Kidney stones were once thought of as a men’s problem, but they are increasingly common in women. Symptoms can overlap with urinary infections and gynaecological conditions, which sometimes delays diagnosis.
Symptoms in women
- Sudden severe pain in the side or back, moving to the lower abdomen or groin
- Burning, frequency and urgency, easily mistaken for a UTI
- Blood in the urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever, if infection is present (urgent)
Why women get stones
- Low fluid intake, especially in hot weather or when avoiding toilets at work
- Recurrent urinary infections, which can cause infection (struvite) stones
- Obesity, diabetes and some diets
- Calcium supplements taken without food, and high-dose vitamin C
Kidney stones in pregnancy
Pregnancy changes the urinary tract, and a stone can be hard to tell apart from normal pregnancy discomfort. Ultrasound is used instead of CT. Most stones are managed with fluids and safe pain relief; if there is infection or blockage, a temporary stent or ureteroscopy can be done safely, with definitive treatment after delivery.
Treatment
Treatment is the same as in men: fluids and medicines for small stones, and RIRS, URS or PCNL for larger ones. Read about female urology in Jaipur and kidney stones and UTI.