Bacteria or other foreign matter in the urinary system may cause an infection anywhere in the urinary tract, including the kidney or bladder. The condition is more common in females because the urethra is shorter and closer to the rectum in the female anatomy, allowing easier access for bacteria to enter the urinary system, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library. A common urinary tract problem for males is kidney stones, but many symptoms of urinary conditions are similar regardless of the underlying condition.
Pain
Urinary tract infections and kidney stones may cause pain for a man. Pain in the pelvic area, above the pubic bone or in the groin may occur during both bladder and kidney infections. A man may experience a feeling of pressure in the pelvis. Urinating may also become painful. A kidney infection or kidney stone may cause pain in the lower back or on the side affected by the condition.
Urinary Urgency and Frequency
Kidney stones and infections in the urinary tract may cause an increased urge to urinate. Some men -- especially the elderly -- may experience urinary incontinence because they cannot make it to the toilet in time. Men may also feel the need to urinate more frequently than normal, but may only produce a few drops of urine each time. Waking up during the night to urinate frequently may also occur.
Fever, Nausea and Achiness
Men suffering from a kidney infection may experience a sudden high fever and chills. Men with a bladder infection or kidney stone do not generally have a fever with either condition. A kidney infection may also cause nausea and vomiting, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Some men may feel a generalized achy, tired or shaky feeling.
Urine Change
Around 30 percent of individuals with a bladder infection have cloudy urine, according to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Dictionary. The urine may also have blood in it, which may cause the urine to appear reddish, pink or rusty in color; other times, the blood is only visible under the microscope. Normal urine does not generally have a strong scent, but a urinary tract infection may cause urine to smell stronger than normal or have a foul odor.
