4 Stages to Passing Kidney Stones: What to Expect​

Summary

Passing a kidney stone is a journey through four distinct stages, each with its own challenges and sensations. This guide breaks down each phase, offering insights into what to expect and how to navigate the process.​

Key Takeaways:

• ​Stage 1: Formation in the kidney, often painless.

• ​Stage 2: Movement through the ureter, causing intense pain.

• ​Stage 3: Entry into the bladder, leading to frequent urges.

• ​Stage 4: Passage through the urethra, requiring effort to expel.​ 

Understanding the 4 Stages to Passing Kidney Stones

Stage 1: Formation in the Kidney

Kidney stones often form silently within the kidney's calyces. Unless they cause a blockage, their presence might go unnoticed. Detection typically occurs through imaging tests like MRIs or CT scans.​

Stage 2: Movement Through the Ureter

The journey begins when the stone detaches and enters the ureter, a narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder.This stage is marked by severe pain, known as renal colic, as the stone causes spasms in the kidney. The pain is often described as one of the most intense sensations, sometimes surpassing childbirth in severity.​

Management Tips:

• Pain Relief: Utilize effective pain medications, whether over-the-counter, prescription, or natural remedies.

• Anti-Inflammatories: Reduce inflammation to ease the stone's passage.

• Diuretics: Increase urine flow to help move the stone along.​ 

Stage 3: Entry into the Bladder

Once the stone reaches the bladder, the intense pain subsides, replaced by a persistent urge to urinate. The body attempts to expel the foreign object, leading to frequent trips to the bathroom. However, the stone may obstruct the urethra's entrance, causing urine flow to start and stop abruptly.​

Management Tips:

• Hydration: Consume 3-4 liters of water daily to facilitate the stone's movement.

• Patience: Understand that this stage may cause frustration, but it's a sign of progress.​

Stage 4: Passage Through the Urethra

The final stage involves the stone passing through the urethra. This may require conscious effort and can be uncomfortable. The culmination is often marked by a distinct "plink" sound as the stone hits the toilet bowl.

Post-Passage Steps:

• Stone Analysis: Retrieve and submit the stone for analysis to determine its composition.

• Preventive Measures: Incorporate dietary changes and consider natural remedies like Chanca Piedra, hydrangea root, gravel root, and citrus juices to prevent future stones.​ 

Conclusion

Understanding the stages to passing kidney stones empowers individuals to manage the process effectively. By recognizing each phase and implementing appropriate strategies, one can navigate this challenging experience with greater confidence and comfort.​