Women are more likely to develop urinary tract infections, but men can also get them. A kidney infection, also called pyelonephritis, is a specific type of UTI, according to the Mayo Clinic. This specific infection occurs when a basic UTI that started at the urethra spreads to the kidneys. Kidney infection symptoms in men begin with regular UTI symptoms but can progress to more significant signs as the infection spreads.
Fever
A fever is possible when the kidneys become infected. Medline Plus suggests the fever will be above 101 degrees Fahrenheit and may be accompanied by chills, shaking or night sweats because of the elevated body temperature.
Pain
Pain in the body is characteristic of a kidney infection but not a lower UTI. The Mayo Clinic explains that back, side and groin pain are common with a kidney infection. Some men may have pain or pressure in the abdomen from the infection. Medline Plus says that in some cases the abdominal pain will be severe.
Urinary Habits
Urinary symptoms are common with a lower UTI and a kidney infection. A man is likely to have frequent urges to urinate. The urge will be strong and persistent, according to the Mayo Clinic. The man may urinate and feel as if he has not voided the bladder entirely, yet more urine does not come out. When urine is streaming from the penis, a man may experience a burning sensation. This sensation may persist during intercourse as well due to the irritation inside the penis and the urethra, the tube inside the penis where urine flows out.
Abnormal Urine
The urine will be cloudy or dark with a kidney infection. When the infection is significant, it can cause pus or blood in the urine. Blood in the urine that is accompanied by nausea and vomiting requires immediate medical attention. This can be an early sign of potential kidney failure due to the infection. A man's urine may also be foul-smelling from the infection or overly pungent.
Mental Changes
Medline Plus says that mental changes, such as mood fluctuation or confusion may appear with a kidney infection. These symptoms are sometimes the only sign of a UTI in elderly individuals.
Physical Signs
The penis may appear red from inflammation. Medline Plus says the affected tissues may be warm to the touch. This would be the head of the penis when a UTI has spread to the kidneys. If the man has only contracted a kidney infection that did not begin in the lower UTI, he may not have any symptoms that directly affect the penis, besides urinary urges.
