Treatment for kidney stones in females

A stone may cause sharp flank pain that moves towards the abdomen or groin, painful urination, nausea or blood in the urine. Some stones pass without a procedure, while others become stuck and interfere with urine drainage. Dehydration can make urine more concentrated, but symptoms can have several causes. Pregnancy, previous stones, urinary infections and other health factors affect the safest assessment and treatment plan.

A clinician may recommend pain relief, regular fluids and monitoring when a small stone is expected to pass. Do not force large amounts of fluid if you are vomiting or have been told to restrict fluids. You may be asked to filter urine so a passed stone can be examined. Medicines that relax the ureter may sometimes be considered. If the stone does not pass, causes ongoing pain or blocks drainage, treatment may use a procedure to break it up or remove it. An abdominal ultrasound can help assess the urinary tract, and a GP consultation can guide the next step. Tell the clinician if you might be pregnant before imaging or medicines are chosen.

Seek urgent care for flank or abdominal pain with fever, chills, feeling very unwell, repeated vomiting, difficulty passing urine or faintness. A blocked urinary system with infection can deteriorate quickly. Seek prompt assessment for pain that is severe or not controlled, visible blood in urine, or new painful urination. Do not assume every episode of pelvic or abdominal pain is a stone.

Ask where the stone is, whether urine flow is blocked, which pain medicines are safe, whether imaging is needed and how you will know it has passed. Mention pregnancy possibility, previous stones, urinary infections and all medicines.