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Many people have small kidney stones that they don’t even know about. Sometimes these are found during a medical scan for something else, or they may be so small that they are passed in the urine without the person noticing.
Most people don’t live with kidney stones that cause problems because they are usually treated. However, some kidney stones that started out small can get bigger and move, which may cause symptoms like side or back pain, discomfort, bleeding, and urinary infections. If you have any symptoms of a kidney stone, it’s important to see your doctor right away.
If left untreated, kidney stones can block the tubes between the kidneys to the bladder or make them narrower. This raises your risk of a kidney infection and there is also a risk that urine may build up and put a strain on your kidneys.
These problems are rare because most kidney stones are treated before they lead to these problems.
This chapter contains general information about kidney stones. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance on your individual medical situation.
Last updated: July 2025
Reviewed by:
- Dr. Amelia Pietropaolo (YAU Working Group on Endourology & Urolithiasis)
- Dr. Riccardo Lombardo (Guideline Panel on Urinary Incontinence)