Kidney Stones in Women: Symptoms, Causes and What Passing One Feels Like

Kidney stones are hard mineral and salt deposits that form in the kidneys. While they’re more common in men, the incidence among women has been rising. Understanding the unique signs, causes and experiences of kidney stones in women can help you get timely care and relief.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones in Women

Symptoms can vary based on stone size, location and whether it’s moving through the urinary tract. Women may sometimes be misdiagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI) or gynecological issue, so knowing what to look for is key.

• Intense flank or back pain

• Often starts suddenly on one side, below the ribs
• May radiate to the lower abdomen or groin

• Pain that comes in waves

• Peaks every 20–60 minutes
• Can last minutes to hours

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)

• Urine may look pink, red or brown
• Often painless, even with large stones

• Urinary symptoms

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Burning sensation during urination
• Passing only small amounts of urine

• Digestive upset

• Nausea and vomiting
• Loss of appetite

• Fever and chills (if infection develops)

• Fever over 101°F (38.3°C) requires immediate medical attention

Why Women Get Kidney Stones: Key Causes

Several factors contribute to kidney stones in women. Some you can control; others require medical management.

• Dehydration

• Less fluid means more concentrated urine, encouraging crystal formation
• Aim for at least 2–2.5 liters of fluids daily, more if you sweat heavily

• Diet and nutrition

• High intake of salt, animal protein and oxalate-rich foods (spinach, nuts, chocolate)
• Excess sugar and high-fructose corn syrup can raise stone risk

• Obesity and metabolic factors

• Higher body mass index (BMI) is linked to more stones
• Insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome can alter urine chemistry

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Some bacteria produce ammonia, raising urine pH and leading to struvite stones

• Hormonal and anatomical influences

• Pregnancy changes in urinary flow can contribute
• Certain congenital kidney or urinary tract abnormalities

• Family history and genetics

• A parent or sibling with stones increases your risk

• Medications and supplements

• Diuretics, calcium-based antacids, protease inhibitors
• Overuse of vitamin C or D supplements

• Medical conditions

• Hyperparathyroidism, gout or certain inflammatory bowel diseases

What Passing a Kidney Stone Feels Like

Passing a stone is often described as one of the most intense pains possible. Here’s what to expect:

1. Onset of Renal Colic

   • Sharp, stabbing pain typically starts in the flank
   • Rapid escalation in intensity

2. Pain Migration

   • As the stone moves, pain shifts toward the groin or genitals
   • Men may feel testicular pain; women may feel labial pain or uterine cramping

3. Wave-like Nature

   • Severe pain peaks, then subsides, only to spike again
   • Can last several hours or come and go for days

4. Associated Urinary Sensations

   • Urgent, frequent trips to the bathroom
   • Burning or stinging during urination as the stone reaches the bladder

5. Emotional and Physical Toll

   • Anxiety and distress are common—breathing exercises can help ease acute discomfort
   • Restlessness; many find relief only by pacing or changing position frequently

While the experience can be daunting, most small stones (under 5 mm) pass naturally with time, fluids and pain management.

Diagnosis and Next Steps

If you suspect a kidney stone, timely evaluation helps rule out complications and guides treatment.

• Physical exam and history

• Discussion of pain pattern, diet, fluid intake and family history

• Urine analysis

• Checks for blood, crystals, infection and pH changes

• Blood tests

• Assess kidney function, calcium and uric acid levels

• Imaging

• Non-contrast CT scan is the gold standard
• Ultrasound may be used for pregnant women or to limit radiation

• Stone analysis (if retrieved)

• Determines composition for targeted prevention

Treatment Options

Your treatment plan depends on stone size, location, pain severity and risk of complications.

• Hydration and pain control

• NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen) often preferred for renal colic
• If pain is severe, short-term opioids may be prescribed

• Medical expulsive therapy

• Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin) can relax ureter muscles and speed stone passage

• Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL)

• Noninvasive procedure using shock waves to break stones

• Ureteroscopy

• Small scope inserted into the urethra and bladder to remove or break stones

• Percutaneous nephrolithotomy

• For large or complex stones; involves a small incision in the back

• Treatment of underlying conditions

• Medications to control uric acid, hyperparathyroidism or recurrent UTIs

Preventing Future Kidney Stones

Once you’ve had one stone, the chance of having another is high. Adopting these habits can lower your risk:

• Stay well hydrated

• Spread fluid intake throughout the day
• Check urine color; pale yellow indicates good hydration

• Adjust your diet

• Limit salt to under 2,300 mg per day
• Moderate animal protein; choose plant-based proteins when possible
• Pair oxalate-rich foods with calcium sources to reduce absorption

• Maintain a healthy weight

• Regular exercise and balanced meals support overall kidney health

• Work with your doctor

• Regular urine and blood tests if you have a history of stones
• Medications like thiazide diuretics or allopurinol for specific stone types

When to Seek Immediate Help

Although many stones pass without surgery, certain signs mean you need urgent care:

• High fever over 101°F (38.3°C) with pain or chills
• Inability to pass any urine
• Severe, unrelenting pain despite medication
• Blood loss causing dizziness, fainting or rapid heartbeat

If you experience those symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

Take the Next Step

Not sure if your symptoms fit a kidney stone or another condition? Try a free, online symptom check, using the doctor approved Ubie Symptom Checker. It can help you decide whether to seek immediate care or schedule a doctor’s visit.

Ultimately, only a healthcare professional can diagnose and treat serious conditions. If you’re in doubt, please speak to a doctor about any concerning or life-threatening symptoms. Your kidneys—and your peace of mind—are worth it.