Ureteral Stones Treatment in Charleston, SC
At Lowcountry Urology, we understand the discomfort and challenges that come with ureteral stones. Our dedicated urology clinic in Charleston, South Carolina, is here to offer compassionate care and effective solutions to help you regain your well-being.
With a team of experienced urologists, state-of-the-art technology, and a commitment to your health, we are your trusted partner in managing and treating ureteral stones. Schedule an appointment at our urology clinic today.
What is the Ureter?
The ureter is a tube-like structure in the human body that plays a crucial role in the urinary system. There are two ureters in the body, one connected to each kidney.
What is a Ureteral stone?
A stone forms in the ureter when you have an imbalance in molecular components like calcium, oxalate and phosphate, and their concentrations in your urine. If overpopulated these molecules join together to form crystals, grow, and eventually result in stones of varying sizes. The most common types of stone are made of a combination of calcium and oxalate. But these “calcium” stones are usually unrelated to the amount of calcium in your diet.
Do Ureteral stones cause symptoms?
YES! Ask anyone who has had a stone and they will likely tell you a tale of agony. Extreme pain is often the first sign of a stone. Pain either appears suddenly, or builds in intensity gradually over time. The pain localizes to the back (or flank), lower abdomen, or groin. It typically comes and goes intermittently (colic). Sometimes you can see blood in the urine. You might feel nauseated and vomit.
Sometimes, stones do not produce any symptoms. Smaller stones that don’t cause severe symptoms may still trigger a dull ache, which you might mistake for muscle or intestinal pain.
Stones that are too large to pass get stuck in various portions of your ureter. You feel pain when the muscular wall of your ureter tries to squeeze the stone along into your bladder. The blockage of the flow of urine from your kidney into your bladder creates a “back-pressure” within your kidney that causes the capsule to stretch, causing pain.
It’s common to feel the need to urinate more often, or to feel a burning sensation when you urinate. It can be difficult to start urinating. Or, you may feel that you are not emptying your bladder completely.
Mayo Clinic listed out some other very common symptoms:
- Severe, sharp pain in the side and back, below the ribs
- Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin
- Pain that comes in waves and fluctuates in intensity
- Pain or burning sensation while urinating
Other signs and symptoms may include:
- Pink, red or brown urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- A persistent need to urinate, urinating more often than usual or urinating in small amounts
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills if an infection is present
Schedule a Ureteral Stones Consultation
Do the answers to these questions sound like what you are experiencing? Contact us and speak to an expert at Lowcountry Urology Clinics to see which treatment options are best for you.