4 Stages of Passing A Kidney Stone From Your Body

Short Answer:

The four stages of passing a kidney stone include: 1. Formation & Stasis (in the kidney), 2. Migration & Renal Colic (in the ureter—the most painful stage), 3. Entry & Relief (in the bladder), and 4. Expulsion (through the urethra).

 

Introduction

Kidney stones — medically known as renal lithiasis — are hard mineral deposits that form inside the kidneys when certain substances in the urine become too concentrated. While many people may carry a small stone for years without any symptoms, the moment it begins to move, everything changes.

This guide breaks down the exact four stages of passing a kidney stone, what the pain feels like at each stage, and how long the entire process typically takes.
Passing a stone is undeniably challenging, but with the right information — and the right medical support — you can navigate the experience far more confidently and safely.

The 4 Stages of Passing a Kidney Stone

Stage 1 — Formation & Stasis (The Kidney)

Kidney stones begin deep within the kidney’s filtering system, where minerals like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid crystallize. Over time, these tiny crystals start to clump together and form a stone.

What makes Stage 1 so tricky is that it’s almost always silent.
Most stones remain in the kidney for years or even decades without causing a single symptom. Unless they grow large enough to obstruct urine flow — or shift into the ureter — you often won’t even know they exist.

Key things happening in Stage 1:

• Crystals form in the nephron and gradually aggregate.

• No pain or warning signs in most cases.

• Stones may grow very slowly or remain stable for long periods.

Stage 2 — Migration Through the Ureter (The Most Painful Stage)

This is the stage most people picture when they think of kidney stones — and for good reason.
When the stone leaves the kidney and enters the ureter (the narrow tube connecting the kidney to the bladder), it triggers intense spasms known as renal colic.

The ureter is only a few millimeters wide, so even a small stone can feel enormous as it tries to squeeze through.

Common symptoms at this stage:

• Sudden, severe flank or back pain

• Pain radiating to the lower abdomen or groin

• Nausea and vomiting

• Difficulty finding a comfortable position

• Burning or blood in the urine

Size matters:

• Stones ≤ 5 mm have a high chance of passing on their own.

• Stones 6–10 mm may pass but often require medication.

• Stones > 10 mm rarely pass naturally and typically need medical intervention.

This stage is usually the most difficult — but it’s also a sign the stone is actively moving.

Stage 3 — Entry & Relief (The Bladder)

Once the stone reaches the bladder, most of the severe pain disappears.
The ureter is no longer being stretched or blocked, so the spasms fade, providing dramatic relief.

However, new symptoms often show up due to the bladder reacting to the stone:

You may notice:

• Increased urinary frequency

• Sudden urgency

• Minor discomfort during urination

These symptoms are normal — and usually temporary — as the bladder adjusts to the foreign object now inside it.

Stage 4 — Expulsion & Post-Passage (The Urethra)

The final stage is when the stone leaves the body during urination. Compared to Stage 2, this part is typically much quicker and far less painful.

What to expect in Stage 4:

• A brief, sharp sensation as the stone passes through the urethra

• A burning feeling (dysuria) afterward

• A visible stone in the strainer or toilet

• Minor blood in the urine for a short time

It’s important to strain your urine during this period so you can collect the stone. Your healthcare provider may analyze it to determine the type — a critical step for preventing future stones.

How Long Does It Take to Pass a Kidney Stone?

The most common question patients have is: How long will this last?

On average, passing a kidney stone takes 1–4 weeks, but the timeline varies widely depending on:

• Stone size

• Stone location

• Level of hydration

• Anatomy of the urinary tract

• Use of medications such as Tamsulosin (Flomax)

• Whether infection or swelling is present

If a stone stops progressing or symptoms suddenly worsen, medical evaluation is essential.

Pain Management Strategies

Pain control is one of the most important parts of stone management.
While you’re waiting for the stone to pass, these options can help:

Home Remedies

• Hydration: Drinking plenty of water helps push the stone forward.

• Heat therapy: Heating pads or warm baths relax the muscles and decrease pain.

• Lemon water/citrate: May help prevent crystal sticking.

Medications

• NSAIDs (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): First-line for reducing inflammation and pain.

• Prescription NSAIDs (Ketorolac): Often used in urgent care or ER settings.

• Alpha-blockers (Tamsulosin): Helps relax the ureter, increasing the chance of stone passage.

• Anti-nausea meds: Useful if renal colic triggers vomiting.

Kidney Stone Formation: Types and Risk Factors

Understanding why a stone formed is key to preventing another one.

Types of Kidney Stones

• Calcium Oxalate: Most common; linked to diet and dehydration.

• Uric Acid: Often associated with gout or high-protein diets.

• Struvite: Related to chronic urinary infections.

• Cystine: Rare and usually hereditary.

Risk Factors

• Not drinking enough water

• High-sodium or high-protein diets

• Family history

• Obesity or metabolic syndrome

• Gout, hyperparathyroidism, or other metabolic disorders

• Certain medications or supplements (calcium, vitamin C in excess)

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Some symptoms signal that the stone is causing complications and needs urgent care.

Seek help immediately if you experience:

• Fever or chills → sign of infection

• Uncontrollable vomiting → dehydration risk

• Complete inability to urinate

• Severe, unrelenting pain despite medication

• Cloudy or foul-smelling urine

These symptoms can indicate infection or obstruction — both of which require fast medical treatment.

Recurrence Prevention & Long-Term Kidney Health

Once the stone passes, prevention becomes the priority.

Strategies include:

• Increasing daily water intake

• Reducing sodium and moderating animal protein

• Adjusting diet based on the stone type

• Taking prescribed medications (e.g., allopurinol for uric acid stones)

• Completing a metabolic evaluation if stones recur

• Periodic imaging to check for new stones

Simple habits — especially hydration — often make the biggest difference.

Conclusion

Passing a kidney stone is one of the most painful experiences a person can face, but it’s also a very common and very treatable condition. Understanding the four stages, how the pain evolves, and when to seek help ensures that you move through the process safely and with more confidence.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or concerned about a possible kidney stone, reaching out to a medical professional can help you get the right diagnosis, proper pain control, and a plan to prevent future stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

– Disclaimer –
This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.