Kidney Stones in Men vs. Women: What's the Difference?
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Most people who've dealt with kidney stones know there are certain risk factors — like diet and lifestyle – that can influence their chances of getting a kidney stone, but many are surprised to learn that kidney stone risk factors include gender. Not only can kidney stones affect men vs. women disproportionately, but even the type of kidney stone, how often kidney stones occur, and other characteristics of kidney stones can differ in men compared to women.
Here, board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian of Kasraeian Urology discuss some of the primary differences in kidney stones in women vs. men and what kidney stone treatment options may be most appropriate and effective for you in Jacksonville, FL.
What are the risk factors for kidney stones?
There are multiple causes and risk factors that can increase your chances of getting kidney stones, including:
- Age
- Dietary factors, including high sodium, protein, and oxalate intake
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Dehydration
- Pregnancy
- Underlying condition
- Genetics
Do men or women get kidney stones more often?
On average, men are about twice as likely to develop kidney stones as women. The reason men get kidney stones more often than women is multifactorial — meaning multiple variables contribute to the frequency of kidney stones in men. These can include diet, lifestyle, and others. While men are more likely to get kidney stones than women overall, it is important to note that women are more likely to be multiple-stone formers — meaning they experience recurrent or even chronic kidney stones — and are more likely to develop stones at an earlier age than men. In some women, this is due to the prevalence of recurrent UTIs, which can lead to multiple stone formation.
Are kidney stone symptoms different in women than men?
Generally speaking, kidney stone symptoms don't differ based on gender alone. Instead, symptoms of kidney stones may vary from person to person based on the size and location of the stone, the type of kidney stone, underlying conditions the patient may have, and other factors. Some of the most common signs and symptoms of kidney stones include:
- Abdominal or pelvic pain, often radiating to the flanks and lower back
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning with urination
- Frequent urination
- Nausea or vomiting
In some cases, women with kidney stones may experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms due to delayed diagnosis, as their symptoms are often misdiagnosed as being associated with a UTI alone or an unrelated gynecologic condition.
Are kidney stones treated the same way in men and women?
Kidney stone treatment plans are formulated based on the nature, type, size, location, and other attributes of the stone and the patient's overall health and condition — not their gender. Tiny stones that are asymptomatic, for example, may be allowed to pass on their own, while painful or larger kidney stones will likely require intervention. Following a thorough evaluation, examination, and consultation, Dr. Kasraeian will discuss which kidney stone treatment may be appropriate and effective for you. Our office is proud to offer a complete range of advanced kidney stone treatment options, including:
- Ureteroscopy
- Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)
Regardless of your gender, our caring team is here to help you get the rapid and lasting kidney stone pain relief you deserve.
Know personal risk factors to prevent future kidney stones, and get relief with kidney stone treatment in Jacksonville, FL
If you have ever experienced kidney stone pain, you know just how disruptive and debilitating it can be. Whether you have age-related or gender-related kidney stone risk factors, we are here to help you learn more about kidney stone prevention and treatment to help keep you free of kidney stones for as long as possible.
For more information about kidney stones and treatment options, call our knowledgeable team at Kasraeian Urology to schedule your consultation with either of our Jacksonville, FL board-certified urologists, Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian, today.