Can my kidney stone pass on its own?
Tell us where the stone is and how big it is. You’ll see how likely it is to pass without surgery, and when it’s wise to see a urologist.
Where is the stone?
Check your scan report, or tap the spot that matches best.
How big is the stone?
Use the size from your CT or ultrasound report.
About the size of a grain of rice
Reports sometimes use cm. 0.5 cm is 5 mm.
Do any of these apply?
Tick everything that fits. This helps us warn you about serious problems.
Common questions
Can a 5 mm stone pass on its own?
Often, yes. In studies of stones in the ureter, roughly 6 in 10 stones of 5 to 7 mm passed without treatment, and smaller stones passed more often. Stones lower in the ureter, closer to the bladder, pass more easily.
How long can it take?
Most stones that pass do so within 4 to 6 weeks. If a stone is still stuck after that, or keeps causing pain, it is time to discuss treatment with a urologist.
When should I not wait?
Do not wait if you have fever or chills, repeated vomiting, severe pain that medicines do not control, very little urine, or only one working kidney. Seek medical help the same day.
Do stones inside the kidney pass?
Small ones can. Stones larger than about 5 mm inside the kidney usually stay where they are, and may later drop into the ureter and cause pain. A urologist can advise whether to watch or treat.
Does drinking a lot of water make a stone pass?
Good hydration helps prevent new stones and keeps urine flowing, but it will not force out a large stone. Follow your doctor’s advice on how much to drink.