What does difficulty passing urine feel like with kidney stones?

A stone can irritate the urinary tract or obstruct urine flow. You may feel a frequent urge to urinate, burning, pressure low in the abdomen, or difficulty starting the stream. Pain may begin in the side or back and travel towards the groin, often in waves. Nausea, vomiting, or blood-tinged urine can accompany a stone. Other problems can cause similar symptoms, so the pattern does not establish the diagnosis.

Arrange medical advice for new or persistent difficulty, especially with flank pain or blood in the urine. Note the location and pattern of pain, urine changes, fever, vomiting, and whether you can pass urine. Follow professional advice about fluids and pain relief; forcing large amounts of fluid may be unsuitable if urine flow is blocked.

Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine, have severe or worsening pain, fever or chills, repeated vomiting, or feel faint. A blocked urinary system with infection can become serious, so do not wait for symptoms to settle when you feel acutely unwell.

Could a stone explain the pain and change in flow? Do I need urine testing or imaging? How should I manage pain and fluids? What should I do if fever, vomiting, blood, or inability to urinate develops?