The thought of penis pain can be quite troubling for any guy. In most cases, penis pain is quite fleeting. It often comes from a source a man knows well, such as excessive masturbation, rough sex or even an infection that can be cleared up with antibiotics. Good penis care is often enough to get a man back on track.

But the pain of kidney stones is a whole other beast. Though kidney stones can cause pain and pressure in all parts of the midsection, they can cause serious penis pain as well, especially during the time the stone is actively passing out of the body. Here’s what a man needs to know when he is confronted with the pain of kidney stones.

What are kidney stones?

If a man suffers from certain medical conditions or simply doesn’t drink enough water, the minerals in the foods he eats can collect in the kidney, where they form tiny stones. These stones might be in the kidney for years and never cause any problems. However, when they do begin to migrate, they do so by moving into the ureter. This is the thin tube between the kidney and the bladder.

Often the kidney stones are too big to pass through the ureter, so they become stuck there. This can lead to serious pain in the side and back, as well as other areas of the midsection.

Why do they cause penis pain?

Sometimes a man will suffer what is known as referred pain. This happens when the kidney stone lodges somewhere, but the pain is felt somewhere else. For instance, a kidney stone that lodges in the ureter might actually lead to testicle or penis pain.

Penis pain from kidney stones might also be more direct. This can happen when the stone is passed. It must go through the penis to get out – it is usually expelled during urination – and it might occasionally lodge in the shaft. This can lead to penis pain that won’t be relieved until the stone is gone.

What can a man do to ease the hurt?

Kidney stones are no joke – in fact, many people consider the pain to be worse than even the pain of childbirth. At the first sign of serious pain, most people who have on their way to the hospital to figure out what’s wrong.

Kidney stones can be removed in a few ways. The doctor will first order x-rays, CT scans or ultrasounds to find the figure out how big they are. Some are too big to pass; in that case, they will be broken up by sound waves. Some doctors will choose to use a scope, inserted into the urethra, to pull the stones out. And in serious cases, surgery will be required.

In almost all these cases, a man will first be offered significant pain medication for immediate relief. (Hear that? It’s a big sigh of thanks from men everywhere!)

Avoiding kidney stones

To avoid kidney stones in the first place, a man can drink plenty of water, at least 60 ounces each day. He should also avoid sodas and other carbonated beverages, as these up the chances by 23 percent. Interestingly, drinking more coffee and orange juice might stop the stones from forming.

Whenever a man is dealing with penis pain, it is a good reminder to exercise the best possible penis care. A specially formulated penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is a great way to ensure the penis skin is always smooth and supple. Applying it every day can also help a man remember to examine his manhood quite carefully on a regular basis, so he can spot problems that might arise. Look for a crème with powerful ingredients, including vitamins A, D and C, as well as amino acids to keep the penis as healthy as possible.