What Are The Chances Of Passing My Kidney Stone Without Treatment?

While medical therapy and surgery are certainly effective for treating or removing kidney stones, many men and women prefer to avoid these measures and allow a stone to pass on its own. However, certain kidney stones virtually always require professional intervention and, when left untreated, may lead to worsening symptoms and more serious complications. Use the helpful information below from board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian – along with the expert team at Kasraeian Urology in Jacksonville, FL – to better understand which kidney stones have the highest probability of passing on their own, when it may be time to seek in-office treatment, and which kidney stone treatment may be most appropriate for you.

What causes kidney stones?

There are a number of potential causes and risk factors for developing kidney stones, also called nephrolithiasis, which are hardened or calcified deposits of salts, minerals, or acids that form in the kidney and can migrate to the ureter or bladder. Some of the most common kidney stone risk factors include:

• Increased intake of salt, protein, sugars, and other dietary elements
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Certain medications
• Dehydration
• Certain renal conditions
• Personal or family history of kidney stones
• Pregnancy

In some cases, kidney stones develop on a recurrent basis, while other patients may experience a single incidence of kidney stone formation in their lifetime. Once the probable cause of your kidney stone has been identified, Dr. Kasraeian will provide guidance on how to prevent the development of future kidney stones. This may include dietary changes, medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, and other strategies.

How likely is it for a kidney stone to pass on its own?

The most influential factors in determining the probability that a kidney stone will pass on its own are the size and location of the stone:

• Size: Stones measuring 4mm or less have a high probability of passing without the need for professional intervention. Kidney stones that are 6mm or larger in diameter will most likely need treatment and/or removal.

• Location: Kidney stones first develop in the kidney, after which time they may travel to the ureter. Ideally, kidney stones will continue moving to the bladder and ultimately be passed with urine through the urethra. Stones that become "stuck" in the kidney or ureter are less likely to pass on their own, while stones that migrate to the bladder or the lower end of the ureter typically have a more promising chance of passing naturally.

To increase your chances of passing a small kidney stone without medical intervention, use these tips:

• Drink plenty of water
• Drink citrus juices
• Limit protein, salt, and oxalate intake

If your stone is greater than 6mm and/or has not passed on its own after 1 – 2 months, Dr. Kasraeian may recommend one or more of the following kidney stone treatment options:

• Ureteroscopy
• ESWL
• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Say goodbye to kidney stone pain with advanced treatment options in Jacksonville, FL

Having kidney stones can be painful and disruptive, preventing many patients from working, sleeping, or simply enjoying their everyday lives. To get the rapid and reliable relief you deserve, call Kasraeian Urology to schedule your private consultation for kidney stone treatment in Jacksonville, FL with board-certified urologists Dr. Ahmad Kasraeian and Dr. Ali Kasraeian today.