Kidney Stones

What are Kidney Stones?

Your kidneys filter waste and excess substances from the blood, removing them from the body through urine. In some cases, minerals in the urine can crystallize inside the kidneys and form small, hard deposits known as kidney stones.

Kidney stones can vary in size and are most commonly made of calcium or uric acid. Many people do not notice symptoms at first. Symptoms typically develop when a stone begins moving within the kidney or travels through the urinary tract, including the ureters, bladder, or urethra.

What are the Symptoms of Kidney Stones?

Pain is the most common symptom of kidney stones. Many people experience sharp pain in the lower back or side, along with burning or discomfort during urination. Other possible signs of kidney stones include:

• A strong or sudden urge to urinate

• Frequent urination

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

• Dark or cloudy urine

• Nausea and vomiting

• Fever or chills

In some cases, men may experience pain at the tip of the penis when passing a kidney stone. These symptoms should not be ignored. If you suspect you may have kidney stones, it’s important to seek medical care for proper evaluation and treatment.

How are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?

Your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms and reviewing your medical history. If kidney stones are suspected, additional testing may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis. These tests can include urine and blood tests, as well as imaging studies such as CT scans or X-rays to locate the stone and determine its size.

If you pass a kidney stone, it may be sent to a laboratory for analysis to determine its composition. Identifying the type of stone—such as calcium or uric acid—helps your doctor recommend the most effective treatment and prevention strategies moving forward.

How are Kidney Stones Treated?

At Urology Associates, treatment for kidney stones is tailored to each patient based on the size of the stone, the severity of symptoms, and overall health.

For small kidney stones that are not causing severe symptoms, treatment may focus on helping the stone pass naturally. Your doctor may recommend increasing water intake, using pain relievers such as ibuprofen, or taking medications that relax the muscles in the ureters so the stone can move through the urinary tract more easily.

If a stone is larger or causing significant discomfort, your doctor may recommend extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). This noninvasive procedure uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces so it can pass more easily through the urinary system.

In more severe cases, a procedure called percutaneous nephrolithotomy may be necessary. This minimally invasive surgery allows your doctor to remove the stone directly from the kidney or break it into smaller fragments for easier removal.

If you are experiencing severe pain or believe you may have kidney stones, contact Urology Associates to schedule an appointment for expert evaluation and treatment.