How Long Does It Take to Pass a Kidney Stone?
Topic at a Glance
- Kidney stones (renal calculi) are solid mineral deposits that form in the kidneys and move through the urinary tract.
- The time it takes to pass a kidney stone depends mainly on its size and location.
- Small stones often pass naturally, while larger stones may require medical procedures.
- Treatments range from hydration and medication to procedures that break up or remove the stone.
Passing a kidney stone can feel like an overwhelming and painful ordeal. Many people want to know just how long it takes to pass a kidney stone. In this article, we’ll explore what kidney stones are, how long they usually take to pass, the medical options available for treatment, and when you should seek help.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our board-certified specialists are dedicated to treating and preventing kidney stones. With multiple locations throughout Georgia, we’re here to support you with expert care. Contact us today to take control of your kidney health.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones, also known as renal calculi, are solid masses formed when minerals and salts crystallize in your urine. These stones develop in the urinary tract, often in the kidneys, and can travel down into the bladder. The discomfort comes when the stones pass through the narrow ureters.
Types of Kidney Stones
There are several types of kidney stones, each formed from different substances:
- Calcium oxalate stones: The most common form, usually created when calcium binds with oxalate, a substance found in some foods.
- Uric acid stones: Often found in people who consume a lot of animal protein or have high uric acid levels in the blood.
- Struvite stones: Typically develop due to frequent urinary tract infections.
- Cystine stones: Caused by a rare genetic disorder called cystinuria.
Kidney Stone Symptoms and Risk Factors
Stone formation can be influenced by dehydration, dietary choices (especially high salt and calcium supplements), obesity, medical conditions, and even family history.
When kidney stones form, symptoms may include severe pain in your side and back or below the ribs. The pain may spread to the lower part of your stomach and groin. Kidney stones can also cause nausea, vomiting, blood in the urine, and difficulty urinating.
Other kidney stone symptoms can include cloudy or foul-smelling urine, fever, and chills. Recognizing these symptoms of kidney stones early can help manage complications before they escalate.
The Average Time to Pass a Kidney Stone
So, how long does it take to pass a kidney stone? That depends on the stone’s size, location, and type:
- Small stones (less than 4mm): 80% of stones this size will pass naturally in about 31 days with adequate hydration and supportive care.
- Medium stones (4mm to 6mm): These may take up to 45 days or longer to pass and often require medical management.
- Large kidney stones (greater than 6mm): These are unlikely to pass on their own and usually need surgical or non-invasive procedures.
Hydration is key. Drinking enough fluids helps increase urine flow, which encourages kidney stones to pass more quickly. Physical activity and pain medication may also support the process of passing a kidney stone by relaxing the urinary tract and reducing discomfort.
For more details on treatment options and prevention, visit our kidney stones service page.
Medical Procedures Used to Treat Kidney Stones
Sometimes, kidney stones are simply too large or too painful to pass on their own. In these cases, several medical procedures may be used:
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller fragments that can be passed naturally.
- Ureteroscopy: A scope is inserted through the urethra and bladder to break or remove the stone.
- Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy: A minimally invasive surgery used for large stones, especially when other methods fail.
- Medications: Alpha-blockers may help relax the muscles in the ureter, allowing the stone to pass more easily.
At Urology of Greater Atlanta, our expert urologists provide customized treatment plans to reduce your pain and eliminate the risk of kidney stone recurrence.
When to Tell Your Doctor About Your Kidney Stones
You should call your doctor immediately if you experience:
- Persistent or severe pain that doesn’t go away
- Signs of infection, like fever or chills
- Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Difficulty urinating or bloody urine
In some cases, blood tests and imaging (like CT scans) are used to determine the type of kidney stone and evaluate treatment options. Early detection and proper management are key to reducing the risk of kidney damage or recurrence.
Our board-certified team is experienced in diagnosing and treating all types of kidney stones, from calcium phosphate stones to rare cystine stones.
How To Prevent Future Kidney Stones
Preventing more kidney stones is possible with a few lifestyle changes:
- Stay hydrated. Drink at least 2–3 liters of water daily.
- Reduce animal protein intake.
- Limit foods high in oxalate (spinach, nuts, tea).
- Avoid excessive calcium supplements, unless recommended by a doctor.
- Maintain a healthy weight and manage chronic conditions like kidney disease or gout.
- Monitor salt intake to prevent stone formation.
People with a history of developing kidney stones may also benefit from regular checkups and personalized dietary plans to prevent kidney stones from forming again.
Get Expert Help with Kidney Stones
If you’re experiencing kidney stone symptoms or want to prevent more kidney stones, the board-certified team at Urology of Greater Atlanta is here to help. From diagnosis to advanced treatments and personalized prevention strategies, we offer expert care at multiple convenient locations across Georgia.
Don’t let the pain and uncertainty of kidney stones take over your life. Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward lasting relief and prevention.
FAQs About Passing a Kidney Stone
How long does it take for a kidney stone to pass?
The time it takes to pass a kidney stone varies depending on the stone’s size:
- Small stones (under 4 mm): About 80% pass naturally within around 31 days.
- Medium stones (4–6 mm): May take up to 45 days or longer and sometimes require medical treatment.
- Large stones (over 6 mm): Usually do not pass on their own and often require a medical procedure.
Drinking plenty of fluids and following your doctor’s recommendations may help the process move faster.
What symptoms occur when passing a kidney stone?
When a kidney stone moves through the urinary tract, it can cause symptoms such as:
- Severe pain in the side, back, or lower abdomen
- Pain that spreads to the groin
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Difficulty urinating or frequent urges to urinate
Pain often occurs in waves as the stone moves through the ureter.
What treatments are available for kidney stones?
Treatment depends on the stone’s size and severity. Options may include:
- Increased hydration and pain management to help the stone pass naturally
- Medications such as alpha-blockers to relax the ureter and aid stone passage
- Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) to break the stone into smaller pieces
- Ureteroscopy, where a small scope is used to remove or break up the stone
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, a minimally invasive surgery for larger stones
A urologist will determine the best treatment based on your condition.
When should I see a doctor for kidney stones?
You should contact a doctor if you experience:
- Severe or persistent pain
- Fever or chills
- Vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty urinating
These symptoms may indicate complications such as infection or urinary blockage that require medical attention.
How can kidney stones be prevented?
Preventing kidney stones often involves lifestyle changes such as:
- Drinking 2–3 liters of water daily
- Limiting salt and high-oxalate foods
- Reducing excessive animal protein intake
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Following medical advice if you have a history of kidney stones
Regular checkups and personalized dietary guidance can also help reduce the risk of future stones.
