Kidney stones can cause anything from mild discomfort to sudden, severe pain.
Some small kidney stones may pass naturally without a procedure. Others can become stuck in the urinary tract, cause significant pain, block urine flow or lead to infection. In such situations, waiting too long to seek medical care can create unnecessary risks.
One of the most common questions patients ask is:
"I have a kidney stone. Do I really need to see a urologist?"
The answer depends on the stone's size, location, symptoms, whether it is blocking urine flow and whether an infection is present.
A urologist is a specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions involving the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Urologists can manage kidney stones using observation, medication, minimally invasive procedures and surgery when necessary.
If you are experiencing kidney stone symptoms, understanding the warning signs can help you know when professional evaluation is needed.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are hard deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain minerals and salts in urine become concentrated and crystallise.
They can vary significantly in:
- Size
- Shape
- Location
- Composition
A small stone may remain in the kidney without causing symptoms.
However, when a stone moves into the ureter — the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder — it can cause significant pain, particularly if it obstructs the normal flow of urine.
Common kidney stone symptoms include:
- Sharp pain in the side or back
- Pain that moves toward the lower abdomen or groin
- Pain that comes and goes in waves
- Burning while urinating
- Frequent urge to urinate
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Difficulty passing urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Not everyone experiences all of these symptoms.
8 Signs You Should See a Urologist for Kidney Stones
1. Severe or Persistent Side and Back Pain
One of the most recognised symptoms of a kidney stone is sudden, intense pain in the side or back.
The pain may:
- Start suddenly
- Come in waves
- Move toward the abdomen or groin
- Make it difficult to sit still
- Return repeatedly
- Continue despite basic pain relief
Severe or persistent pain deserves medical evaluation.
A urologist can determine whether a stone is responsible and whether it is likely to pass naturally or requires intervention.
2. Blood in Your Urine
Blood in the urine can occur when a kidney stone irritates or damages the urinary tract as it moves.
You may notice:
- Pink urine
- Red urine
- Brownish urine
- Blood detected during a urine test
However, blood in the urine can have several causes.
It should not automatically be assumed to be a kidney stone.
A urologist can investigate the underlying cause and determine whether imaging or other tests are needed.
3. You Have Difficulty Passing Urine
A stone can sometimes interfere with normal urine flow.
Seek medical evaluation if you notice:
- Difficulty starting urination
- Very little urine output
- Inability to pass urine
- Severe discomfort while urinating
- A sudden change in normal urinary function
Complete inability to urinate can be an urgent medical problem and requires prompt medical attention.
4. You Have Fever or Chills Along With Stone Symptoms
This is one of the most important warning signs.
A kidney stone can obstruct urine flow. If infection develops behind an obstruction, it can become a serious medical condition.
Seek urgent medical attention if kidney stone symptoms are accompanied by:
- Fever
- Chills
- Shivering
- Feeling unusually weak
- Confusion
- Rapid worsening of symptoms
A blocked urinary tract with infection can require urgent treatment.
Do not simply take pain medication and wait for the symptoms to disappear.
5. You Are Vomiting and Cannot Keep Fluids Down
Kidney stone pain can cause nausea and vomiting.
Occasional nausea may occur during a stone attack, but persistent vomiting creates another problem: dehydration.
Seek medical evaluation if:
- You repeatedly vomit
- You cannot keep water down
- You are becoming dehydrated
- Pain and vomiting occur together
- You are unable to take prescribed medication because of vomiting
A hospital evaluation may be necessary when pain control, hydration or further treatment cannot be managed at home.
6. The Pain Keeps Coming Back
Some people experience repeated episodes of kidney stone pain.
Even if the pain eventually settles, recurring attacks should not simply be ignored.
Repeated symptoms may indicate:
- A stone that has not passed
- Multiple stones
- Recurrent stone formation
- An underlying metabolic risk
- A stone that is obstructing the urinary tract
A urologist can evaluate the cause and discuss treatment and prevention strategies.
7. You Have Been Told the Stone Is Large or Is Blocking Urine Flow
Not all kidney stones behave in the same way.
The likelihood of a stone passing naturally depends on several factors, including its size and location.
If imaging shows that a stone is large, remains stuck or is causing obstruction, your urologist may recommend active treatment.
Depending on the situation, treatment may include minimally invasive procedures such as ureteroscopy, RIRS or laser lithotripsy, or PCNL for selected larger stones.
The appropriate treatment depends on the individual stone and the patient's clinical condition.
8. You Keep Getting Kidney Stones
One kidney stone does not necessarily mean you will develop another.
However, recurrent stones deserve more than repeated pain relief.
If you have experienced kidney stones multiple times, your doctor may recommend evaluating factors that could increase your risk.
These may include:
- Low fluid intake
- Dietary factors
- Family history
- Certain metabolic conditions
- Some medications
- Certain medical conditions
A urologist may also recommend a prevention plan based on your stone history and test results.
When Is a Kidney Stone an Emergency?
Most kidney stones are not life-threatening.
However, some situations require urgent medical attention.
Seek emergency medical care if you have:
- Severe uncontrolled pain
- Fever or chills with suspected kidney stone
- Vomiting that prevents you from drinking fluids
- Difficulty or inability to pass urine
- Severe weakness or confusion
- Symptoms that are rapidly getting worse
- A known urinary obstruction with signs of infection
The combination of urinary obstruction and infection is particularly important because it can become serious quickly.
Patients with significant symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
Kidney Stone Pain vs Urinary Infection: Are They the Same?
No.
Kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are different conditions, although they can sometimes occur together.
Kidney Stone Symptoms May Include:
- Severe side or back pain
- Pain moving toward the groin
- Blood in urine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Urinary discomfort
UTI Symptoms May Include:
- Burning while urinating
- Frequent urination
- Urgency
- Cloudy urine
- Foul-smelling urine
- Fever or chills
A stone that blocks urine flow can sometimes be associated with infection.
This is why fever or chills during a suspected kidney stone attack should not be ignored.
How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed?
Your doctor may use a combination of medical history, examination, urine tests, blood tests and imaging.
Urine Tests
Urine testing may help identify:
- Blood
- Signs of infection
- Certain substances associated with stone formation
Blood Tests
Blood tests can help assess:
- Kidney function
- Infection
- Electrolytes
- Other factors relevant to treatment
Ultrasound
Ultrasound can help identify certain kidney stones and assess the urinary tract for signs of obstruction.
CT Scan
In selected cases, CT imaging can provide detailed information about the size and location of a stone and whether obstruction is present.
The appropriate imaging method depends on the patient's symptoms, age, medical history and clinical situation.
Can Kidney Stones Pass Naturally?
Yes, some kidney stones can pass without a procedure.
However, this depends on factors such as:
- Stone size
- Stone location
- Urinary tract anatomy
- Presence or absence of obstruction
- Symptoms
- Infection
- Kidney function
Your doctor may recommend observation when a stone is likely to pass safely.
But "waiting for it to pass" should not mean ignoring worsening symptoms.
If pain becomes severe, fever develops, urine output decreases or symptoms change significantly, medical reassessment may be necessary.
How Are Kidney Stones Treated?
Treatment depends on the stone and the patient's condition.
1. Observation and Medical Management
For selected small stones that are likely to pass naturally, doctors may recommend:
- Adequate hydration where medically appropriate
- Pain management
- Medicines when indicated
- Follow-up imaging
- Monitoring for stone passage
Not every patient should simply increase fluid intake aggressively, especially if there is significant obstruction or another medical condition. Follow your doctor's advice.
2. Ureteroscopy and Laser Stone Treatment
For stones that require active removal, a urologist may use an endoscopic approach.
A small instrument is passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone. A laser can then fragment the stone into smaller pieces that can be removed or passed.
This is commonly referred to as laser lithotripsy.
The exact procedure depends on the stone's size, location and other patient-specific factors.
3. RIRS — Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery
RIRS is a minimally invasive technique used to access stones within the kidney using a flexible scope.
A laser may be used to fragment the stone.
It can be considered for selected kidney stones depending on their size, location and clinical circumstances.
4. PCNL — Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy
For selected larger or complex kidney stones, a procedure called PCNL may be recommended.
It involves accessing the kidney through a small tract created through the skin to remove or fragment the stone.
PCNL is generally considered for situations where other approaches may not be suitable or where stone burden is significant.
The choice of procedure should always be made after specialist evaluation and appropriate imaging.
Does Laser Kidney Stone Removal Hurt?
Laser stone procedures are generally performed under anaesthesia, so the procedure itself is not experienced as pain in the usual way.
Some patients may experience temporary discomfort after the procedure.
Recovery depends on:
- The type of procedure
- Stone size
- Number and location of stones
- Whether a stent was placed
- Overall health
Your urologist will explain what to expect before the procedure.
How Can You Reduce the Risk of Future Kidney Stones?
Having a stone removed does not necessarily prevent future stones.
Prevention is therefore an important part of kidney stone care.
Stay Hydrated
Adequate fluid intake helps dilute urine and may reduce the concentration of substances that form certain stones.
Your ideal fluid intake depends on your health, climate, activity level and medical conditions.
Don't Ignore Recurrent Stones
If stones keep coming back, ask your doctor whether further evaluation is appropriate.
Follow Dietary Advice
Dietary recommendations may depend on the type of stone you have.
Avoid making major dietary changes based only on general internet advice.
Take Medicines as Prescribed
Some patients with recurrent stones may benefit from medications designed to reduce recurrence.
Follow Up
Follow-up imaging or testing may be recommended to confirm stone clearance or monitor remaining stones.
Why You Shouldn't Keep Treating Kidney Stone Pain at Home
Painkillers may reduce symptoms, but they do not necessarily solve the underlying problem.
Repeatedly treating pain without evaluating the cause may allow a stone to remain unnoticed.
A stone can potentially:
- Remain lodged in the urinary tract
- Cause obstruction
- Lead to recurrent pain
- Be associated with infection
- Affect kidney function in certain situations
The goal of seeing a urologist is not simply to remove a stone.
It is to determine:
Where is the stone?
How large is it?
Is it blocking urine flow?
Is there an infection?
Can it pass naturally?
Does it need a procedure?
How can future stones be prevented?
Kidney Stone Care at Vakratunda Hospital, Nashik
Vakratunda Hospital's Urology Department provides integrated kidney stone and urinary-system care in Nashik. The department lists kidney stone treatment using laser techniques, endourology procedures, RIRS, PCNL and metabolic stone evaluation among its services.
The hospital describes a structured kidney stone management pathway that includes:
- Clinical Assessment — medical history, urine tests and blood work
- Advanced Diagnostics — ultrasound or CT imaging
- Specialist Review — evaluation by the urology and endourology team
- Treatment — observation, laser stone treatment or surgery depending on the case
- Monitoring & Recovery — post-procedure observation
- Follow-up — medication, prevention planning and follow-up care
For selected kidney stones, Vakratunda Hospital provides RIRS and laser lithotripsy, while PCNL is listed for larger stones. Its infrastructure also includes endoscopic and RIRS equipment, Holmium laser lithotripsy, ultrasound and CT imaging.
The hospital also lists an Emergency Stone & Urosepsis Program, with a rapid-response pathway involving imaging and pain relief, emergency stent placement, urgent laser lithotripsy where indicated and post-procedure monitoring. The hospital states that emergency urology support is available 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kidney Stones
When should I see a urologist for kidney stones?
You should consider seeing a urologist if you have severe or persistent stone pain, blood in your urine, recurring kidney stones, difficulty passing urine, a known large or obstructing stone, or symptoms that are not improving.
Can a kidney stone go away on its own?
Some smaller stones can pass naturally. Whether observation is appropriate depends on the stone's size and location, symptoms, obstruction, infection and your overall health.
Is kidney stone pain an emergency?
Kidney stone pain can require urgent medical care, especially when it is severe or uncontrolled. Fever, chills, vomiting, inability to urinate or signs of infection alongside a suspected stone require prompt medical evaluation.
What is the difference between a urologist and a nephrologist?
A urologist treats conditions involving the urinary tract and performs procedures and surgeries for conditions such as kidney stones. A nephrologist specialises in kidney function and kidney diseases such as chronic kidney disease and may manage dialysis and related conditions.
What is laser treatment for kidney stones?
Laser lithotripsy uses a laser during an endoscopic procedure to break a kidney or ureteric stone into smaller fragments. The procedure is performed under appropriate anaesthesia and is used for selected stones.
What is RIRS?
RIRS, or Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery, is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a flexible scope to reach stones inside the kidney. A laser may then be used to fragment the stone.
When is PCNL used?
PCNL may be recommended for selected large or complex kidney stones. It allows the urologist to access the kidney through a small opening in the skin to remove or fragment the stone.
Can kidney stones come back after treatment?
Yes. Removing a stone does not necessarily eliminate the factors that caused it to form. Adequate hydration, appropriate dietary measures, medical evaluation and follow-up can help reduce the risk of recurrence.
Where can I get kidney stone treatment in Nashik?
Vakratunda Hospital in Pathardi Phata, Nashik, provides urology services including kidney stone evaluation, laser lithotripsy, RIRS, PCNL and emergency stone care.
Don't Ignore Severe Kidney Stone Symptoms
A kidney stone may sometimes pass naturally, but not every stone should be left untreated or monitored without medical advice.
If you experience recurring stone pain, blood in your urine, difficulty passing urine or symptoms that continue despite initial treatment, consult a urologist.
And if fever, chills, severe pain, persistent vomiting or inability to urinate occurs with suspected kidney stones, seek urgent medical care.
The right treatment depends on the stone, its location, your symptoms and your overall health.
Looking for Kidney Stone Treatment in Nashik?
Vakratunda Hospital provides specialist urology care for kidney and ureteric stones, including advanced minimally invasive stone procedures and emergency urology support.
Vakratunda Hospital
The Wellness Square, Survey No. 318/1/3, Pathardi Road, Pathardi Phata, Nashik – 422010
Hospital: 0253-2386001 / 02
Emergency: +91 8888236000
Medical Disclaimer: This article is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be used to diagnose, treat or manage a medical condition. Kidney stone treatment depends on individual clinical findings and imaging. If you experience severe pain, fever, chills, inability to urinate or another medical emergency, seek immediate medical attention.