Can kidney stones pass on their own, or do I need a procedure?

Which stones are likely to pass naturally, and when treatment is needed.

3 min read

The short answer: many small stones pass on their own with fluids and pain relief. Larger stones, stones causing infection, or stones that will not move usually need treatment.

Size and position matter most. Stones under about 5mm often pass within a few weeks; stones above 10mm rarely do. Your specialist will also consider your pain, kidney function and whether there is any sign of infection.

A stone with fever or chills is an emergency — seek urgent care, as an infected blocked kidney can become serious quickly.

If you have had a stone before, a prevention plan reduces the chance of another. Request a kidney stone assessment to discuss your options.

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