How are kidney stones treated?

If you have a small stone that’s likely to pass on its own, your provider will have you monitor your symptoms until it passes in your pee. They might prescribe medications that keep you comfortable and help the stone pass on its own.

Larger stones need treatment depending on their size, location, whether they’re causing infections or symptoms, and other factors. If you have a large stone or a blockage, or if a stone isn’t passing on its own in a few weeks, your provider will recommend procedures to break up or remove it.

If you have a kidney stone that can pass on its own and isn’t causing infection, a provider may prescribe or recommend medications to:

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If you have a kidney stone that can’t pass on its own or is blocking your urinary tract, your provider will recommend a procedure to break up and/or remove the stone. The type of procedure they recommend depends on many factors, including the size and location of the stone. Kidney stone procedures include:

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Yes, around 80% of kidney stones can pass on their own. The amount of time it takes for you to pass a kidney stone depends on its size and location. A stone that’s smaller than 4 mm (millimeters) may pass within one to two weeks. A larger stone could take about two to three weeks to completely pass. Once the stone reaches your bladder, it usually passes in a few days.

If you think you have a kidney stone, make sure a provider evaluates you to check for blockages or other complications. It’s important to follow up with your healthcare provider if you don’t pass the stone within four to six weeks.