Stages of Passing a Kidney Stone

Passing a kidney stone involves stages like stone formation, symptom onset, diagnosis, hydration, pain management, stone passage, and recovery.

by Dr.Griffin
Updated: 19 March, 2025
kidney

Hi, I’m Dr. Griffin and today, I’ll walk you through the stages of passing a kidney stone. Passing a kidney stone can be one of the most painful experiences, but understanding what happens during each stage can help you manage the process better. From the moment the stone forms to its eventual exit, the stages of passing a kidney stone can vary significantly in terms of duration and discomfort. Let’s explore these stages and address some related concerns, including how long does kidney stone pain last after passing and what might cause pain months after kidney stone removal.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when substances in your urine crystallize and clump together. Here are the common factors:

Dehydration: Not drinking enough water makes your urine more concentrated, increasing the risk of stone formation.
Diet: High sodium, protein, or oxalate-rich foods like spinach and nuts can contribute to kidney stone development.
Medical Conditions: Chronic conditions such as diabetes, gout, or recurrent urinary tract infections may increase your likelihood of developing kidney stones.

Understanding the causes helps you prepare for or even prevent the stages of passing a kidney stone.

Stages of Passing a Kidney Stone

Passing a kidney stone involves four main stages:

Formation in the Kidney
Kidney stones begin as tiny crystals that grow over time as minerals like calcium or uric acid accumulate.
Movement to the Ureter
When the stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureter (a narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), this is often the most painful stage. The stone’s movement through the small space can cause intense cramping and sharp pain.
Reaching the Bladder
Once the stone enters the bladder, the pain typically lessens. The bladder has more room for the stone to move around, reducing discomfort.
Exiting the Body
The final stage involves the stone passing through the urethra and leaving the body during urination. Although uncomfortable, this stage signifies the end of the stages of passing a kidney stone.

Kidney stones are a common medical condition that can cause excruciating pain and discomfort. Understanding the stages of passing a kidney stone is crucial for those suffering from this condition. In this article, we will explore what makes a kidney stone, how it can be treated, and what you can do to prevent kidney stones from forming in the future.

What Makes a Kidney Stone?

Kidney stones form when minerals and salts in urine crystallize and clump together. Over time, these crystals harden into stones of varying sizes. They can be composed of calcium, oxalate, uric acid, or other substances. Kidney stones develop in the kidneys and may pass through the urinary tract, causing intense pain, especially if they become lodged in the ureter, the tube connecting the kidneys to the bladder.

Common types of kidney stones include:

Calcium oxalate stones: The most common type, formed when calcium and oxalate combine.
Uric acid stones: Formed from high levels of uric acid in the urine.
Struvite stones: Typically associated with urinary tract infections.
Cystine stones: Rare and caused by a hereditary disorder.

Stages of Passing a Kidney Stone

Stage 1: Formation Kidney stones begin forming when the minerals and salts in urine become concentrated enough to form solid crystals. These crystals can grow and accumulate over time, eventually developing into a stone. At this stage, you may not experience any symptoms.
Stage 2: Stone Growth and Movement As the kidney stone grows, it may move from the kidney into the ureter. This can cause pain, which typically starts in the lower back or side. The pain may be sharp and severe, often referred to as renal colic. At this stage, the body may attempt to push the stone through the ureter toward the bladder.
Stage 3: Painful Passage The most painful stage in the process of passing a kidney stone is when the stone moves into the ureter, causing an obstruction. The intense pain, often described as the worst pain someone can experience, occurs as the stone is pushed through the narrow passage. The pain can last for several hours or even days, depending on the size of the stone and the individual’s pain tolerance. If you’re wondering, How do you feel after passing a kidney stone? The relief is immediate, as the pain typically diminishes once the stone exits the ureter.
Stage 4: Reaching the Bladder Once the kidney stone reaches the bladder, the pain usually subsides significantly. However, the stone still needs to be passed through the urethra during urination. At this stage, the stone may still cause mild discomfort as it moves through the bladder and urethra, but it is usually less intense than during the earlier stages.
Stage 5: The Final Passage Passing the stone through the urethra and out of the body marks the final stage. This can be an anti-climactic moment for many, as the pain drastically reduces once the stone is passed. You may notice blood in your urine after passing the stone, which is common due to the abrasion caused by the stone scraping along the urinary tract. How long does kidney stone pain last after passing?The pain should diminish within a few hours to a couple of days after the stone is completely passed.
Stage 6: Recovery and Healing After the stone has been passed, the body will begin to heal. Some individuals may still experience residual discomfort or inflammation in the urinary tract. Pain months after kidney stone removal can sometimes occur, especially if the stone caused significant damage to the tissues in the urinary tract or if other stones are present in the kidneys.
Stage 7: Prevention While recovery is important, preventing future kidney stones is equally essential. Lifestyle changes, proper hydration, and dietary adjustments can reduce the risk of future kidney stones. Regular medical checkups and following your doctor’s advice on stone prevention are crucial to avoid the recurrence of this painful condition.

Kidney Stone Treatment

Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and type of stone. The following are common treatment options:

Pain management: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescription medications are often used to manage pain while the stone is passing.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps flush the stone out of the system more quickly.
Medical procedures: In some cases, surgery or non-invasive treatments like shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) are used to break up larger stones.
Medications: Medications can be prescribed to help dissolve certain types of stones or to prevent the formation of new ones.

What Can I Do to Prevent Kidney Stones?

To prevent kidney stones from forming, consider the following:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your urine diluted.
Limit salt intake: High sodium intake can increase calcium excretion in urine, leading to stone formation.
Reduce oxalate-rich foods: If you’re prone to calcium oxalate stones, avoid foods like spinach, beets, and chocolate.
Eat a balanced diet: Ensure you’re getting enough calcium through food, rather than supplements.
Avoid excessive animal protein: Eating too much animal protein can increase the risk of developing uric acid stones.

What Does Passing a Kidney Stone Feel Like?

Passing a kidney stone is often described as one of the most painful experiences. Here’s what you can expect:

Severe Pain: Intense, cramping pain in your back or side that radiates to your lower abdomen or groin.
Urinary Issues: Blood in the urine, a burning sensation when urinating, or frequent urges to urinate.
Additional Symptoms: Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of the severe pain caused by the stone’s movement.

How Long Does Kidney Stone Pain Last After Passing?

The duration of pain after passing a kidney stone varies depending on the individual and the stone’s size.

Small Stones (under 4mm): These often pass within a few days, and pain subsides soon after.
Larger Stones (over 6mm): These may take weeks to pass, and pain may persist longer.

How long does kidney stone pain last after passing?
For most people, the pain decreases within 1-2 days after passing the stone. If pain lasts longer than a week, it may indicate residual fragments or inflammation that requires medical attention.

What Helps Kidney Stones at Home?

If your doctor confirms that your kidney stone is small enough to pass naturally, here are some remedies to ease the process:

Hydration: Drinking 2-3 liters of water daily helps flush the stone out of your system.
Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can alleviate pain.
Lemon Water: The citric acid in lemons may help dissolve smaller stones or prevent new ones from forming.
Heat Therapy: A heating pad placed on your back or abdomen can reduce muscle tension and provide temporary pain relief.

If you continue to feel pain months after kidney stone removal, consult your doctor. Lingering pain could indicate residual fragments, infection, or scar tissue in the urinary tract.

Tips to Prevent Kidney Stones

Preventing kidney stones is easier than dealing with the stages of passing a kidney stone. Here’s how to reduce your risk:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water keeps your urine diluted and less likely to form stones.
Adjust Your Diet: Reduce your intake of salt, processed foods, and oxalate-rich foods like spinach, chocolate, and nuts.
Calcium Intake: Consult your doctor about appropriate calcium levels. Too much or too little can contribute to kidney stones.

These steps can minimize your chances of experiencing how long does kidney stone pain lasts after passing or even prevent stones altogether.

Causes of Pain and Soreness After Passing a Kidney Stone

Even after passing a kidney stone, some people experience lingering discomfort. Here are common causes:

Irritation in the Urethra: The stone’s passage can scrape or irritate the lining of the urinary tract.
Residual Fragments: Tiny pieces of the stone may remain in the urinary tract, causing ongoing irritation.
Inflammation: The urinary tract may swell temporarily in response to the trauma of passing a stone.

How do you feel after passing a kidney stone?
Relief is the most common feeling, but mild pain is normal for a few days. If pain persists, it’s important to seek medical attention.

What Can Cause Urethra Pain After Passing Kidney Stones?

Pain in the urethra after passing a kidney stone is not uncommon. Here’s why:

Residual Stone Fragments: Small pieces of the stone can get lodged in the urinary tract.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Bacteria introduced during the stone’s passage can cause infection.
Scar Tissue: The stone’s movement may leave behind scar tissue that causes discomfort.

If you experience pain months after kidney stone removal, consult your doctor to address any lingering issues promptly.

How Long Does Kidney Stone Pain Last After Passing?

It’s natural to wonder how long kidney stone pain lasts after passing. For most people, the pain diminishes within 48 hours. However, if the discomfort continues for more than a week, it’s important to seek medical advice to rule out complications like infection or residual fragments.

Conclusion

The stages of passing a kidney stone can be physically and emotionally exhausting, but understanding each phase can help you manage the process more effectively. From the stone’s formation to its eventual exit, every stage requires patience and care. How do you feel after passing a kidney stone? Most people feel relief immediately, though mild soreness can linger. If you’re concerned about how long kidney stone pain lasts after passing or experiencing pain months after kidney stone removal, consult a healthcare provider.

Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll know a kidney stone is close to passing when the pain begins to move from your side or back toward your lower abdomen and groin. Other signs include an increased urge to urinate, pain that comes in waves, or the presence of blood in your urine. Additionally, the intensity of discomfort may decrease as the stone approaches the bladder. Staying hydrated and monitoring symptoms can help you prepare for the final stage of passing the stone.

The hardest part of passing a kidney stone is typically when it moves through the ureter. The ureter is a narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder, and the stone can cause intense, sharp pain as it travels through. This pain often radiates to the lower back, abdomen, or groin. The discomfort is usually most severe during this phase because of the ureter’s small size, which creates resistance to the stone’s passage.

Yes, you will likely know when you pee out a kidney stone. You may feel a sudden sharp pain or a sensation of relief as the stone exits your body. Often, the stone can be visible in the toilet as a small, hard fragment. Some people also notice changes in their urine, such as cloudiness or blood, when the stone passes. Staying hydrated and observing your urine can help you confirm when the stone has been expelled.

You’ll know a kidney stone has passed into the bladder when the intense, sharp pain you’ve been experiencing suddenly decreases or stops. The stone’s movement out of the ureter into the larger, more spacious bladder relieves much of the pressure. You might still feel a mild discomfort or the need to urinate frequently, but the excruciating pain typical of the ureter phase usually subsides at this point. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen.

The fastest way to flush kidney stones is by drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated, which helps in flushing out the stone. Increasing fluid intake, especially water, and consuming lemon juice may also aid in dissolving certain types of stones. Medical procedures might be necessary for larger stones.

A 7mm kidney stone is on the larger side and may face difficulty passing through the ureter. While it’s possible for some people to pass stones of this size naturally, it often depends on the stone’s shape, location, and individual factors. Medical intervention might be required.

The best position to pass a kidney stone is often lying on your side with the affected kidney down. This position may help the stone move towards the bladder. Walking or light physical activity can also encourage movement, but consulting a doctor for guidance is essential.