If you’ve ever felt a sudden, sharp pain in your side and immediately wondered, “Is this a kidney stone… and will it just pass?” you’re definitely not alone. Kidney stones are one of those health issues that can show up out of nowhere, feel intense, and leave you stuck between hoping it disappears and worrying you’re ignoring something serious.
The truth is: some kidney stones do go away on their own, but plenty don’t—and the difference often comes down to size, location, your body’s anatomy, and whether the stone is causing a blockage or infection. This guide walks through what “going away” really means, the symptoms to watch, realistic timing, and the red flags that should push you to seek help right away.
Since you’re reading this on lascena.ca, we’ll keep things practical and easy to follow. You’ll also see where comprehensive urology care fits into the bigger picture—because even when a stone passes, there’s often a “why did this happen?” question worth answering so you can avoid round two.
What it means for a kidney stone to “go away”
Kidney stones don’t dissolve and vanish in most cases. When people say a stone “went away,” they usually mean one of two things: either the stone passed out of the body in urine, or the pain stopped because the stone moved to a less irritating spot (even if it’s still there).
Passing a stone means it traveled from the kidney, down the ureter (the tube connecting kidney to bladder), into the bladder, and then out through the urethra. That’s a long journey through some pretty narrow plumbing, which is why symptoms can be dramatic.
It’s also possible for symptoms to fade temporarily while the stone is still present. For example, if a stone stops scraping the ureter wall or stops blocking flow for a bit, pain can decrease. That can create a false sense of security—so if you’ve had classic kidney stone pain and then it “mysteriously” improves, it’s still smart to confirm what’s happening.
Why some stones pass and others don’t
The biggest factor is size. In general, smaller stones are more likely to pass without procedures. A tiny stone may slip through with hydration and time, while a larger one can get stuck and cause ongoing pain, swelling of the kidney, or infection risk.
Location matters too. A stone sitting in the kidney might not cause much trouble until it starts moving. Once it enters the ureter, symptoms often ramp up. Stones lower in the ureter (closer to the bladder) may pass more readily than stones higher up, but they can still be stubborn.
Your anatomy and prior history play a role as well. Some people have narrower ureters, scar tissue, or structural issues that make passing stones harder. And if you’ve had stones before, your risk of recurrence is higher—meaning it’s worth thinking beyond “how do I get through this week?” and toward prevention.
Common symptoms that suggest a kidney stone
Pain patterns that feel “classic” (and why they happen)
The hallmark symptom is pain that often starts in the flank (side/back below the ribs) and may move toward the lower abdomen or groin. This happens because the stone irritates the ureter and triggers spasms as the body tries to push it along.
Kidney stone pain is often described as coming in waves. That’s because ureteral spasms can intensify and then ease. It’s also common for the pain to shift locations over hours or days as the stone migrates.
One important detail: pain severity doesn’t perfectly predict stone size. A small stone can cause huge pain if it’s in a sensitive spot, while a larger stone might cause less pain until it blocks flow.
Urinary changes you shouldn’t ignore
Blood in the urine (pink, red, or tea-colored) is common, even if it’s only visible on a urine test. The stone can scrape the urinary tract lining, causing bleeding.
You might also notice urgency (feeling like you need to pee right now), frequency, or burning—especially when the stone is near the bladder. These symptoms can mimic a urinary tract infection, which is why it’s easy to misread what’s happening.
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine may suggest infection, dehydration, or both. If infection is in the mix, the situation becomes more urgent (more on that below).
Nausea, vomiting, and “whole-body” symptoms
Kidney stone pain can trigger nausea and vomiting because the urinary tract and GI tract share nerve pathways. It’s not “in your head”—it’s a real physiological response to intense pain and spasms.
Some people also feel sweaty, restless, and unable to get comfortable. That pacing-around-the-room feeling is very common with kidney stones and is one reason they’re often distinguished from back muscle strain.
If you have fever, chills, or feel generally unwell on top of stone symptoms, that’s a major warning sign for infection and needs prompt assessment.
How long does it take to pass a kidney stone?
Timing varies a lot. Some stones pass in a day or two; others take weeks. And some won’t pass without medical help. A common “real-world” window for a passable stone is within a few days to a few weeks, depending on size and location.
Here’s the tricky part: waiting it out isn’t always harmless. A stone that blocks urine flow can cause swelling (hydronephrosis) and potentially harm kidney function over time. You also don’t want to sit on a stone that’s causing repeated ER-level pain or keeping you from drinking fluids.
Many clinicians use follow-up imaging and symptom check-ins to decide whether continued waiting is reasonable. If you’re not improving, if pain is escalating, or if there are infection signs, the plan usually changes quickly.
Stone size and the odds of passing naturally
Small stones: often passable, still miserable
Stones under about 5 mm are often more likely to pass on their own, especially if they’re already moving down the ureter. Hydration, pain control, and time may be the main tools.
That said, “likely” doesn’t mean guaranteed. A small stone can still lodge in a narrow spot, and symptoms can still be intense enough that you need medical support.
If you’re trying to pass a small stone, it helps to have a plan: pain management options, guidance on hydration, and clear instructions on when to seek urgent care.
Medium stones: the gray zone
Stones around 5–7 mm are in a middle range where some pass and some don’t. Your provider may recommend medications that relax the ureter (often called medical expulsive therapy), along with close follow-up.
This is also where imaging becomes especially helpful. Knowing where the stone is and whether urine is backing up can guide whether it’s safe to keep waiting.
If you’re in this range and symptoms are dragging on, it’s common to discuss procedural options rather than continuing a painful waiting game.
Larger stones: less likely to pass without help
Once stones get bigger (often above 7–10 mm), spontaneous passage becomes less likely. Larger stones are more prone to getting stuck and causing obstruction.
At that point, the conversation tends to shift toward interventions such as shock wave lithotripsy (breaking the stone with sound waves), ureteroscopy (retrieving or fragmenting it with a scope), or other approaches depending on location and stone type.
Even if you’re hoping to avoid procedures, it’s worth thinking of intervention as a way to protect kidney function and reduce complications—not just a way to end pain.
What you can do at home while waiting (and what not to do)
If your symptoms are mild, you’re able to drink fluids, and you’ve been told it’s safe to attempt passage at home, there are a few practical steps that can help. The goal is to support urine flow, reduce spasms, and manage pain while watching closely for red flags.
Hydration is usually key, but “force-chugging” isn’t always helpful if you’re vomiting or in severe pain. A steady intake—enough to keep urine pale yellow—is often a reasonable target unless a clinician advises otherwise.
It can also help to strain your urine (using a simple urine strainer) to catch the stone. If you can bring the stone in for analysis, that can guide prevention strategies later.
Pain control and comfort strategies
Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications may help with pain and inflammation for some people, but they’re not safe for everyone (especially with kidney disease, ulcers, certain medications, or pregnancy). Always follow medical guidance for your situation.
Heat—like a warm bath or heating pad—can be surprisingly helpful for flank pain. It won’t move the stone, but it can reduce muscle tension and make the experience more tolerable.
If pain is severe enough that you can’t sit still, can’t sleep, or can’t keep fluids down, that’s a sign you may need stronger medication and assessment rather than trying to tough it out.
Medications that may help passage (only with guidance)
Some prescriptions relax the ureter, potentially improving the chance of passage and reducing pain episodes. This isn’t appropriate for every stone or every patient, and it typically comes with a plan for follow-up.
It’s important not to self-medicate with leftover prescriptions or someone else’s meds. The right approach depends on your blood pressure, other meds, and overall health.
When used appropriately, medical expulsive therapy can be a useful bridge between “wait and see” and “let’s schedule a procedure.”
Red flags that mean you should get checked urgently
Fever, chills, or feeling sick overall
A kidney stone plus infection is a medical emergency risk. If a stone blocks urine flow and bacteria are trapped behind it, infection can spread quickly and become dangerous.
If you have fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms along with flank pain or urinary symptoms, don’t wait it out. Seek urgent medical care.
Even a low-grade fever matters in this context, especially if you’re also experiencing rapid heart rate, weakness, or confusion.
Uncontrolled pain or persistent vomiting
If you can’t manage pain with prescribed or recommended meds, you may need IV pain control, imaging, and a new plan. Severe pain isn’t just miserable—it can also prevent you from drinking, sleeping, and functioning.
Persistent vomiting is another reason to get help. Dehydration can worsen stone issues and complicate treatment.
Clinicians can also check whether the stone is causing obstruction that needs intervention rather than continued waiting.
Difficulty urinating or signs of blockage
If you’re barely urinating, have intense pressure, or feel like you can’t empty your bladder, that’s not something to watch at home. A blockage can threaten kidney function.
Sometimes people notice decreased urine output even while drinking fluids. That mismatch can be a clue that urine flow is impaired.
Prompt assessment can prevent longer-term damage and reduce the risk of complications.
When it’s time to stop waiting and consider treatment
There’s no single “magic day” when everyone should stop waiting. The decision is usually based on symptom severity, stone size and location, kidney swelling, infection risk, and how your life is being affected.
If pain keeps sending you to urgent care, if imaging shows significant obstruction, or if the stone hasn’t moved over time, it may be time to talk about active treatment rather than continued observation.
It’s also worth considering your work, caregiving responsibilities, travel plans, and ability to access urgent care quickly. Sometimes “waiting” is less safe simply because help isn’t easily available if things escalate.
What procedures are used when stones won’t pass?
Shock wave lithotripsy (SWL)
Shock wave lithotripsy uses focused sound waves to break a stone into smaller pieces that can pass more easily. It’s non-invasive (no scope going up through the urinary tract), but it’s not ideal for every stone type, size, or location.
Some people pass fragments over days or weeks afterward, which can still cause discomfort. Your care team will usually discuss what to expect and how to manage symptoms during that period.
SWL effectiveness can vary based on stone density and body factors, so imaging and clinical judgment matter a lot here.
Ureteroscopy (URS)
Ureteroscopy involves passing a small scope through the urethra and bladder into the ureter to remove or break up the stone. It’s commonly used when stones are stuck or when quick resolution is needed.
Sometimes a temporary stent is placed to keep the ureter open and allow swelling to settle. Stents can be annoying (urgency, discomfort), but they’re often a short-term tool to protect the kidney and help healing.
Your provider will typically outline recovery expectations, activity limits, and what symptoms should prompt a call.
Percutaneous approaches for complex stones
For very large stones or certain complex cases (like staghorn stones), a percutaneous approach may be used, accessing the kidney through a small incision in the back.
This is a more involved procedure and is reserved for situations where smaller interventions are unlikely to work well.
If you’re facing this option, you’ll likely have a detailed pre-op plan and follow-up schedule to ensure the kidney is protected and stone burden is fully addressed.
After the stone passes: what to pay attention to
Passing a stone can feel like instant relief, but it’s not always the end of the story. Sometimes fragments remain, or another stone is present. If symptoms persist—even if they’re milder—it’s worth checking in and possibly getting imaging.
If you caught the stone, stone analysis is one of the most useful next steps. Different stone types form for different reasons, and prevention strategies can vary a lot depending on what the stone is made of.
Also, if you had complications like infection, obstruction, or repeated episodes, follow-up is especially important to make sure your kidneys are doing well.
Preventing kidney stones from coming back (without obsessing over it)
Hydration habits that actually stick
Most stone prevention plans start with hydration, but the best plan is the one you’ll actually follow. Instead of aiming for “perfect,” think in routines: a glass of water when you wake up, one with each meal, one mid-afternoon, and one in the evening.
If you’re active, sweat a lot, or drink coffee/alcohol, you may need more fluids to keep urine dilute. A simple check is urine color—pale yellow is generally a good sign.
For people who repeatedly form stones, clinicians sometimes recommend a target urine volume per day. That’s where tracking can be helpful for a short period, just to calibrate what “enough” looks like for you.
Food patterns that reduce risk (without extreme dieting)
Prevention isn’t always about cutting out calcium. In fact, normal dietary calcium can help bind oxalate in the gut and reduce certain stone risks. The bigger issue is often excess sodium, which can increase calcium in the urine.
For some stone types, limiting high-oxalate foods (like spinach, beets, nuts, and chocolate) may help—but it depends on your stone chemistry and urine testing. Going too restrictive without a clear reason can make your diet miserable and may not solve the problem.
Animal protein, sugary drinks, and high-salt processed foods can also raise risk in certain people. Small, consistent changes tend to be more effective than dramatic short-lived diets.
When lab work and imaging help prevent repeat episodes
If you’ve had more than one stone, or if your first stone was large or complicated, a metabolic evaluation may be recommended. This can include blood tests and a 24-hour urine collection to see what’s driving stone formation.
The benefit of testing is personalization. Instead of guessing what to change, you can address the specific issue—whether it’s low citrate, high calcium, high oxalate, low urine volume, or something else.
In some cases, medications can reduce recurrence risk significantly. It’s not about being “on pills forever,” but about using the right tool when lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough.
How kidney stones fit into the bigger urology picture
Kidney stones are often a one-time event, but for many people they’re part of a broader urinary health story. Things like urinary retention, prostate enlargement, recurrent UTIs, or anatomical issues can influence how symptoms show up and how quickly problems get detected.
That’s why it helps to think in terms of the whole system rather than treating each episode as a totally separate crisis. A urology visit isn’t only about removing a stone—it can also be about understanding risk factors, reviewing imaging, and building a prevention plan that fits your life.
If you’re looking for comprehensive urology care, it often includes both acute management (when symptoms are flaring) and longer-term strategies (so you’re less likely to be back in the same situation next year).
A quick note on prostate symptoms, urinary flow, and why people mix them up with stones
Similar symptoms, different causes
It’s surprisingly common for people to confuse stone symptoms with other urinary issues—especially if they’re experiencing urgency, frequency, nighttime urination, or a weak stream. Stones can cause urgency and burning, but so can bladder irritation, infection, and prostate enlargement.
For men in particular, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can create urinary symptoms that overlap with stone-related discomfort. If you’re having ongoing urinary changes even when you’re not in acute pain, it’s worth discussing this separately rather than assuming it’s “just stones.”
Sorting out the cause matters because the solutions are different. Treating BPH won’t break a stone, and treating a stone won’t fix chronic urinary obstruction from an enlarged prostate.
Where minimally invasive BPH options come in
If BPH is part of your story, you may hear about modern minimally invasive options designed to reduce symptoms without major surgery. These treatments are usually discussed after an evaluation of prostate size, symptom severity, and your goals around recovery and side effects.
Some clinics offer targeted options like the REZUM procedure in Hamilton, which uses water vapor therapy to reduce prostate tissue and improve urinary flow for certain patients.
If you’re exploring that route, it’s best to do it in a structured way—reviewing symptom scores, checking for retention, and confirming whether your urinary issues are coming from BPH, stones, infection, or a mix.
Putting the “when should I worry?” question into a simple checklist
When you’re in pain, it’s hard to think clearly. A simple checklist can help you decide whether to monitor at home, book a prompt appointment, or go in urgently.
Get urgent care now if you have fever/chills, uncontrolled pain, persistent vomiting, confusion, very low urine output, or you feel seriously unwell.
Book a prompt evaluation if pain keeps returning, symptoms last more than a few days without improvement, you’ve had stones before, you suspect a large stone, or you have significant urinary symptoms even between pain episodes.
Questions to ask at your appointment (so you leave with a real plan)
Questions about the stone itself
Ask what the imaging shows: stone size, exact location, and whether there’s any hydronephrosis (kidney swelling). These details strongly influence whether waiting is safe.
Ask about your chances of passing it naturally and what timeframe is reasonable before reassessing. It helps to have a specific follow-up plan rather than an open-ended “let’s see.”
If you’re being offered a medication to help passage, ask what it’s called, how long to take it, and what side effects to watch for.
Questions about preventing the next one
Ask whether you should do stone analysis or a metabolic workup. If this is your first stone and it’s small, you may not need extensive testing—but it’s worth discussing based on your age, history, and risk factors.
Ask about diet changes that fit your specific stone type (or suspected type). Generic advice can be misleading, especially around calcium and oxalate.
Ask what “success” looks like: fewer stones, no ER visits, better hydration habits, or medication support—whatever matters most in your life.
When urinary symptoms point to BPH evaluation instead of (or in addition to) stones
If you’re noticing a weak stream, hesitancy, straining, dribbling, or waking up multiple times a night to urinate—especially without the sharp wave-like pain typical of stones—BPH could be part of the picture.
This doesn’t mean you can’t also have stones. But it does mean you may benefit from a separate evaluation focused on prostate and bladder function, including checking for urinary retention.
For those who are exploring minimally invasive options and want to get Rezum BPH therapy, it’s helpful to first clarify what’s driving your symptoms and what outcomes you’re aiming for—better flow, fewer nighttime trips, less urgency, or avoiding long-term medication.
What to remember when you’re in the middle of it
Some kidney stones do pass on their own, and when they do, it can feel like your body just hit a reset button. But it’s also completely normal to need help—either because the stone is too big, it’s stuck, or it’s creating risks you don’t want to gamble with.
If you take only one thing from this article, let it be this: don’t ignore infection signs, don’t suffer through uncontrolled pain, and don’t assume that symptom improvement always means the stone is gone.
With the right evaluation and follow-up, you can get through the current episode and also lower the odds of dealing with another one later—without turning your life into a full-time kidney-stone prevention project.