Kidney Stones in Women

Kidney stones are small, solid masses that form when minerals or salts that are normally found in the urine turn into solid crystals inside the kidney. Thus the function of extracting waste from the blood, which is done, by the kidneys gets hampered. In some cases, these crystals are tiny and pass harmlessly out of the body; while in some, they can build inside the kidney and form much larger stones. In the latter case, if the stone becomes large enough, it may start to move out of the kidney and progress through the ureters (the tubes that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder). If these stones get stuck in the ureter, they can be the reason for an infection that may lead to permanent damage in the kidney. Kidney stones are also known as urinary calculi, urinary tract stone disease, nephrolithiasis, urolithiasis, ureterolithiasis and renal calculi. All these terms depend on where the stone/s are located. It is a common belief that only men are susceptible to kidney stones. Can women get kidney stones? Yes, women too can get kidney stones, but are less likely to, due to their physiology. Given below is a brief overview of kidney stones in women and men.

What are the symptoms and signs of kidney stones?

A sign of kidney stones is tenderness when the abdomen or back is touched.

The symptoms of kidney stones in women as well as men are:

• Sudden and constant pain: The presence of stones may cause intense pain in the side, back, groin or the genitals. Sometimes, a cramping pain called renal colic may be felt as the muscular wall of the ureter contracts in order to push the stone towards the bladder. This pain may occur in the left side or the middle of the abdomen. At times, it may also travel into the groin.
• Presence of blood in the urine (hematuria): There might be traces of blood in the urine. Sometimes it is visible, whereas at times it might be detected through a laboratory test. Blood in the urine is an indicator of damage to the lining of the ureter tissue near or inside the kidney.
• Painful and frequent urination: This symptom occurs when the stone is in the ureter or after the stone has left the bladder. A urinary tract infection may be accompanied by painful urination.
• Fever: Medical attention should be sought in case of fever along with kidney stones. Appropriate medication (generally antibiotics) are prescribed.
• Appetite loss: One of the most common symptoms of kidney stones in men and women is an increasing loss of appetite. This loss of appetite results in weight loss.
• Vomiting and nausea: Nausea may come in waves and may last from around 20 minutes to even an hour.
• Constipation: While constipation and kidney stones may be totally unrelated, people who suffer from one can suffer from the other. This is because a low intake of water plays a major role in both the conditions.
• Profuse sweating: This is another symptom associated with kidney stones.
• A general feeling of tiredness

What are the factors that might put a person at risk for kidney stones?

• Gender: Women are less prone to kidney stones than men.
• Age: Middle-aged people are more at risk of developing kidney stones than younger people.
• Recurrence of urinary tract infection.
• Insufficient intake of water.
• Other kidney disorders.
• Metabolic disturbances like bowel, endocrine, and kidney problems.
• Excess intake of Vitamins C and D.
• Blockage in the urinary tract.
• Medications: Diuretics (water pills) and calcium-based antacids.
• Excessive consumption of alcohol.

What are the treatment options for kidney stones?

The treatment of kidney stones, in women or men, depends on the cause and the type of stone. However, it is important to note that most stones can be treated without surgery. Stones that are smaller than about five millimeter can be removed by drinking lots of water and staying physically active. Doing these will help the passing of the kidney stones along with the urine itself. The doctor may prescribe some medicines in order to reduce the kidney pain or to treat infection.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): This is one common method used in dealing with kidney stones. This treatment is performed under local anesthesia and uses X-Ray imaging and ultrasound scanning to locate the stones. Once it is located, a machine called a lithotripter is used to target shock waves to break the kidney stones into crystals small enough to be passed through the urine.

Ureteroscopic Stone Removal: Like the one above, this procedure is performed under local anesthesia too. In case the stone is lodged in the ureter, a narrow flexible instrument called a cystoscope is passed up through the urethra and bladder. This done, the stone is captured and removed or broken down using a laser beam or shock waves that are generated by a device that is attached at the end of the cystoscope.

Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL): In this procedure, the doctor makes a small cut in the back and uses a telescopic instrument called a nephroscope to pull the stone out or break it up with laser or shock waves. As this procedure is performed under local anesthesia, it can affect the coordination and reasoning skills of the person.

As you can see, even though kidney stones in women are far less common as compared to that in men, it is not something to be terrified of. Modern medicine has, and is still discovering various medications and technologies to treat the condition with maximum ease and minimum discomfort. So, always follow your doctor's advice and take all the necessary steps to rid yourself of kidney stones.