Can kidney stones pass on their own?

Whether a kidney stone can pass naturally depends on several factors, including its size, location, and whether it is blocking the urinary tract. 

In general: 

• Stones smaller than 5 mm often pass naturally within a few weeks. 
• Stones between 5–10 mm may pass on their own but sometimes require medication or minimally invasive treatment. 
• Stones larger than 10 mm are much less likely to pass naturally and usually require surgical intervention. 

While waiting for a stone to pass, your doctor may recommend:

•  Drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. 
•  Pain-relieving medications to manage discomfort. 
•  Alpha-blocker medications that relax the ureter and may help the stone pass more easily. 
•  Regular follow-up imaging to monitor the stone's progress. 

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

•  Severe, unbearable pain 
•  Fever or chills 
•  Difficulty passing urine 
•  Persistent vomiting 
•  Blood in the urine that continues or worsens 
•  Complete blockage of urine flow

Ignoring these symptoms can lead to serious complications, including urinary tract infections, kidney damage, or loss of kidney function.

If a stone does not pass naturally or causes complications, your urologist may recommend treatments such as RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery), URS (Ureteroscopy), ESWL (Shock Wave Lithotripsy), or PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy) depending on the stone's size and location.

SCI International Hospital / Dr. Gautam Banga

At SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Gautam Banga, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, evaluates each kidney stone individually before recommending treatment. Small stones may be managed conservatively with medication and regular follow-up, while larger or symptomatic stones are treated using advanced minimally invasive procedures such as RIRS, URS, ESWL, and PCNL. His personalized treatment approach focuses on relieving symptoms, preserving kidney function, and minimizing recovery time.