Can a Kidney Stone Pass on Its Own?

Do Kidney Stones Pass on Their Own, and When Is Medical Intervention Necessary?

What Is a Kidney Stone?

A kidney stone is formed when certain minerals and salts in the urine crystallize over time, creatinghard structures. These stones form inside the kidney and can cause severe pain when they move into the urinary tract (ureter).

This problem, which is quite common in society, is more prevalent in hot climates, among people who do not drink enough water, and among those with a genetic predisposition.

As Prof. Dr. Volkan İzoloften encounters in his clinical practice, the question patients are most curious about is:
👉“Will this stone pass on its own, or is medical intervention absolutely necessary?”

Can a Kidney Stone Pass on Its Own?

Yes,some kidney stones can pass on their own. However, this is not true for every stone. Whether a stone passes on its own depends on a few key factors:

  • Stonesize
  • The location of the stone
  • The Structure of the Urinary Tract
  • The patient's pain tolerance
  • Presence of an infection or impaired kidney function

Why Is Stone Size Important?

The diameter of the rockis the most important factor in determining the likelihood of a fall.

Probability of Falling by Stone Size

  • Stones 4 mm and smaller:
    They may pass on their own in 70–90% of cases
  • 5–6 mm stones:
    May decrease by 40–60%
  • Stones 7 mm and larger:
    The likelihood of spontaneous expulsion is low

📌Important:
Even if the stone is small, if it doesn’t pass for a long time or causes severe pain, it may not be wise to wait.

Does the Location of the Stone Affect the Fall?

Absolutely yes.

  • Kidney stones:
    They can remain asymptomatic for a long time and may not pass on their own
  • Upper ureter stones:
    They are more difficult to pass
  • Lower ureter stones:
    They are more likely to pass on their own

Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol emphasizes that it is essential to consider not only the size of the stone but alsoits potential to move through the urinary tract.

What Are the Symptoms of a Kidney Stone Passing?

When a stone enters the urinary tract, the following symptoms are usually observed:

  • Sudden, severe side pain
  • Pain radiating to the groin and testicles
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Frequent urination
  • Burning sensation when urinating
  • Blood in the Urine

This condition is calledrenal colic.

How Can a Kidney Stone Pass Naturally?

The goal of the natural stone passage process isto ensure thatthe stonepassesthrough the urinary tractwithout causing damageand to keep pain under control.

1️⃣ Drink Plenty of Fluids

It is recommended to drink at least2.5–3 liters of watera day.

2️⃣ Medical Treatment for Kidney Stones

  • Medications that relax the urethra
  • Pain relievers
  • Muscle relaxants, if necessary

3️⃣ Movement

Light walking and physical activity can help the stone move.

📌 However, these recommendationsdo not apply to every patient.

In What Situations Is It Dangerous to Wait?

It is risky to wait for a “natural drop” in the following situations:

  • Fever and chills (signs of infection)
  • Having only one kidney
  • Impaired kidney function
  • Severe and persistent pain
  • Inability to urinate
  • A stone that has been in place for a long time

These situations require an urgent urological evaluation.

What Happens If a Kidney Stone Is Left Untreated?

Stones that don't fall for a long time:

  • Increased pressure in the kidney
  • Loss of kidney function
  • Recurrent infections
  • Permanent kidney damage

could lead to.

The primary goal of Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol’sapproach is to avoid putting the kidney at risk while attempting to pass a stone andto protect the kidney through timely intervention.

Mistakes Made When Trying to Pass a Kidney Stone Naturally

  • Relying solely on herbal remedies
  • Uncontrolled use of painkillers
  • Waiting for a long time without seeing a doctor
  • Ignoring severe pain

📌 It’s important to remember thatnot every “natural” methodis harmless.

What Should You Do to Prevent Kidney Stones?

  • Adequate daily water intake
  • A diet low in salt
  • Avoiding excessive protein intake
  • Restrictions on carbonated beverages
  • Regular Urinalysis and Follow-Up

Conclusion

Kidney stonesmay pass naturally in some patients, but this is not the case for every stone. The stone’s size, location, and the patient’s overall condition must be taken into account.
If the right balance between waiting and intervention is not struck, kidney health can be put at serious risk.

In the approach adopted by Prof. Dr. Volkan İzol, the goal is not merely to remove the stone, butto protect the kidney in the long term.