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Kidney stones: when they pass on their own

Illustration of the kidneys and bladder
Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ravi Teja Kandula, MS, MChConsultant Urologist & Andrologist

Last reviewed · 7 min read

Size is the single best predictor. Stones under 5mm usually pass on their own; stones above 7mm usually do not.

Dr. Ravi Teja Kandula

Consultant Urologist & Andrologist

MBBS, MS, MCh (Urology)

10 YrsUSI Member
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What size means in practice

  • Under 4mm — around 80% pass without intervention
  • 4–6mm — roughly half pass, often with medication to help
  • Over 7mm — passage is unlikely and a procedure is usually advised

Important

Stone pain with fever or shivering suggests an infected, obstructed kidney. That is an emergency.

Speak to the urology team

Daycare procedures, cashless insurance, and consultations seven days a week at Gachibowli.

When should I see a doctor about kidney stones?
Book a consultation if symptoms persist, get worse, wake you at night, or come with bleeding, fever or unexplained weight loss. Anything that does not settle within a few weeks is worth having looked at.
Will I need surgery?
Often not. Many conditions settle with medication, physiotherapy or a change in daily habits. Surgery is discussed when simpler measures have been tried, or when the problem is structural.

Still unsure what is causing your symptoms?

A short consultation with a Lux urology specialist can tell you what you are dealing with — and what, if anything, needs treating.

Gachibowli, Hyderabad · Seven days a week · Cashless insurance accepted

Sources & references

Published · Last reviewed · Next review due March 2027

This article is published for general education. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace an in-person consultation. If you are worried about a symptom, please speak to a qualified doctor.

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