Key takeaways
Many ureteral stones pass on their own, especially smaller stones.
Your main jobs at home are: control pain, drink enough fluid, watch for warning signs, and follow up.
Call right away / go to A&E if you have fever, chills, or cannot keep fluids down.
What is a ureteral stone?
A ureteral stone is a small, hard “pebble” made from minerals that gets stuck in the ureter (the tube that drains urine from the kidney to the bladder). This can cause sudden, strong pain (often in the side/back, sometimes moving toward the groin) and sometimes nausea or blood in the urine.
What to do at home (most important first)
- Pain control Anti-inflammatory pain medicines (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen) are usually the first choice if you can take them safely (for example, not safe for some people with kidney disease, stomach ulcers/bleeding, or certain blood thinners).
If pain is not controlled, contact your clinician—sometimes stronger medicine is needed.
- Hydration (drink enough—steady, not forced) A common goal is to drink enough so your urine stays pale yellow.
Prevention advice for people who form stones often targets high urine volume. Guidelines recommend aiming for about 2.5 liters of urine per day (this usually requires drinking more than that). Spread fluids throughout the day.
- Catch the stone (if you can). Stone testing can help prevent future stones.
- A medication to help the stone pass (sometimes used). For some distal (lower) ureter stones <10 mm, your clinician may recommend an alpha blocker (often tamsulosin) to help the stone pass (“medical expulsive therapy”).
If prescribed, take it exactly as directed and tell your clinician if you feel dizzy/lightheaded.
How long might it take to pass?
Stone passage time varies. In one prospective study of 75 patients observed for spontaneous passage, average time to pass was:
- 8.2 days for stones ≤2 mm
- 12.2 days for stones 2–4 mm
- 22.1 days for stones ≥4 mm
In that study, to capture 95% of stones that passed, it sometimes took up to 31–40 days depending on size group . Your clinician will advise how long is reasonable to wait based on your stone size/location, symptoms, and kidney function.
Warning signs — get urgent help (A&E)
Seek urgent care now if you have:
- Fever or chills (could mean infection with blockage—an emergency)
- Severe pain that is not controlled
- Vomiting or you cannot keep fluids down
Trouble urinating, very little urine, or a blocked feeling
- You feel faint, very weak, or rapidly worsening symptoms
Also contact your clinician urgently if you have a positive urine culture/UTI symptoms and a stone.
Possible next steps if the stone does not pass
If the stone is unlikely to pass, or symptoms remain severe, treatment options may include:
Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL): sound waves break the stone into smaller pieces you pass in urine.
Ureteroscopy (URS): a small scope goes through the bladder into the ureter to remove or break the stone. Your urologist will recommend an option based on stone size/location and your situation.
Preventing more stones (simple habits)
Keep fluids up every day (the most important step).
Many guidelines also recommend: lower salt, do not cut out calcium from food (normal calcium intake is usually best), and moderate animal protein.
Follow-up
Keep your follow-up appointment. Your clinician may review imaging, urine testing, and (if available) stone analysis to lower your chance of another stone.
This guide is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If symptoms worsen or you have new concerns, contact your doctor or seek emergency care.