Have you been told you have calculi? These are more commonly known as urinary tract stones. And, they are not uncommon. Many men and women develop them over time. They are formed within the body’s urinary tract. Generally, they occur when urine is supersaturated with minerals including salt, uric acid, cysteine, and calcium oxalate, or others. In some cases, urinary tract stones can become quite large and, as a result of their size, can be painful to pass through normal urination. This can cause a great deal of pain and lead to worrisome health concerns if left untreated.

What Causes Urinary Tract Stones?

Doctors are not always sure what the underlying cause of this condition is. However, some research indicates that they may be due to the formation of a stone as a result of nanobacteria present. These nanobacteria form a calcium phosphate shell. The formation of Randall’s plaques is also associated with the development of urinary tract stones. When they do occur, the goal is less about learning why they are happening and more about learning what can be done about them.

 

Are You At Risk?

You may be at a higher risk of developing these if:

• You have a family history of developing them
• You have a relative dehydration level
• You are hyper parathyroid
• You have gout
• You have hypertension
• You suffer from metabolic disorders
• You take diuretics, calcium supplements, Vitamin D supplements, or other types of medications
• What Can Be Done About Urinary Tract Stones?

If you have these, your doctor will likely discuss several treatment options with you. The use of NSAIDs for pain can be used as a first line of treatment. In some cases, rehydration is necessary. In many cases, stones will pass spontaneously within one to three weeks. In some situations, when the stones are very large or very painful, surgery may be necessary. However, this is much less common than simply using medications to break up stones and to allow them to pass.

If you believe you have developed urinary track stones or you are at a high risk for doing so, talking to your doctor about it is the first step. The sooner you seek out treatment, the more likely that treatment is to work and the less your pain will be. Meet with one of the best urologists in the New York City area to learn more about your conditions and treatment options.

Call us at 646-205-3039 to schedule a consultation.