Kidney stones are solid pieces of mineral-like matter that can resemble yellowish pebble stones. They can form in one of your kidneys when the minerals in your urine are not flushing out properly, which can occur if you’re not drinking enough water.
One in every 10 people will develop a noticeable kidney stone in their lifetime, and it can happen to both men and women – but they are slightly more common in men.
The size of a kidney stone can range from a grain of sand to the size of a lima bean and, rarely, can be as large as a golf ball. The kidney stone can become painful if it is larger than about 1/4 inch in diameter.
How Do I Know if I Have a Kidney Stone?
The first warning sign of a kidney stone is usually pain in your abdomen. But even before that happens, your urine can signal that a kidney stone may be present in your urinary tract.
Many people who have developed kidney stones describe some of their earlier symptoms as painful urinating that produces cloudy urine with an unpleasant smell, and it sometimes includes some blood. They also mention difficulties urinating or only being able to urinate in very small amounts.
Changes in your urinating habits can be indicators of kidney stones as well as many other medical issues. For this reason, you shouldn’t rely solely on changes in your urine to determine whether you may be at risk of having kidney stones.
Other symptoms of kidney stones can include sharp pain in either side of your lower back or lower abdomen, nausea, vomiting, fever, and chills.
What Your Urine Can Show
Since kidney stones are made up of minerals and other substances that come from your urine, a doctor can take a sample and analyze it to determine whether your symptoms are related to kidney stones or something else. Doctors can also use X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans to diagnose kidney stones.
A urinalysis and blood tests are among the first techniques your doctor will use to see why you may be developing kidney stones, the type of stones, and the kind of treatment that may be necessary to help you.
Your urine will show whether it has an excessive amount of certain substances that may cause the formation of kidney stones. These substances can include too much calcium or other minerals, or an excess of uric acid – a chemical that helps your body process the food you eat. Doctors will also check for any blood that may be present in your urine.
How Does Urine Testing Work?
Your doctor or a laboratory professional will provide you with a container to fill, and they will explain how to collect the urine sample and the best way of storing it and returning it. A medical technician will then use several techniques to examine your urine, and the technician or the lab will send the results to your doctor or health care provider.
Skilled Urologist in Phoenix
At Ironwood Urology, Dr. Desi Avila can test you for kidney stones or any other urologic or abdominal issues you may be experiencing. He specializes in vasectomies, vasectomy reversal, male infertility, and other conditions in men.
Dr. Avila treats his patients with respect, patience, and total confidentiality. To schedule an appointment, call us today at (480) 961-2323 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you enjoy an active, fulfilling lifestyle.
