Difficulty starting or maintaining urination
- Weak urine flow
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Increased frequency or urgency to urinate
In cases where both conditions are present — for example, a man suffering from kidney stones and benign prostate enlargement simultaneously — the symptoms can become severe, leading to greater discomfort and a higher risk of urinary retention or infection.
Can kidney stones block sperm or affect fertility?
Another common question is: can kidney stones block sperm?
Kidney stones form in the kidneys and travel through the urinary tract — not the reproductive ducts that carry sperm.
Therefore, kidney stones do not directly block sperm or cause infertility. However, the severe pain, inflammation, and stress associated with kidney stones can temporarily affect sexual function or reduce libido.
That said, if stones obstruct the lower urinary tract, particularly near the bladder or urethra, they may indirectly cause issues that affect ejaculation or semen flow.
Persistent urinary tract infections resulting from stones can also impact overall reproductive health. Consulting a specialist is important to determine the exact cause and rule out any underlying andrological concerns.
Does ejaculating help pass kidney stones?
One of the more unusual questions that arises is does ejaculating help pass kidney stones?
There is limited scientific evidence suggesting that ejaculation can directly help expel kidney stones.
However, some small studies have proposed that regular ejaculation may improve blood flow and reduce pelvic congestion, potentially providing mild relief for men with small stones near the urethra.
In general, the best ways to help pass kidney stones include:
- Drinking plenty of water to flush the urinary system
- Taking prescribed medications to relax the ureters
- Following medical advice from a urologist for pain management or surgical intervention if needed
Ejaculation may have minimal impact, but it should not replace clinical treatments recommended for kidney stone pain or obstruction.
Can kidney stones damage your kidneys or cause urine leakage?
If left untreated, kidney stones can indeed cause complications. So, can kidney stones damage your kidneys? — Yes, particularly when they cause long-term blockage or infection.
A persistent obstruction prevents urine from draining properly, leading to swelling (hydronephrosis) and potential kidney damage over time.
Similarly, can kidney stones cause urine leakage?
Indirectly, they can. Stones that irritate the bladder or block urine flow can lead to urgency or overflow incontinence — a condition where the bladder becomes too full, causing unintentional leakage.
These symptoms can resemble those seen in prostate enlargement, which is why accurate diagnosis through imaging and urine tests is crucial.
Managing kidney stone pain and prostate enlargement together
Managing kidney stone pain alongside benign prostate enlargement requires a tailored approach. Both conditions can affect urinary flow and comfort, so treatment often focuses on relieving obstruction, reducing inflammation, and preventing recurrence.
Treatment options may include:
- Medications to relax the prostate and urinary tract muscles
- Minimally invasive procedures to remove or break kidney stones
- Lifestyle modifications, such as hydration and dietary adjustments
- Regular follow-ups to monitor kidney and prostate health
Patients experiencing both issues benefit from seeing an experienced urologist who can develop a comprehensive care plan that addresses both conditions without compromising sexual or urinary function.
When to see a urologist
You should consult a urologist if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent or severe kidney stone pain
- Difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream
- Blood in urine or recurrent urinary tract infections
- Symptoms of prostate enlargement, such as frequent night-time urination
- Leakage of urine or pain during ejaculation
Early evaluation ensures timely diagnosis and reduces the risk of long-term complications, including kidney damage or chronic urinary issues.
Dr Muthana Alrawi trusted expertise in urology & men’s health in Dubai
When facing concerns like kidney stones, benign prostate enlargement, or men’s health conditions, expert evaluation makes all the difference.
Dr Muthana Alrawi, one of the best urologists in Dubai, brings over two decades of international experience in urology and andrology.
A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England, he is recognised for his precision in minimally invasive, laparoscopic, and robotic urological surgeries.
Dr Muthana’s patient-first philosophy ensures that every man receives personalised, discreet, and evidence-based care — whether addressing kidney, prostate, or fertility issues.
Take control of your urological health today. Book an appointment with Dr Muthana Alrawi and experience expert, compassionate care in Dubai.