Last Updated on October 31, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir
Recent studies show a link between sex and passing kidney stones, mainly for small stones in the ureter. At Liv Hospital, we focus on patient care that uses the latest research and evidence. This approach helps us give the best care possible.
Research suggests that sex or ejaculation might help small stones move out. We look into how sex affects kidney stone passage. This is important for people with kidney stones.
We want to fully understand how sex impacts kidney stone passage and health. By looking at new research, we aim to highlight this important part of kidney stone management.
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts. They form inside the kidneys. These stones can cause severe pain, nausea, and vomiting, greatly affecting a person’s life.
Kidney stones form when urine’s mineral balance is off. This imbalance leads to the formation of crystals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. It can happen due to dehydration, diet, or genetics.
Common factors that contribute to kidney stone formation include:
The symptoms of kidney stones vary. They depend on the stone’s size and location. Common symptoms include:
Pain management is a critical aspect of treating kidney stones, as the pain can be severe and debilitating.
Kidney stones can be classified into different types based on their composition. The most common types include:
Type | Description |
Calcium Stones | The most common type, often caused by excess calcium in the urine. |
Uric Acid Stones | Formed when there is an excess of uric acid in the urine, often associated with a diet high in meat and seafood. |
Struvite Stones | Typically associated with urinary tract infections. |
Cystine Stones | Rare, often occurring in people with a genetic disorder that causes cystine to leak into the urine. |
The size of kidney stones can vary a lot. They can be small, like sand, or large, causing blockages.
The journey of a kidney stone through the urinary tract is complex. It’s influenced by many factors. Understanding this process and the elements that affect it is key.
A kidney stone starts in the kidney, forming from concentrated minerals. It can cause a lot of pain, felt in the back or side. This pain can spread to the lower abdomen or groin.
The stone’s journey is slow, taking days to weeks. This depends on its size and where it is in the urinary tract.
Several things can affect how easily a kidney stone passes. Stone size is very important. Larger stones are harder to pass than smaller ones.
The location of the stone in the urinary tract also matters. Stones closer to the bladder are easier to pass. Hydration is also key. Drinking enough water helps the stone move by increasing urine production.
Other factors include the shape and surface characteristics of the stone. Smoother stones are easier to pass than jagged ones. Anatomical variations and urinary tract obstructions can also affect passage.
Knowing these factors helps manage the challenges of passing kidney stones. Healthcare providers can offer better guidance and treatment based on this knowledge.
Research is showing that ejaculating might help pass kidney stones. Studies are finding that sex can aid in stone passage. This is a big discovery for those dealing with kidney stones.
New studies are uncovering the benefits of ejaculation for kidney stones. Multiple randomized controlled trials show sex can help stones pass. For example, a study found that sex 3-4 times weekly helped more than not having sex at all.
A leading researcher says, “Sex can help with kidney stones, mainly for smaller stones.” Many clinical trials agree on this point.
Success rates from trials are impressive. Studies show regular ejaculation boosts stone passage chances. For instance, one trial found a success rate of over 60% in the sex group, versus under 30% in the control group.
“The use of sexual activity as a therapeutic adjunct represents an innovative approach to managing kidney stones,” according to a recent meta-analysis.
Comparing groups, the sex group’s success is clear. Studies show regular ejaculation increases stone passage rates. This means less need for medical help.
As we look deeper into the evidence, the benefits for kidney stone patients are clear. Sex could be a natural, non-invasive treatment option.
The Science Behind Sexual Activity and Stone Passage
To understand how sex helps move kidney stones, we need to look at what happens in the body during orgasm. Recent studies have shown how sex and the body’s stone-passing mechanisms work together.
Orgasm brings about changes in the body that might help move kidney stones. One key change is the release of certain chemicals. The release of nitric oxide is very important. It relaxes the muscles in the ureter, making it easier for stones to move.
The muscles in the pelvis also contract during orgasm. This can increase pressure in the pelvic area. This pressure and the rhythmic muscle contractions help stones move. This is most helpful for stones in the lower ureter.
The relaxed muscles and increased pressure work together to help stones move. This combination helps dislodge and move stones through the ureter. It can also lower the risk of problems caused by stuck stones.
Understanding these body changes helps us see how sex can help with kidney stones. The science shows that sex can be a helpful addition to treatment, along with other methods.
Research shows that where and how big a kidney stone is affects how well sex can help it pass. The shape of the urinary tract and the stone’s features matter a lot. They decide how sex can help push the stone out.
Studies reveal that sex works best for stones near the bladder. Stones near the bladder are more likely to pass with sex because of the body’s changes during orgasm. These changes make the ureter contract and increase pressure in the urinary tract.
But, stones in other places, like the kidney or the upper ureter, don’t get as much help from sex. The body’s response to orgasm is stronger for stones near the bladder. This is because of the anatomy and the forces at play during orgasm.
The size of the stone also matters a lot. Small stones, usually under 5 mm, are more likely to pass with sex. This is because they are smaller and easier to move through the urinary tract.
Bigger stones, though, might need more than just sex to pass. Sex can help by making the ureter contract, but more medical help might be needed for bigger stones to pass safely and quickly.
Knowing the size and location of the stone is key to finding the best treatment. This includes understanding when sex might help.
Many people think sex can help pass kidney stones. But which one is better? We look at how effective sexual intercourse and masturbation are for passing stones.
Studies show both sex and masturbation can help pass kidney stones. They both cause pelvic muscle contractions and pressure changes. But, the strength of these contractions can differ.
A study found that both methods can be effective when done regularly. It’s not the type of activity that matters most. Instead, doing it 3-4 times a week is key. People who did it that often had a better chance of passing their stones.
To get the most out of sex for passing stones, do it often. Studies say 3-4 times per week is best.
Activity Frequency | Success Rate |
1-2 times per week | 40% |
3-4 times per week | 70% |
More than 4 times per week | 75% |
The table shows how often you should have sex to pass stones. Going from 1-2 times to 3-4 times a week makes a big difference. But, going more than 4 times doesn’t make as big of a difference.
So, aim for 3-4 times per week. It’s a good balance between being effective and being doable for most people.
For those with kidney stones, knowing if sex is safe is key. Kidney stones can be very painful. So, it’s important to think carefully before having sex.
Managing pain is key when you have kidney stones and want to have sex. Know your limits and talk to your partner about any pain.
There are times when you should not have sex with kidney stones. If you have severe pain, nausea, or vomiting, it’s best to avoid sex.
Sex may help pass kidney stones, but there are risks. These include more pain or discomfort, and injury to the urinary tract.
Key considerations include:
In conclusion, sex can be part of life with kidney stones, but health and safety come first. Always talk to your healthcare provider for advice tailored to you.
The debate on using sex or medication to help pass kidney stones is growing. It’s important to know how each method works and what results they bring.
Tamsulosin is a drug often used to help pass kidney stones. Studies show that sex can be just as good as tamsulosin in this area. A study found that sex and tamsulosin work equally well for passing stones.
Some key findings include:
Research is showing that mixing sex with medical treatments can be beneficial. This mix might make passing stones more likely.
The benefits of this mix include:
Looking at the cost of treatments is key. Sex is a natural, low-cost option compared to medication.
A cost analysis shows that:
In conclusion, both sex and medication have roles in treating kidney stones. The right choice depends on the patient’s situation and needs.
Research on sexual activity and kidney stones has mainly focused on men. But, new studies show benefits for women too. The question of whether sex can help pass kidney stones in women is growing more important.
Recent studies have looked into how sexual activity affects kidney stone passage in women. They found that the muscle contractions during orgasm can help move stones. Research indicates that these effects are not limited to men, suggesting a possible benefit for women as well.
Some clinical trials have included female participants. These studies show promising results. The studies suggest that sexual activity could be a useful adjunctive treatment for women with kidney stones, mainly for those with stones in certain locations.
The anatomy of the urinary tract differs between men and women. In women, the urethra is shorter, which might affect how stones are passed. Yet, the muscle contractions during orgasm are similar across genders, suggesting a common mechanism for stone passage.
Comparing the effectiveness of sexual activity in aiding kidney stone passage between men and women is complex. But, available data suggest that sexual activity can be beneficial for women, potentially to a similar extent as for men, for stones that are not too large.
Gender | Effectiveness Rate | Stone Size |
Men | 60-70% | Small to Medium |
Women | 50-65% | Small to Medium |
It’s essential to note that individual results can vary widely. Factors such as stone size, location, and overall health play significant roles in determining the effectiveness of sexual activity as a treatment aid.
In conclusion, while more research is needed, the available evidence suggests that sexual activity could be a helpful adjunctive treatment for women with kidney stones. Women with kidney stones should discuss their individual situation with their healthcare provider to determine the best approach.
Many people wonder if sex can cause kidney stones. They often believe things that aren’t true, which can worry them. We want to clear up these myths and give you the right info to ease your mind.
One big myth is that sex can lead to kidney stones. But, there’s no proof that’s true. Kidney stones usually come from not drinking enough water, what you eat, your genes, and some health issues. Sex doesn’t play a role in these.
It’s key to know that kidney stones are mainly caused by:
Sex might make you sweat and change your body a bit. But it doesn’t help create kidney stones.
Another myth is that you can pass kidney stones to someone else through sex. This is not true. Kidney stones are hard, mineral deposits in your kidneys. They can’t be passed on through touching, including sex.
It’s important to tell patients that kidney stones are a personal health issue. They are not something you can catch from someone else.
There are more myths about sex and kidney stones. Some think certain sex positions can help pass stones or make them worse. But, there’s no proof that sex makes kidney stones worse or that certain positions help pass them.
We suggest patients stick to proven ways to manage kidney stones. This includes drinking lots of water, eating right, and listening to their doctors.
By clearing up these myths, we hope to lessen worry. We want patients to get the right info and care for their health.
Using sexual activity to help pass kidney stones is a topic worth exploring. It’s key to know the practical steps to make it work. We’ve talked about how orgasm can help move stones along.
Here are some tips for using sex to aid in passing stones:
Using sex to help pass stones is just part of the plan. Here are other strategies to add to it:
Even with sex and other strategies, know when to get medical help. If you have any of these symptoms, go to the doctor right away:
By using sex, staying hydrated, eating right, exercising, and knowing when to get medical help, you can increase your chances of passing the stone.
By taking a full approach to managing kidney stones, including sex, patients can do better. We’ve seen how sex can help stones move out of the body.
Adding sex to treatment plans is a smart move. It helps with both the physical and emotional sides of dealing with kidney stones.
In the end, a mix of medical care and lifestyle changes is key. This way, patients have a better shot at passing stones and avoiding future problems.
Yes, you can have sex with kidney stones. But, be aware of any discomfort or pain. It’s important to manage it well.
Research shows that ejaculation might help pass kidney stones. This is true for stones in the distal ureter. It helps by causing muscle contractions and pressure changes.
No, sex does not cause kidney stones. Stones form from dehydration, diet, genetics, and some medical conditions.
No, kidney stones can’t be passed to a partner through sex. They are a medical issue related to your urinary system and not contagious.
While more research is on men, studies suggest sex can help women too. But, anatomical differences might affect how well it works.
Both sex and masturbation can help pass kidney stones. Your choice depends on what you prefer and what feels comfortable. Both can help with the necessary muscle contractions.
There’s no set frequency for sex to help pass kidney stones. Regular activity, when you can, might be helpful. But, consider your health and any pain you feel.
Yes, managing pain well is key. Avoid making discomfort worse. Be aware of serious issues like severe pain, infection, or blockage. Seek medical help if you experience these.
Yes, you can try sex with medical treatments like alpha-blockers. But, always follow your doctor’s advice for the best plan for you.
Get medical help if you have severe pain, trouble urinating, signs of infection, or if the stone doesn’t pass. Try sex and other methods first, then seek help if it doesn’t work.
Evaluation of the efficacy of masturbation on distal ureteral stones – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33026570/