Kidney stones can affect women as well as men, and the symptoms depend largely on the stone's size, location and whether it is blocking urine flow.

A stone that remains inside the kidney may cause no symptoms. When it moves into the ureter—the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder—it can cause sudden pain, urinary symptoms and sometimes blood in the urine. Larger stones can become lodged and obstruct urine flow.

Common signs and symptoms of kidney stones in females may include:

• Sudden pain in the side or back

• Pain spreading toward the lower abdomen or groin

• Blood in the urine

• Burning or pain while urinating

• Frequent or urgent need to urinate

• Passing only a small amount of urine

• Nausea or vomiting

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

• Fever or chills when infection is also present

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation for kidney stones and associated kidney-function concerns.

1. Sudden Pain on One Side of the Back or Waist

One of the most recognizable symptoms of a symptomatic kidney stone is sharp pain in the flank, meaning the side of the back below the ribs.

The pain may:

• Begin suddenly

• Become severe

• Come in waves

• Remain on one side

• Move as the stone travels through the urinary tract

The location can change as the stone moves from the kidney toward the bladder.

Not every woman with a kidney stone will experience severe pain. A non-obstructing stone can sometimes remain unnoticed.

2. Pain That Moves Toward the Lower Abdomen or Groin

Kidney stone pain does not necessarily remain near the kidney.

As a stone travels down the ureter, discomfort may shift toward:

• Lower abdomen

• Pelvic region

• Groin

• Upper inner thigh

This changing pattern occurs because the ureter travels from the kidney toward the bladder.

Because pelvic and lower-abdominal pain in women has many possible causes, including gynecological and gastrointestinal conditions, medical evaluation may be needed when the cause is unclear.

3. Blood in the Urine

A kidney stone can irritate the lining of the urinary tract and cause hematuria, or blood in the urine.

The urine may appear:

• Pink

• Red

• Brown

Sometimes the amount of blood is too small to see and is detected only through urine testing.

Blood in the urine should not automatically be attributed to a kidney stone. Urinary infections and other urinary-tract conditions can also cause hematuria.

4. Burning During Urination

Some women with a stone, particularly one located closer to the bladder, may experience:

• Burning while passing urine

• Pain during urination

• Urinary discomfort

However, burning urination is also common with urinary tract infections.

If burning is accompanied by fever, chills, flank pain or feeling very unwell, infection should be considered and prompt medical evaluation is important.

5. Frequent Urination or Sudden Urgency

A stone moving toward the lower ureter or bladder can cause an increased urge to urinate.

A woman may notice:

• Needing to urinate repeatedly

• Sudden urinary urgency

• Passing small amounts of urine

• Feeling that the bladder needs to be emptied frequently

These symptoms are not specific to stones and can also occur with urinary infections and other bladder conditions.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

Severe renal colic can trigger nausea or vomiting.

Some women may experience gastrointestinal symptoms along with intense flank or abdominal pain.

Repeated vomiting is important because it can lead to dehydration. It can also make it difficult to take prescribed oral medicines or maintain adequate hydration.

If vomiting persists, medical assessment may be necessary.

7. Cloudy or Bad-Smelling Urine

Urine that becomes cloudy or develops an unusual smell can sometimes occur when a urinary infection is present.

A kidney stone itself does not necessarily mean that an infection exists.

However, a stone plus infection can become dangerous if urine flow is obstructed.

This combination requires prompt medical attention.

8. Fever and Chills: A Warning Sign

Fever and chills are not typical features of an uncomplicated kidney stone.

When a woman with suspected or known stone disease develops:

• Fever

• Chills

• Flank pain

• Burning urination

• Vomiting

• Reduced urine output

an infected urinary tract or kidney infection should be considered.

Kidney infections can be associated with urinary obstruction, including obstruction caused by a kidney stone.

An infected obstructed urinary tract may require urgent treatment to restore urine drainage and control the infection.

Can Kidney Stones in Women Cause Pelvic Pain?

Yes.

A stone in the lower ureter can produce pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region.

This can sometimes make kidney stone pain difficult to distinguish from other causes of pelvic discomfort.

For women, possible alternative causes may include:

• Urinary tract infection

• Gynecological conditions

• Ovarian problems

• Menstrual-related pain

• Gastrointestinal conditions

• Musculoskeletal pain

The location of pain alone cannot establish that a kidney stone is responsible.

Can Kidney Stones Cause Symptoms Similar to a UTI?

Yes.

Kidney stones and urinary infections can overlap in their symptoms.

Symptom	Kidney stone	Urinary infection
Flank pain	Common with obstruction	Possible, especially with kidney infection
Blood in urine	Possible	Possible
Burning urination	Possible	Common
Frequent urination	Possible	Common
Nausea or vomiting	Possible	Possible in kidney infection
Fever and chills	Not typical of uncomplicated stone	More concerning for infection
Cloudy urine	May occur with infection	Commonly associated with infection

Because the symptoms can overlap, urine testing may be necessary to determine whether infection is present. Urinalysis can detect blood and may provide evidence of infection, while blood tests and imaging can help evaluate complications.

Do Kidney Stones Always Cause Symptoms in Females?

No.

A stone can remain in the kidney without causing noticeable symptoms.

Small stones may sometimes pass through the urinary tract with little or no pain. Larger stones may become stuck and cause obstruction, severe pain or bleeding.

This means that the absence of pain does not necessarily prove that a known kidney stone is harmless.

What Are the Early Warning Signs of Kidney Stones in Women?

Some women notice mild or intermittent symptoms before a more severe episode develops.

Possible early clues include:

• Intermittent discomfort in one flank

• Mild lower-abdominal discomfort

• Blood detected during a urine test

• Recurrent urinary symptoms

• Unexplained urinary urgency

• Recurrent stones found on imaging

However, there is no reliable symptom pattern that can predict exactly when a stone will begin causing severe pain.

A kidney stone can also remain completely silent.

How Are Kidney Stones Diagnosed in Women?

Symptoms alone are not enough to confirm a kidney stone.

A doctor may combine the clinical history with urine tests, blood tests and imaging.

Urine Examination

Urinalysis can look for:

• Blood

• White blood cells

• Bacteria

• Crystals

• Other abnormalities

A urine culture may be recommended when infection is suspected.

Blood Tests

Depending on the situation, testing may include:

• Serum creatinine

• Kidney function

• Electrolytes

• Blood count

• Other relevant tests

These can help identify infection or determine whether kidney function is being affected.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound can help identify stones and urinary obstruction without exposing the patient to ionizing radiation.

CT Imaging

When detailed assessment is needed, a CT scan may provide information about:

• Stone size

• Stone location

• Number of stones

• Urinary obstruction

• Other possible causes of abdominal or flank pain

The appropriate imaging method depends on the clinical situation. Pregnancy is an especially important consideration when selecting imaging because radiation exposure must be carefully considered.

Kidney Stones During Pregnancy

Pregnancy requires additional care when kidney stones are suspected.

Flank or abdominal pain during pregnancy should not automatically be attributed to a stone because several pregnancy-related and non-urological conditions can cause similar symptoms.

If a pregnant woman develops suspected stone symptoms, the medical team may select imaging and treatment approaches appropriate for pregnancy.

Fever, chills, severe pain, persistent vomiting or reduced urine output require prompt assessment.

Pregnant women should not self-medicate with painkillers or stone medicines without advice from their obstetric and medical team.

What Treatment Is Used for Kidney Stones in Women?

Treatment depends on:

• Stone size

• Stone location

• Degree of obstruction

• Infection status

• Kidney function

• Symptoms

• Pregnancy status

• Overall health

Possible approaches include:

Observation

Some smaller stones can pass naturally, depending on their location and the patient's condition.

Pain Management

Appropriate pain relief may be prescribed according to kidney function, pregnancy status and other medical factors.

Medical Expulsive Therapy

Selected patients with certain ureteral stones may receive medication intended to facilitate stone passage. The decision depends on the stone's characteristics and the patient's circumstances.

Shock Wave Lithotripsy

Shock waves can be used to fragment selected stones into smaller pieces.

Ureteroscopy and Laser Treatment

A ureteroscope can be passed through the urinary tract to reach the stone. Laser energy may then fragment the stone, with fragments removed or allowed to pass depending on the situation.

PCNL

For larger or complex kidney stones, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) may be considered.

The procedure chosen should be based on imaging and specialist assessment rather than the patient's sex alone.

Can Kidney Stones Affect Kidney Function?

They can, particularly when a stone causes persistent obstruction, recurrent infection or other complications.

Untreated stones can cause severe pain, urinary infections and, in some circumstances, loss of kidney function.

A woman with known stones may therefore need kidney-function testing when there is:

• Reduced urine output

• Significant obstruction

• Recurrent infection

• A solitary functioning kidney

• Bilateral stones

• Abnormal creatinine

When Should a Woman With Kidney Stone Symptoms Seek Urgent Care?

Prompt medical attention is important when suspected stone symptoms are accompanied by:

• Fever or chills

• Severe or worsening pain

• Persistent vomiting

• Very little or no urine

• Difficulty passing urine

• Fainting or severe weakness

• Confusion

• Known obstruction

• A single functioning kidney

• Pregnancy with significant urinary symptoms

Severe pain or bleeding associated with suspected kidney stones warrants medical assessment, and obstruction combined with infection can be particularly serious.

How Can Women Reduce the Risk of Future Kidney Stones?

Prevention depends on the type of stone and the individual's risk factors.

General strategies may include:

• Drinking an appropriate amount of fluid

• Avoiding excessive dietary sodium

• Maintaining a balanced diet

• Following individualized dietary advice

• Managing conditions that increase stone risk

• Completing stone analysis when available

• Considering metabolic evaluation for recurrent stones

• Taking prescribed preventive medicines correctly

Fluid recommendations should be individualized for women with CKD, heart disease, pregnancy or other conditions requiring fluid management.

Why Should Recurrent Kidney Stones Be Investigated?

A first stone does not always indicate a serious underlying disorder.

However, recurrent stones may justify a more detailed evaluation.

The doctor may investigate:

• Stone composition

• Urinary calcium

• Oxalate

• Uric acid

• Citrate

• Sodium

• Urine volume

• Relevant blood tests

• Family history

• Dietary factors

Understanding why stones are forming can help develop a more targeted prevention plan.

Kidney Stone Evaluation at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic

At Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic, Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke, super specialist nephrologist and transplant physician, provides individualized evaluation for women with kidney stones and related kidney-function concerns.

Depending on the clinical situation, assessment may include:

• Review of stone-related symptoms

• Kidney-function testing

• Urine examination

• Assessment for urinary infection

• Review of ultrasound or CT reports

• Evaluation of urinary obstruction

• Assessment of recurrent stone risk

• Review of metabolic risk factors

• Management of kidney-related complications

• Coordination with appropriate urological specialists when a stone procedure is required

Treatment is selected according to the stone's characteristics, kidney function, infection status and the patient's overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common signs of kidney stones in females?

Common symptoms include sudden flank or back pain, pain that may move toward the lower abdomen or groin, blood in the urine, urinary urgency, burning urination, nausea and vomiting. Fever or chills may indicate infection rather than an uncomplicated stone.

Where does kidney stone pain occur in females?

It commonly begins in the side or back and may move toward the lower abdomen, pelvis or groin as the stone travels through the ureter.

Can kidney stones cause lower abdominal pain in women?

Yes. A stone in the ureter, especially closer to the bladder, can produce lower-abdominal or pelvic pain.

Can kidney stones cause burning urination in females?

Yes, but burning urination is also a common symptom of urinary infection. Urine testing may be needed to distinguish the causes.

Is blood in urine always caused by kidney stones?

No. Kidney stones can cause blood in urine, but urinary infections and other urinary conditions can also cause hematuria.

Can a woman have a kidney stone without pain?

Yes. Some stones remain silent, particularly when they are not obstructing urine flow.

Are kidney stones dangerous for women?

Many stones can be treated successfully, but a stone can become serious if it causes persistent obstruction, infection or impaired kidney function.

Can kidney stones be confused with gynecological problems?

Yes. Lower-abdominal or pelvic pain has many possible causes. When the diagnosis is uncertain, medical evaluation and appropriate imaging can help identify the source.

What should a woman do if she has kidney stone symptoms with fever?

She should seek prompt medical evaluation. Fever or chills with suspected urinary obstruction can indicate a potentially serious infection requiring urgent treatment.

Conclusion

The signs and symptoms of kidney stones in females can range from no symptoms at all to sudden, severe flank pain.

Common warning signs include pain in the side or back, pain moving toward the lower abdomen or groin, blood in urine, urinary urgency, burning during urination, nausea and vomiting. Fever and chills require particular attention because they may indicate an associated urinary infection rather than an uncomplicated stone.

Because kidney stone symptoms can overlap with urinary infections, gynecological conditions and other abdominal problems, a correct diagnosis is important.

Urine testing, blood tests and appropriate imaging can establish whether a stone is present and whether it is causing obstruction or affecting kidney function.

For recurrent kidney stones, individualized prevention and metabolic evaluation may also help reduce future stone formation.

For specialist kidney evaluation and kidney-stone-related care, consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke at Prabhakar Bhurke Clinic.

Medical Disclaimer

This article is intended for general educational and informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical diagnosis, treatment or individualized medical advice. Kidney stone symptoms can overlap with urinary, gynecological, gastrointestinal and other conditions. Treatment depends on stone size, location, obstruction, infection, kidney function, pregnancy status and overall health. Do not self-medicate with antibiotics, painkillers, stone medicines or herbal remedies without professional guidance. Pregnant women should obtain medical advice before taking medicines or undergoing imaging. Seek urgent medical attention for severe pain with fever or chills, persistent vomiting, very little or no urine, difficulty passing urine, confusion, fainting, rapidly worsening symptoms or suspected urinary obstruction. Consult Dr. Sandip Prabhakar Bhurke or another qualified healthcare professional for personalized evaluation.