Passing a kidney stone is not that easy. While a smaller stone passes through the urine easily and is not noticeable, a 7mm kidney stone is not a tiny pebble. It is big enough to get stuck in the urinary tract, it requires urgent medical attention, and can cause severe pain, but the question is, can it dissolve on its own? At this size, it can cause a problem and may require medical procedures to remove or break them down.
Let’s discuss whether it can dissolve naturally, and what the treatment options are to help with a 7mm kidney stone.
A Quick Guide to Kidney Stones
These stones are hard lumps of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys when your urine is too concentrated.
Why Do They Form?
- Not drinking enough water – urine becomes concentrated.
- Too much salt or sugar in food.
- Family history of stones.
- Certain medical conditions, like infections or high uric acid.
Why a 7mm Kidney Stone Is a Problem
A 7 mm kidney stone is quite big for your urine tube (ureter), which is usually only about 3–4 mm wide.
- It usually won’t pass on its own. If it tries to move, it can cause very intense pain.
- Doctors often suggest treatment. Treatments using sound waves, removing it with a thin scope (Ureteroscopy), or using advanced laser surgery.
- It’s better to treat it early. It is safer to treat it early, as delaying treatment can result in infection, kidney swelling, or even irreversible damage
Can It Dissolve Naturally?
Most 7mm kidney stones can’t dissolve by themselves, however, particularly if they’re calcium oxalate stones, which are the most prevalent ones. Some stones, like uric acid stones, will sometimes dissolve with medications that decrease the acidity of the urine. But for others, dissolution is impossible, and the stone will have to pass or be taken out.
What Are the Treatment Options?
MET: Alpha-blockers can help relax the ureter to allow stones to pass. However, success is limited when 7mm stones are present.
RIRS: A minimally invasive procedure using a laser to break the stone down into small particles. This is the best option for 7mm to 20mm stone.
ESWL: External shock waves break the stone into smaller fragments that can pass naturally.
PCNL: For very large stones, a small incision is made to directly remove them.
Why RIRS Is Considered the Best Option
RIRS uses a flexible scope and laser to reach even hard-to-access kidney areas, breaking stones into fine dust without a surgical cut. It’s safe, highly precise, and has a quick recovery time, making it a preferred choice for stones around 7mm–20mm.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
If you ignore a 7 mm kidney stone, it can block the flow of urine. When urine builds up, it causes:
- Severe pain in your back.
- Infections, because motionless urine allows bacteria to grow.
- Swelling and damage to the kidney can occur if the blockage stays for a long time.
Conclusion
You are wrong if you believe that a kidney stone measuring 7 mm will naturally pass. It is simply too big to do so. You can get swelling and pain in your kidney if you force the stone out. You can use medical treatments to break or soften the stone to make it easier for you to pass. Pain that is not treated can be very painful. You should see your doctor as quickly as possible.
Dr. Deepanshu Gupta is best urologist in gurgaon with over 12 years of experience. He has performed 9,500+ surgeries, including RIRS, PCNL, and other kidney and urinary procedures, making him the best choice for you