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Help for this common problem, especially among men

	Having a kidney stone can be extremely painful and distressing. But most stones pass out of the body without any treatment. If your stones don’t pass, ConsumerReportsHealth.org can help you find treatments that work well.
	Subscribe to ConsumerReportsHealth.org today to find out which medical procedure rates best for treating kidney stones.

Consumer Reports Health explains the best and most up-to-date expert research and evidence about treating kidney stones. Our clear and sound advice helps you and your doctor choose the best treatment options.

Key points about kidney stones

• Kidney stones are solid, stonelike lumps that can form in your kidneys.
• Stones can stay in your kidneys without causing problems.
• If a stone moves out of a kidney and starts to travel out of your body in the flow of urine, this can be extremely painful.
• Pain might begin as a dull ache in your side while the stone is in your kidney. It won't become severe unless the stone leaves the kidney.
• Risk factors for kidney stones include a family history, high blood pressure and certain medications.

Your doctor is likely to suspect you have a kidney stone if you have sudden severe pain in your side and blood in your urine. Other symptoms may include feeling sick to your stomach, needing to urinate more often or feeling a burning sensation when you urinate. If you have a large stone your doctor may recommend a medical procedure to reduce the size of the stone or to remove it.

Our concise condition report and Treatment Ratings table will help you and your doctor decide which treatment for kidney stones is right for you. As a Consumer Reports Health subscriber, we'll also help you sort through the best research and the most effective treatments for over 100 conditions and illnesses that may affect you and your family.