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Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms & Effective Treatments

A sudden sharp pain in your lower back or abdomen. A burning sensation when you urinate. Traces of blood in the toilet. If any of this sounds familiar, you could be dealing with kidney stones—one of the most common and disruptive urological emergencies, affecting both men and women, and sometimes showing up without any warning signs at all.

At his practice, Dr. Carlos Velásquez sees this every day: patients searching for fast relief, reliable answers, and a kidney stones treatment plan that actually works—without confusion or unnecessary delays.

Whether you’re researching kidney stones treatment for women, for men, or even for kids, looking into kidney stones treatment laser surgery, or concerned about a kidney stone obstruction treatment, you’re in the right place.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones (also called renal calculi or “stones”) are solid deposits that form when certain minerals and salts in the urine become too concentrated to stay dissolved. Over time these microscopic crystals can stick together and grow into stones that range from tiny grains to several millimetres — and occasionally larger.

They usually don’t appear overnight, but symptoms can start suddenly once a stone moves into the urinary tract (for example, the ureter). At that point you may feel severe pain, nausea, burning when you urinate or notice blood in the urine.

Anyone can get kidney stones, but some factors increase the risk: low fluid intake, family history, diet, recurrent urinary infections, sedentary lifestyle and metabolic conditions such as gout or insulin resistance. Identifying the stone type is essential to choose the right treatment and — just as important — to prevent future stones.

Types of kidney stones

Type	Characteristics	Causes & Associated Factors	Clinical notes
Calcium oxalate	Most common; size varies from tiny crystals to several millimetres.	Low fluid intake, high salt intake, diets high in oxalates (spinach, chocolate, nuts, tea), high urinary calcium/oxalate.	Preventable with hydration and diet changes; stone analysis helps tailor prevention strategies.
Uric acid	Formed from uric acid crystals; sometimes radiolucent (not visible on plain X-ray).	Gout, hyperuricemia, insulin resistance, high–protein diets, acidic urine pH.	May require non-contrast CT for detection; treatment includes urine alkalinization and metabolic management.
Struvite	Associated with urinary infections; can grow rapidly and form large “staghorn” stones.	UTIs by urease-producing bacteria (e.g., Proteus, Klebsiella), urinary stasis, indwelling catheters.	Requires aggressive infection control and often complete surgical removal due to growth risk.
Cystine	Rare; tend to be recurrent and difficult to manage.	Cystinuria — an inherited disorder causing excess cystine in the urine.	Long-term follow-up required: high fluid intake, urine alkalinization and specific drugs may be needed.

Why do kidney stones form?

Kidney stones don’t happen “out of nowhere.” They develop when there’s an imbalance between the minerals your kidneys filter and your urine’s ability to dissolve them. If minerals become too concentrated—often due to dehydration or metabolic factors—they start forming crystals that can eventually grow into stones.

Several everyday and medical factors can increase this risk:

1. Not drinking enough water (the #1 cause)

When you’re dehydrated:

Your urine becomes more concentrated
Minerals don’t dissolve properly
Crystals can form and group together

Quick check: Your urine should be pale yellow to almost clear. Dark yellow often means dehydration.

2. High salt intake

Too much sodium makes the kidneys release more calcium into the urine, which significantly increases the risk of calcium oxalate stones—the most common type.

3. Diets high in animal protein

Foods like red meat, processed meats, shellfish and organ meats can:

Increase uric acid levels
Make the urine more acidic
Promote both uric acid and calcium oxalate stones

4. Family history and genetics

If close family members have had kidney stones, your chances are higher. Some inherited conditions—like cystinuria—can lead to stone formation at much younger ages.

5. Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Certain bacteria can change the chemistry of the urine and create an environment that forms struvite stones, which can grow quickly and sometimes become large staghorn stones.

6. Metabolic and hormonal conditions

Health issues that alter your metabolism also raise stone risk, including:

Gout
Insulin resistance
Obesity
Hyperparathyroidism

These conditions can disrupt the normal balance of minerals in the urine.

7. Holding in urine for too long

Delaying bathroom breaks can:

Allow minerals to build up in the bladder and urinary tract
Promote crystal formation
Increase infection and stone risk

You might also be interested in: From Symptoms to Solutions: Kidney Stones Treatment Options in Medellín, Colombia

Warning Signs & Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones don’t always announce themselves clearly.
Some cause sudden, intense pain, while others stay silent for months and show up only on imaging or routine tests. That’s why recognizing early and subtle signs is crucial.

Most common symptoms

When a stone moves or blocks the urinary tract, symptoms often include:

Severe pain in the lower back or side (renal colic) — may radiate to the abdomen, groin or genital area
Painful or burning urination, or feeling like you can’t empty your bladder
Blood in the urine (pink, red, or tea-colored)
Nausea and vomiting, often triggered by the intensity of the pain
Frequent urge to urinate, but only passing small amounts
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Discomfort when walking, sitting, or shifting position, without a clear explanation

Key detail to remember: The pain caused by kidney stones is not mild or positional.
It usually:

What if there’s no pain? Yes — it can happen

Many people learn they have kidney stones without ever experiencing renal colic or intense pain. These are called:

Silent (asymptomatic) kidney stones

This usually happens when:

The stone is small and not blocking urine flow
It stays inside the kidney and doesn’t move
The body hasn’t triggered an inflammatory or pain response yet

Even without symptoms, these stones can:

Grow quietly over time
Trigger infections or inflammation
Move suddenly and block urine flow
Damage the kidney if left untreated

Subtle signs people often overlook

Even without obvious pain, your body may still send signals such as:

Mild but recurring discomfort in the lower back or side
Frequent urinary infections that keep coming back
Unusual fatigue or a general feeling that something “isn’t right”
On-and-off internal pressure or discomfort in the kidney area.

Silent stones can behave unpredictably. Treating them early is often simpler, safer, and far less stressful than waiting for a painful complication.

Do kidney stones affect sexual or hormonal health?

Kidney stones don’t directly change hormone levels, but they can temporarily affect physical comfort, stress levels, pain response, and overall well-being — all of which may influence sexual function or how a menstrual cycle feels.

Do kidney stones affect erections?

Stones do not cause erectile dysfunction as a direct medical condition, but some related factors can temporarily interfere with sexual performance, such as:

Intense pain or pelvic discomfort
Stress and sleep disruption
Inflammation in the urinary tract
Side effects of strong pain medications
Feeling physically or emotionally drained

Additionally, conditions that increase the risk of stones—like obesity, insulin resistance, or poor blood circulation—can also influence erectile health if left untreated. So while the stone itself isn’t the cause, the surrounding factors can play a role.

In most cases, sexual function fully normalizes once pain, inflammation, and stress are resolved.

Do kidney stones affect menstruation?

Kidney stones do not alter hormones or change the menstrual cycle medically, but they can intensify the experience of a period due to:

Strong pain signals overlapping with menstrual cramps
Inflammation or concurrent urinary infection
Physical stress on the body
The use of strong pain relievers that can change how the cycle feels, even if the timing stays the same

Sometimes, renal colic pain is mistaken for menstrual cramps because both can radiate to the lower abdomen, back, or pelvis.

Key takeaway:
The stone doesn’t disrupt hormones, but it can amplify discomfort and be confused with menstrual symptoms, delaying diagnosis if not evaluated properly.

Kidney stones by age and sex

Kidney stones can affect anyone, but risk factors, symptoms, and clinical behavior shift depending on age and sex. Recognizing these differences helps detect stones earlier and choose the right treatment path—including kidney stones treatment for men, kidney stones treatment women, and kidney stones treatment for kids.

Kidney stones in men

Men are statistically more likely to develop stones, especially between 30–60 years old. This is often linked to:

Higher intake of salt, red meat, alcohol, and processed foods
Increased prevalence of gout, high uric acid, obesity, and insulin resistance
Tendency to ignore early symptoms until pain becomes severe

Symptoms can sometimes be mistaken for:

Testicular or groin pain
Lower back strain
Muscle pain

Stones do not cause infertility, but pain, inflammation, and stress can temporarily affect sexual function and overall well-being.

Kidney stones in women

Kidney stones in women have increased significantly in recent years, partly due to:

Recurrent UTIs, which can trigger struvite stones
Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, and low hydration
Restrictive diets and lifestyle factors

Kidney stone pain is often confused with:

Menstrual cramps
Pelvic pain
Gynecological discomfort

Although stones do not modify hormones or fertility, they can intensify discomfort during menstruation or be misinterpreted, delaying diagnosis. Early evaluation prevents complications and unnecessary suffering.

Kidney stones in children

Pediatric kidney stones are becoming more common due to:

Low daily water intake
High consumption of sodas, fast food, salty snacks, and sugary drinks
Genetic predisposition or metabolic disorders

Symptoms in kids can be less obvious and mistaken for:

Stomach bug or gastritis
Constipation
General abdominal pain

Other signs may include:

Unexplained irritability
Vomiting
Diffuse abdominal pain
Blood in the urine or foul-smelling urine

In children, early medical care and individualized treatment are critical to prevent recurrence and protect healthy kidney development long-term.

Kidney Stones Treatment

Treating kidney stones has three main goals:
relieve pain, restore urine flow, and remove the stone safely based on its size, location, and whether infection or kidney blockage is present. Today, treatment ranges from medication and hydration to minimally invasive laser procedures with fast recovery, when needed.

Initial pain control and medical evaluation

When renal colic hits, the first priority is safe and effective pain relief. Anti-inflammatory medication is commonly used, and when it’s not suitable, alternatives are prescribed based on each patient’s condition.

Hydration is also essential as long as there is no infection or severe blockage requiring urgent medical supervision.

At this stage, key tests are requested:

Urinalysis (to detect infection or microscopic blood)
Ultrasound or CT scan (to locate the stone and evaluate obstruction)

Medical therapy to help stones pass naturally

Some stones, especially smaller ones, can pass without surgery.

To increase the chances of passing them, doctors may prescribe medications that relax the ureter, allowing the stone to move more easily and with less pain.

This approach is monitored closely with follow-up visits and imaging within 1–2 weeks.
If the stone doesn’t move or if symptoms persist, we shift to more effective procedural treatment.

Minimally invasive procedures & laser options

When a stone doesn’t pass on its own or causes complications, we use precise, minimally invasive techniques—including kidney stones treatment laser surgery—to resolve the issue safely:

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

Breaks stones from outside the body using sound waves
No incisions required
Ideal for small to medium stones
May require more than one session

Ureteroscopy with laser (Holmium laser)

Performed through natural urinary pathways (no cuts)
A tiny camera locates the stone and a laser breaks it into fine fragments
One of the most effective and fast-recovery procedures
Considered a leading kidney stones treatment laser surgery option

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

For large, complex, or staghorn stones
Done through a small incision in the back
Allows complete stone removal in a single procedure

If there is kidney stone obstruction, a temporary ureteral stent may be placed to restore urine flow and protect the kidney while inflammation or infection resolves. This is a key part of kidney stone obstruction treatment.

When is surgery necessary? Clear medical criteria

Intervention is recommended when:

The stone is large or unlikely to pass
- ≤ 5 mm → high chance of passing on its own
- 5–10 mm → may pass, but often needs medical support
- 10 mm → rarely passes without intervention
Pain does not improve with medication
Fever or infection is present with blockage (medical emergency)
Kidney swelling (hydronephrosis) or impaired kidney function is detected
The patient’s lifestyle or occupation doesn’t allow delayed treatment

kidney stones treatment prevention: What to eat with kidney stones

Diet is one of the most powerful tools to prevent future stones and support any current kidney stones treatment. The best plan is personalized to the stone type, but these practical rules work for most people: hydrate well, reduce salt, moderate animal protein, and include foods that naturally raise urinary citrate.

Recommended foods (good for your kidneys)

Include these reliably:

Water — your first medicine: aim for 2–3 liters per day, spread throughout the day.
Citrus fruits (natural sources of citrate): lemon, orange, lime, kiwi, pineapple — help reduce crystal formation.
Low-oxalate vegetables: lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, zucchini.
Dietary calcium in normal portions: milk, yogurt, cheese — dietary calcium binds oxalate in the gut and can reduce calcium-oxalate stones.
Lean proteins (moderation): chicken, turkey, fish, eggs.
Whole grains: oats, brown rice, quinoa.
Gentle drinks: herbal teas or water with lemon (no added sugar).

Smart hydration tips

Sip water steadily — don’t try to “catch up” all at once.
Your urine should be pale yellow to clear; dark urine means drink more.
Increase fluids in hot weather or with exercise.
Avoid frequent intake of sugary drinks, cola, and excess alcohol.

Foods to avoid — by stone type

Stone type	Foods to avoid / limit
Calcium oxalate	Spinach, beets, rhubarb; chocolate/cocoa; black tea and excess coffee; nuts and peanuts; strawberries and excessive soy products; very salty snacks and processed foods.
Uric acid	Red meat and organ meats (liver, kidney); shellfish and certain fish; processed meats and concentrated broths; alcohol—especially beer; sugary processed foods.
Struvite (infection-related)	No single food causes struvite stones, but avoid excess salt and sugary drinks; limit ultra-processed foods that can affect urinary microbiota; and most importantly, treat urinary infections promptly.
Cystine	High salt intake; very large portions of animal protein; processed foods high in sodium; avoid extreme diets that concentrate urine.

When to see a urologist immediately — red flags you should not ignore

Kidney stones are often manageable, but some situations require urgent medical attention to prevent infection, kidney damage, or more complex procedures. If you experience any of the following, seek care right away.

Seek emergency care if you have:

Severe, unbearable pain that doesn’t improve with prescribed analgesics or rest.
Fever, chills, or a general sense of being very unwell together with pain — this may signal infection plus obstruction (a medical emergency requiring prompt drainage and antibiotics).
Visible blood in the urine (pink, red or brown urine).
Persistent nausea or vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down.
Markedly reduced urine output or difficulty passing urine.
Pain spreading to the groin, testicles, or lower abdomen that worsens.
Known single kidney, chronic kidney disease, or recent serious UTI — these raise the stakes and require faster evaluation.

Why choose Dr. Carlos Velásquez for kidney stone treatment?

Schedule your appointment

Dr. Carlos Velásquez combines clinical expertise with a practical, patient-centered approach: you are treated as a person, not just a diagnosis. His practice is built on three key pillars that make a real difference:

Proven experience and reliable results
He manages everything from early-stage or uncomplicated stones to complex cases, applying the most effective and least invasive solutions tailored to each patient.

Precision driven by advanced technology
Diagnostic imaging and minimally invasive procedures — including shockwave lithotripsy, laser ureteroscopy, and when needed, percutaneous nephrolithotomy — are chosen strategically based on stone size, location, and clinical criteria.

Comprehensive care and long-term prevention
Treatment goes beyond removing the stone. Dr. Velásquez identifies root causes, designs a personalized prevention strategy (hydration plan, metabolic evaluation, dietary guidance), and provides follow-up care that significantly reduces recurrence risk.

If you have pain, a history of kidney stones, or want a reliable second opinion — reach out today.
Early evaluation can simplify treatment and protect your kidney health long-term.

Frequently Asked Questions – Kidney Stones Treatment

Can kidney stones go away without treatment?

Yes, small stones (<5 mm) can often pass naturally with hydration and medication to reduce pain and relax the urinary tract. However, medical follow-up is necessary to ensure the stone is progressing and not causing obstruction or infection.

How do I know if my kidney stone is passing?

Common signs include fluctuating pain toward the groin, more frequent urination, visible blood in urine, and sudden relief of pain once the stone passes. Some patients may also see small particles in the urine.

How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?

It varies. Small stones may pass within a few days to 2 weeks. Larger stones can take longer and sometimes never pass without intervention, especially if they exceed 6–7 mm.

When is surgery necessary for kidney stones?

Surgery is recommended when:

The stone is too large to pass naturally,
There is persistent pain despite medication,
The stone causes infection, fever, or kidney blockage,
There is reduced kidney function, or
The stone has not moved after medical therapy.

What is the best treatment to break kidney stones?

The most effective options depend on size and location:

Shockwave lithotripsy – breaks stones without incisions
Laser ureteroscopy – dissolves stones through the urinary tract
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy – for large or complex stones
Your urologist determines the safest and most effective method for your case.

Can kidney stones come back after treatment?

Yes. Without a personalized prevention plan, recurrence rates can reach 30–50% within 5 years. Long-term prevention includes hydration, dietary adjustments, metabolic evaluation, and follow-up imaging.

What should I avoid if I have kidney stones?

It depends on the stone type, but common triggers include:

Excess salt
Very high animal protein intake
Sugary drinks and alcohol
Oxalate-rich foods (for calcium oxalate stones)
A tailored dietary plan offers the best results.

What are warning signs of a kidney emergency?

Seek immediate help if you have:

Fever or chills + back pain
Persistent vomiting (cannot hydrate)
A sudden drop in urination
Severe pain not relieved by medication
These can indicate infection or blockage, which require urgent treatment.

Can kidney stones affect sexual or hormonal health?

Stones do not directly affect hormones or fertility, but pain, inflammation, stress, and certain medications can temporarily impact sexual performance or menstrual discomfort. Treating the stone typically resolves these symptoms.

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