Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by

Kidney stones are common, affecting about 5 to 10 percent of people globally. They often cause pain and worry about sex. Most cases involve stones in the lower part of the ureter.

New studies show a surprising link between sexual activity and kidney stone passage. They found that sex, including ejaculation or masturbation, slightly helps small stones pass. This is true for stones up to 6-10 mm in size.

At LivHospital, we share the latest research on this topic. Our team will help you understand how to keep your intimate life going even with kidney stones.

Key Takeaways

• Kidney stones are a common health issue worldwide, affecting 5 to 10 percent of the population.
• Recent studies suggest that sexual activity may help pass small kidney stones.
• Maintaining intimate relationships while dealing with kidney stones can be challenging.
• LivHospital provides expert guidance on managing kidney stones and intimate health.
• The latest medical research offers new insights into the connection between sexual activity and kidney stone passage.

Understanding Kidney Stones: Prevalence and Basic Facts

Kidney stones are a common issue that many people face. They are hard deposits made of minerals and salts. These deposits form inside the kidneys.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are solid masses that can cause a lot of pain. They can also lead to nausea and vomiting. The size, shape, and composition of these stones vary.

The formation of kidney stones is often linked to dehydration, diet, and genetics.

Common Types of Kidney Stones

There are several types of kidney stones, each with its own causes and characteristics. Here are the most common ones:

• Calcium Oxalate Stones: These are the most common type, often caused by excess oxalate in the urine.
• Uric Acid Stones: These form when there’s too much uric acid in the urine, often associated with diet and certain medical conditions.
• Struvite Stones: These are typically associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and can grow quickly.
• Cystine Stones: These are rare and usually occur in people with a genetic disorder that causes cystine to leak into the urine.

Global Prevalence and Risk Factors

Kidney stones affect about 5 to 10 percent of people worldwide at some point in their lives. Dehydration, a diet high in salt and animal protein, obesity, and certain medical conditions increase the risk. Knowing these risk factors can help prevent kidney stones.

By understanding the basics of kidney stones, including their types and risk factors, individuals can take steps to prevent their formation and manage symptoms if they occur.

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Kidney Stones

It’s important to know the symptoms of kidney stones to get medical help quickly. Kidney stones can make life very hard for those who have them.

Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones

Kidney stones can cause a lot of pain, nausea, vomiting, and blood in the urine. These symptoms can change and are often because the stone is moving in the urinary tract.

How Kidney Stones Are Diagnosed

Doctors use tests like ultrasound or CT scans to find kidney stones. These tests show where and how big the stone is. This info helps decide how to treat it.

Understanding Stone Size and Location

The size and where the stone is located matter a lot for treatment. Bigger stones or those in hard-to-reach places might need more serious treatments.

Stone Size	Typical Treatment
Less than 5mm	Often passes on its own with hydration and pain management
5mm to 10mm	May require medical therapy to facilitate passage
Greater than 10mm	Often requires surgical intervention

Traditional Treatment Options for Kidney Stones

There are many ways to treat kidney stones. These include medical, surgical, and lifestyle changes. They help ease symptoms, help stones pass, and prevent more from forming.

Medical Therapies

Medical treatments are key in managing kidney stones. Tamsulosin is often given to relax ureter muscles. This makes it easier for stones to move out.

A study in the Journal of Urology found alpha-blockers help a lot. They improve stone passage rates and reduce time to pass.

Surgical Interventions

For big stones or severe symptoms, surgery is needed. Shockwave lithotripsy breaks stones into small pieces. These can then pass easily.

Ureteroscopy uses a small scope to see and remove stones. It’s a direct way to handle stones in the ureter.

Dietary and Lifestyle Modifications

Changing your diet is important for kidney stones. Drinking lots of water helps flush out stones. It also stops new ones from forming.

The American Urological Association says to drink at least 2.5 liters of water a day. This is key for those who’ve had kidney stones before.

Average Recovery and Stone Passage Times

Recovery times vary based on stone size and location, and treatment. Smaller stones might pass in a few days to a week with medicine. Bigger stones or those needing surgery take longer to recover.

Can You Have Sex With Kidney Stones? The Medical Perspective

Kidney stones can make daily life tough, including sex. But, is it safe to have sex when you have stones?

Safety Considerations During Active Stone Episodes

Most people with kidney stones can have sex, but it depends on the pain. Some positions might hurt more, so pick wisely.

Pain Management During Intimacy

It’s important to manage pain during sex. If it hurts a lot, try different positions or other ways to be close. Talking to your partner about how you feel is important.

When to Avoid Sexual Activity

Don’t have sex if it hurts a lot or if you’re worried about infection. Listen to your body and avoid things that make it worse.

Consulting Healthcare Providers

Always talk to a doctor for advice. They know how to help based on your stone’s size and your health. Getting professional advice is key to handling kidney stones well.

In short, sex is usually okay with kidney stones, but focus on managing pain and getting medical advice.

• Know how your body reacts to sex with stones.
• Choose positions that don’t hurt as much.
• Get advice from healthcare providers.

The Science Behind Sex and Kidney Stone Passage

Exploring the science of kidney stone passage reveals a surprising connection to sex. Research has found that sex might help move kidney stones out of the body. This discovery sheds new light on how to deal with this complex issue.

Research Findings on Sexual Activity and Stone Expulsion

Studies show that sex can help move out smaller kidney stones. A key study found that people who had sex were more likely to pass their stones than those who didn’t.

“Sexual activity may be a useful adjunctive treatment for patients with kidney stones,” the researchers noted. This finding is important for managing kidney stones. It suggests a natural way to help stones pass.

Nitric Oxide Release and Ureteral Relaxation

Nitric oxide, released during sex, is key to moving stones. It relaxes the muscles in the ureter. This makes it easier for stones to move through the urinary tract.

Comparing Expulsion Times: Sex vs. Traditional Treatments

Research compares sex to traditional treatments for moving stones. It shows sex can be a helpful addition to these treatments. While treatments like medical expulsive therapy work well, sex offers a natural option.

Understanding the science behind sex and kidney stones helps doctors give better care. They can use both medical and natural methods to manage kidney stones effectively.

How Sexual Activity May Help Pass Kidney Stones

Recent studies have looked into how sex might help pass kidney stones. This is thanks to several body changes that happen during sex.

The Role of Orgasm and Ejaculation

Orgasm and ejaculation are key in helping pass kidney stones. During orgasm, muscles in the pelvic area contract. This can help move stones through the urinary tract.

Ejaculation involves bladder neck contractions. These contractions can push stones out of the ureter and into the bladder. From there, they can be more easily passed.

Bladder Neck Contractions and Stone Movement

The bladder neck’s contractions during ejaculation are important for stone movement. These contractions can dislodge stones from the ureter. This helps stones move through the urinary tract.

This method works best for stones in the lower ureter, near the bladder.

Optimal Frequency for Therapeutic Effect

Research shows that how often you have sex can affect its help in passing stones. Having sex 3-4 times a week is best. This frequency keeps the body’s responses, like bladder neck contractions, strong enough to help pass stones without too much strain.

Size Limitations: Works Best for Stones Under 6mm

It’s important to remember that sex works best for stones under 6mm in size. Larger stones might not be moved by sex. For bigger stones, other treatments are needed.

In summary, sex, through orgasm and ejaculation, can help pass kidney stones, mainly those under 6mm. The best sex frequency for this is 3-4 times a week.

Gender Differences: Does Sex Help Kidney Stones Pass in Women vs. Men?

Looking into how sex affects kidney stone passage, we see big differences between men and women. New studies have uncovered how these differences affect our bodies. This gives us important insights into how we can help.

Research on Male vs. Female Responses

Research shows sex can help both men and women pass kidney stones. But, how our bodies react is different. Men find it easier because of muscle contractions during orgasm and ejaculation. For women, it’s not as clear-cut, but some studies suggest orgasm might help too.

Physiological Differences in Stone Passage

The way our urinary tracts are built affects how stones move. Men have a longer urethra, which can slow down stones. Women have a shorter urethra but might face other issues. Knowing these differences helps doctors find the best treatment.

Effectiveness Across Genders

Sex seems to help both men and women pass stones, but it depends on many factors. Stones under 6mm are more likely to pass with sex’s help in both genders.

Alternative Approaches for Different Anatomies

If sex doesn’t work or isn’t an option, there are other ways to help. Doctors might suggest medical treatments, changes in diet, or other non-invasive methods. These are chosen based on the person’s body and needs.

In summary, sex can help both men and women pass kidney stones, but there are gender differences. Understanding these and exploring other options helps doctors give better care. This makes treatment more personal and effective.

Common Misconceptions About Sex and Kidney Stones

Many people have wrong ideas about sex and kidney stones. It’s important to know what’s true and what’s not. This helps avoid unnecessary worry or bad information.

Can Sexual Activity Cause Kidney Stones?

One big myth is that sex can cause kidney stones. But, there is no direct link between sexual activity and the formation of kidney stones. Stones usually come from dehydration, diet, genetics, and some medical conditions.

Is Passing Stones During Ejaculation Possible?

Some think stones can be passed during ejaculation. While it’s possible, this is not a primary mechanism for stone passage. Studies show that sex might help pass stones because of muscle contractions. But, it’s more about the overall process than just ejaculation.

Does Sexual Activity Work for All Types of Stones?

It’s also thought that sex works for all kidney stones. But, the effectiveness of sexual activity in helping to pass kidney stones can vary based on the size and type of the stone. Smaller stones (less than 6mm) are more likely to pass with sex or other treatments.

Separating Fact from Fiction

To set the record straight, sex doesn’t cause kidney stones. It might help pass stones, but it depends on many factors like stone size and type. Always talk to a healthcare provider for advice on managing kidney stones.

Myth	Fact
Sexual activity causes kidney stones.	No direct link exists between sexual activity and kidney stone formation.
Stones are passed during ejaculation.	Ejaculation is not a primary mechanism for stone passage; muscular contractions during sexual activity may aid in stone expulsion.
Sexual activity works for all stone types.	Effectiveness varies based on stone size and type; smaller stones are more likely to be passed with sexual activity.

Conclusion: Balancing Medical Treatment and Natural Approaches

Kidney stones can be very painful and hard to manage. Medical treatment is often needed, but natural methods like sex might also help. Research shows that sex could aid in passing kidney stones, mainly for stones smaller than 6mm.

Sex can release nitric oxide and cause bladder contractions. These actions might help relax the ureter and push out the stone. This is good news for people trying to pass small stones.

But, it’s important to mix medical treatment with natural methods. Patients should talk to their doctors to find the best treatment plan. Combining medical care with natural methods like sex can increase the chances of passing kidney stones successfully.

Our aim is to help people manage their kidney stones well. Knowing the benefits and limits of different treatments helps make informed choices. This way, individuals can work towards the best health outcomes.

FAQ

References

Can Sexual Intercourse Be an Alternative Therapy for Distal Ureteral Stones? – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26142575/