Kidney stones are one of the most painful and common urological conditions in men. These hard mineral deposits form inside the kidneys and can cause severe flank pain, blood in urine, nausea, or difficulty urinating. Men are up to twice as likely as women to develop kidney stones due to dietary habits, hydration levels, and metabolic factors.
Bangkok is a leading destination for kidney stone management, offering rapid diagnostics, modern minimally invasive treatments, and expert urologists.
This guide explains symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and the full range of treatment options.
What Are Kidney Stones?
Kidney stones are crystalized mineral deposits that form inside the urinary tract.
Most common types:
Calcium oxalate (most common)
Uric acid stones
Struvite (infection) stones
Cystine stones (rare, genetic)
Stones vary in size — from grains of sand to golf-ball sized masses.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
Men may experience:
Sudden severe flank or lower back pain
Pain radiating to groin or testicles
Painful urination (dysuria)
Blood in urine (pink, red, or brown)
Frequent urge to urinate
Nausea or vomiting
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Large stones can block urine flow — a medical emergency.
Causes & Risk Factors
Lifestyle Factors
Dehydration (the biggest risk factor)
High-salt diet
High animal protein intake
Low fluid intake
High oxalate foods (spinach, nuts)
Medical Conditions
Gout
Hypercalciuria
Obesity
Urinary tract infections
Genetics (family history)
Medications
Some drugs increase stone risk.
How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed
A urologist may perform:
1. Urinalysis
Checks for blood, crystals, or infection.
2. Ultrasound
Safe, quick initial screening.
3. CT Scan (Non-Contrast)
Gold standard to determine:
Stone size
Stone location
Level of blockage
4. Blood tests
Check kidney function, uric acid, and calcium levels.
5. Stone analysis (if passed or removed)
Helps guide long-term prevention.
Treatment Options for Kidney Stones
Treatment depends on the stone’s size, location, and symptoms.
1. Medical Therapy (for small stones <5–6 mm)
Pain management
Hydration
Medications to relax ureter (Tamsulosin)
Anti-nausea medication
Most small stones pass within days to weeks.
2. Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL)
Non-invasive procedure that uses shockwaves to break stones into smaller pieces.
Best for:
Small–medium stones in kidney or upper ureter.
Benefits:
No incision
Outpatient procedure
Fast recovery
3. Retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) with Laser Lithotripsy
A tiny camera is inserted through the urethra to the ureter or kidney; a laser breaks the stone.
Best for:
Ureteral stones, medium stones, or stones not suitable for ESWL.
Benefits:
High success rate
Minimally invasive
Stone removal in one session
4. PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
A small incision in the back allows removal of large stones.
Best for:
Staghorn stones, very large stones (>2 cm).
Benefits:
Most effective for large or complex stones
Complete removal in one session
Recovery Timeline
Medical therapy: 1–2 weeks.
ESWL: 1–3 days.
Ureteroscopy: 1–5 days.
PCNL: 1 week for basic recovery; 2–3 weeks for full recovery.
Expected Results
Successful treatment leads to:
Pain relief
Improved urinary flow
Removal of blockage
Prevention of infections
Restored kidney function
Follow-up is essential to avoid recurrence.
Potential Complications
If untreated, stones can cause:
Infection
Hydronephrosis (kidney swelling)
Kidney damage
Severe pain
Blocked ureter
Early treatment prevents long-term harm.
Why Choose Bangkok for Kidney Stone Treatment
Modern imaging tools (CT, ultrasound)
Skilled laser and ESWL specialists
Affordable compared to Western hospitals
Fast appointments
High-quality care in a discreet environment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can kidney stones dissolve?
Some uric acid stones can — others require treatment.
How long does it take to pass a stone?
Hours to weeks depending on size.
Will drinking more water help?
Yes — hydration is key.
Do stones come back?
If prevention steps are not followed, yes.
Is surgery always needed?
No — small stones often pass naturally.
Key Takeaways
Kidney stones are common and painful but highly treatable.
Diagnosis requires ultrasound or CT scan.
Treatments include shockwave, laser, or minimally invasive surgery.
Bangkok provides world-class urology care with excellent success rates.
Menscape offers fast, discreet, male-focused consultations.
📩 Experiencing kidney stone symptoms? Book a private urology consultation at Menscape Bangkok today.
