Kidney Stones Symptoms in Women

In medical terms, kidney stones are known as Nephrolithiasis. These are small, hard masses that form inside the kidneys from hardened minerals and acid salts. Usually, minerals present in the urine crystallize and then deposit inside the kidneys to form kidney stones. This can happen when the urine becomes too concentrated. If such stones are too small, they can pass through urinary tract and then out of the body through the urine without producing pain or any other symptoms. However, passing kidney stones that are large can be quite painful. Kidney stones can be of several types, out of which the most common kidney stones are, calcium stones and oxalate stones. Other less common types of kidney stones are, cystine stones, uric acid stones and struvite stones. Kidney stones can produce significant pain and a few other painful symptoms in both men and women. Before going into the details of kidney stones symptoms in women, let's find out what are causes or risk factors for developing these stones.

Causes and Risk Factors for Kidney Stones

Kidney stones have no definite causes or what causes kidney stones is not known with certainty. Usually, formation of kidney stones is affected by several factors. Often, such stones can form when the urine becomes too concentrated and it contains more calcium, oxalate and uric acid than fluid. This allows such substances to crystallize and deposit in the kidney, eventually forming stones. Any factor that blocks the excretion of urine can also cause kidney stones. Sometimes, frequent urinary tract infection can also cause the development of kidney stones, which are known as struvite stones.

The main risk factors for developing kidney stones are, a family history of kidney stones, excess consumption of foods high in oxalate, high doses of vitamin D, gastric bypass surgery, high protein diet, conditions like, gout, renal tubular acidosis, cystinuria, hyperparathyroidism, hyperoxaluria, hypercalciuria, hyperuricosuria, metabolic disorders and medications like, diuretic, calcium containing antacids and protease inhibitors. Dehydration can be a major factor contributing to the risk of kidney stones.

Kidney Stones Symptoms in Women

The symptoms of kidney stones in women and men are more or less similar. The typical symptom of kidney stone is the pain that can be felt in the back, flank and in the groin area. If the stone is quite large, then it can cause blockage of the ureter, which in turn can cause muscle spasms in the ureter and dilation of the ureter and renal pelvis. This can manifest in a type of cramping pain in the lower abdomen and the groin area. It is known as renal colic. When the stone moves and the body tries to expel it, it can tear the flesh inside the body, causing bleeding and infection. Because of this, the urine may appear pink or slightly red in color. So, the most common kidney stones symptoms in women are

• Sudden and sharp pain in the back, flank and the groin area
• Cramping pain in the lower abdomen and groin area due to renal colic
• Pain and a burning sensation while urinating
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Nausea and vomiting
• Lower abdominal pain during menstruation, which can sometimes persist even after menstruation
• Blood in urine or hematuria
• Fever accompanied by chills
• Loss of appetite
• Smelly urine

Treatment for Kidney Stones

Clinical diagnosis of kidney stones is made on the basis of the kidney stones symptoms, X-ray and CT scan of the urinary tract, urine tests and blood tests. The treatment for kidney stone depends on the type of the stone, as well as its size. If the stone is small, then increasing fluid intake can help to flush out the stone from the body. Mild pain caused by small stones can be managed with pain relievers like, ibuprofen and acetaminophen. But, if the stone is large and is causing considerable pain, bleeding and infection of the urinary tract, then invasive kidney stones treatment would be required.

One common method used for breaking large kidney stones is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. This procedure uses sound waves to create vibrations, which are strong enough to break the stones into pieces that can be easily passed through the urine. Such vibrations are called shock waves. The procedure can however cause pain, for which it is performed under light anesthesia. If the stone has lodged in the ureter, then it is captured with the help of a ureteroscope, which is passed through the urethra and bladder into the ureter. Once the stone is captured, it is removed or broken down into small pieces with laser beam or shock waves.

If the kidney stone is very large, then it is removed surgically, and the procedure is known as percutaneous nephrolithotomy. For surgical removal of the stone, a small incision is made in the back, and then nephroscope is used to locate and remove the stone. If the stone is too large, then it is broken down into pieces. Sometimes, parathyroid gland surgery can be required for preventing the formation of kidney stones, if such stones are caused by the over secretion of parathyroid hormone, due to the development of tumor in any of the four parathyroid glands. Formation of kidney stones can be prevented with a few lifestyle and dietary modifications. Drinking enough water throughout the day, lowering the intake of salt and oxalate rich foods and maintaining caution while taking supplements, especially supplements of calcium and vitamin D can help to minimize the risks for kidney stones.

Along with knowing how to prevent kidney stones, it is also important to have some basic idea or knowledge about the kidney stones symptoms in women, so as to ensure early detection and removal of the stones. So, if you observe any of the symptoms of kidney stones such as, sharp pain in the lower back area, blood in urine or pain while urinating, then be sure to inform your physician immediately, and get these symptoms properly evaluated.