Private kidney stones clinic in London, same-day urology.

What it feels like

Sudden severe pain in the loin or side, often radiating round to the groin or genitals, coming in waves that build and ease. People are typically restless and unable to find a comfortable position — which distinguishes it from most abdominal pain, where people lie still. Nausea and vomiting are common, and there may be blood in the urine, sometimes visible and often not.

Pain relief

• An anti-inflammatory is the most effective treatment for renal colic — more so than opioids — usually diclofenac or naproxen, by mouth or suppository.
• Paracetamol alongside.
• A hot water bottle or warm bath often helps.
• Keep drinking normally — forcing large volumes does not flush stones out and can worsen the pain if there is obstruction.
• Strain your urine through a coffee filter or fine sieve to catch the stone. Analysing it tells us what type it is and how to prevent the next one.

Will it pass?

Most small stones pass within one to three weeks. A medicine may be prescribed to relax the ureter and help a lower stone pass. If a stone has not passed after around four weeks, or is causing ongoing obstruction, treatment is needed.

Treatment options

• Shockwave lithotripsy — sound waves break the stone from outside the body.
• Ureteroscopy — a fine telescope passed up to remove or laser the stone; often a stent is left temporarily.
• Percutaneous surgery for large stones in the kidney.
• The right choice depends on size, position, composition and your anatomy.

Preventing the next one

Around half of people have another stone within ten years. Prevention works, and it is worth doing.