Kidney stones: patient articles
9 short reads from our team on kidney stones. For symptoms, testing and treatment in one place, see our kidney stones page.
- Shock Wave Lithotripsy: who is a candidate?This treatment sends focused sound waves through the skin to break a stone into small pieces you pass in your urine. It often works for smaller…
- Why do kidney stones cause pain?A stone blocks urine, so the kidney swells and stretches. The ureter squeezes against the stone.
- How do we treat kidney stones?It depends on the stone's size, where it sits, and how you feel. Small stones often pass with fluids, pain control, and a medicine that relaxes the ureter.
- What is a 24-hour urine test for kidney stones?You collect all your urine for one full day, at home, in a special container. The lab measures things like calcium, oxalate, citrate, uric acid…
- Kidney stone symptoms in women vs menMostly no: sudden side pain, nausea, and blood in urine. In women, pain may spread to the lower belly and be mistaken for a UTI or gynecologic pain.
- Can a kidney stone cause testicle or groin pain?Yes. As a stone moves down, pain often spreads to the groin or testicle, because they share nerve pathways.
- How can I help pass a kidney stone at home?Drink enough water to keep urine pale. Use pain medicine as directed.
- Why do I need a stent after kidney stone surgery?A stent is a thin, soft tube that runs from the kidney to the bladder, inside your body. After a stone procedure, the ureter can swell.
- How common are kidney stones?Very common. About one in ten people will have a kidney stone at some point.
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