It often starts with what feels like a bad stomach ache.
Then the pain moves toward your side or back. You cannot sit comfortably, you keep changing positions, and suddenly you are searching for answers because the pain is simply too intense to ignore.
That is a familiar experience for people with urinary stones.
The tricky part is that not every stone needs the same treatment. Some small stones can pass naturally with medical guidance, while larger or poorly positioned stones may need a procedure.
Knowing when to wait, when to investigate and when to act can make a big difference.
Urinary stones are hard deposits that form when certain minerals and salts become concentrated in the urine and crystallise.
They can develop in the kidneys and may move into the ureters, the narrow tubes carrying urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
When a stone moves, it can cause severe pain, blockage and sometimes bleeding or infection.
A 2024 analysis using Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 data estimated that there were around 106 million new cases of urolithiasis worldwide in 2021. The study also found that the number of new cases increased by 26.7% between 2000 and 2021.
So if you have experienced a urinary stone, you are certainly not alone.
Stone pain can be extremely intense.
It may begin around the lower back or side and move toward the abdomen, groin or lower part of the body as the stone travels.
The pain may also come in waves rather than staying at one constant level.
A stone near the lower urinary tract can sometimes cause burning or discomfort while passing urine.
This can look similar to a urinary infection, which is why proper assessment matters.
A stone can irritate the urinary tract and cause blood to appear in the urine.
Even if the bleeding is small or disappears quickly, it should not simply be ignored.
Severe stone pain can trigger nausea or vomiting.
If you cannot keep fluids down, medical evaluation becomes even more important.
This is one of the biggest questions patients ask us.
The answer depends on several factors, including the stone's size, location, symptoms and whether it is causing blockage or infection.
Small stones have a better chance of passing naturally than larger stones. Your urologist may recommend observation, medication and follow-up imaging when it is medically appropriate.
But “small” does not automatically mean “safe to ignore.”
A stone causing significant obstruction, persistent pain or infection may require treatment even if it is not particularly large.
Treatment may be considered when:
The stone is unlikely to pass naturally
Pain remains severe or keeps returning
The urinary tract is blocked
Kidney function is at risk
There is an associated infection
The stone continues growing
The stone causes repeated urinary problems
The stone remains in place despite observation
The important point is that treatment should be based on the complete clinical picture—not just the number written on an ultrasound report.
You may have heard someone say, “Just drink lots of water and the stone will come out.”
We would not treat that as universal advice.
Hydration is important, but forcing excessive amounts of water is not a guaranteed way to push a stone out. If there is significant obstruction, simply drinking more and more water may not solve the underlying problem.
The smarter approach is to first understand the stone's size, location and effect on the urinary system.
Then your urologist can decide whether observation, medication or a procedure makes sense.
Your evaluation may begin with your symptoms and medical history.
Depending on the situation, your doctor may recommend urine tests, blood tests and imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan.
Imaging can help determine where the stone is located and whether it is causing obstruction.
The type of stone may also matter. If a stone is recovered after passing or treatment, stone analysis can provide useful information for preventing future stones.
There is no single “best” stone treatment for everyone.
For selected small stones, your urologist may recommend waiting for natural passage while controlling pain and monitoring the situation.
Medication may sometimes help with symptoms or improve the chance of stone passage, depending on the stone and its location.
Shock wave therapy can break certain stones into smaller pieces so they can pass through the urinary tract.
Whether it is appropriate depends on factors such as stone size, location and patient-specific considerations.
During ureteroscopy, a thin instrument is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone.
The stone can then be removed or broken into smaller pieces using appropriate technology.
Laser energy can be used during endoscopic procedures to fragment stones into smaller pieces.
This is commonly considered when a stone needs active removal and the clinical situation is suitable.
Imagine someone who discovers a 6 mm ureteric stone during an examination after experiencing severe pain.
Their first instinct may be to panic and demand immediate surgery.
But the better question is: Where exactly is the stone, is the kidney draining properly, is there an infection, and how are the symptoms being controlled?
If the stone is in a favourable location and there are no warning signs, observation may sometimes be reasonable. If it is obstructing urine, causing ongoing problems or associated with infection, active treatment may be more appropriate.
The lesson is simple: stone size alone should not make the treatment decision.
Passing a stone is only half the job.
Some people develop another stone later, particularly when the factors that contributed to stone formation remain unchanged.
Your urologist may discuss:
Adequate fluid intake
Salt consumption
Dietary habits
Body weight and activity
Family history
Certain medical conditions
The composition of the stone, when known
The prevention plan should be practical enough for you to actually follow.
Anuyank Uroandro Care provides evaluation and treatment for urinary stone disease, helping patients understand whether a stone can be safely observed or requires active intervention. The approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment selection and reducing the risk of future stone formation wherever possible.
If you are looking for urinary stone disease treatment in Greater Kailash, don't choose a treatment simply because someone you know had the same procedure.
Two people can have stones of similar size but completely different treatment needs.
Ask about the stone's location, whether there is obstruction, what happens if you wait and which treatment options are suitable for your specific case.
A good consultation should leave you understanding what you have, what your options are and why one option is being recommended.
Some stones around this size can pass naturally, but the likelihood depends on their location and individual circumstances. Your urologist can assess whether observation is appropriate.
Severe or persistent pain, fever, chills, vomiting, difficulty passing urine or blood in the urine can require prompt medical attention. A blocked urinary tract with infection can be particularly serious.
There is no single fastest treatment for every stone. Depending on its size and location, options may include observation, medication, shock wave treatment or endoscopic stone removal.
Urinary stones can be painful, but the bigger issue is often what happens after the immediate pain disappears.
If you have recurring stones, persistent urinary symptoms or a stone that is not passing, getting specialist advice can help you avoid unnecessary delays and choose the right treatment.
For urinary stone disease treatment in Greater Kailash, consult Anuyank Uroandro Care for a proper assessment of your stone, its location and the treatment options suitable for your condition.
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