Signs a Kidney Stone May Be Close to Passing

If you have a kidney stone, you may be wondering whether it’s close to passing. As a stone moves through the urinary tract, symptoms can change in ways that feel confusing or unpredictable. Pain may shift, urinary habits may fluctuate, and it is not always clear whether these changes indicate that the stone is progressing.

While symptoms alone cannot confirm that a stone has passed, understanding common patterns may help you know when symptoms can be monitored at home and when medical care may be needed.

Common Kidney Stone Symptoms

Kidney stones can cause sudden and intense discomfort, though symptoms vary depending on the stone’s size and location within the urinary tract. Common symptoms may include:

• Sharp pain in the back, side, or lower abdomen.
• Blood in the urine.
• A frequent or urgent need to urinate.
• Burning or discomfort during urination.

As the stone continues to move, these symptoms may change in location or pain level.

What Affects Whether a Kidney Stone Will Pass

Kidney stones do not all behave the same way. Several factors can influence how a stone progresses, including:

• Stone size and location: Smaller stones (under 1 cm) are more likely to pass naturally, especially if they are lower in the urinary tract.
• Hydration: Drinking enough fluids supports urine flow, which may help a stone move along.
• Diet and stone composition: Certain minerals and dietary habits can influence how stones form and behave.
• Anatomy and genetics: Natural differences in the urinary tract can affect how easily a stone moves.

Signs a Kidney Stone May Be Progressing

Certain changes may suggest that a kidney stone is moving closer to the bladder, including:

• Pain shifting from the back or side toward the lower abdomen or groin.
• Decreased pain intensity, particularly once the stone reaches the bladder.
• Increased urinary urgency or pressure.
• Changes in urine color, such as pink, red, or darker shades.
• Small particles or fragments visible in the urine.

While these signs can offer helpful clues about movement, they cannot, on their own, confirm that the stone has fully passed.

How Providers Confirm Stone Movement or Passage

To better understand what’s happening, a healthcare provider may use imaging and other tests to determine whether a kidney stone is still present and where it’s located. This helps clarify whether the stone is progressing, has passed, or may require further evaluation.

Providers may use a combination of the following:

• Ultrasound or CT scans to see whether a stone remains in the urinary tract.
• Urine testing to check for blood or minerals associated with kidney stones.
• A review of symptoms to help put test results into context.

If there’s uncertainty about whether a stone has passed or symptoms continue, follow-up care can help determine the most appropriate next steps.

Supporting Kidney Stone Passage at Home

If a kidney stone is expected to pass on its own, certain at-home measures may help support the process and manage discomfort. Staying well hydrated is one of the most common recommendations, as consistent urine flow can help a stone continue moving through the urinary tract. Over-the-counter pain relievers may also be used to help control symptoms while waiting for the stone to pass.

These steps can help with comfort, but they are not a substitute for medical guidance. If symptoms change, worsen, or don’t improve, it’s important to check in with a healthcare provider.

When to Seek Medical Care

While some kidney stones pass without intervention, certain symptoms should be evaluated promptly. Contact a healthcare provider or seek urgent care if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain.
• Fever or chills.
• Difficulty urinating.
• Ongoing nausea or vomiting.
• Pain that cannot be controlled.
• Symptoms that do not improve or a stone that does not appear to be progressing.

These signs may indicate an infection, blockage, or another complication that requires medical attention.

What to Keep in Mind

Kidney stones can be unpredictable, and changes in symptoms can raise a lot of questions. While shifts in pain, urinary urgency, or urine appearance may suggest that a stone is moving, medical evaluation is the most reliable way to understand what’s happening.

If you’re experiencing kidney stone symptoms or feel unsure about your next steps, consult with your general physician. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a specialist, like those at Spokane Urology. To learn more about our referral process, visit this page or call us at 509-747-3147.