Kidney stones are the most common, potentially painful problem of the renal system, and millions of people suffer from them annually. Most also know about the pain they cause, but less understood is the fact that kidney stones can affect both men and women in very different ways. From how they form to how they’re diagnosed and treated, gender factors into the kidney stone experience to a striking degree.
Here on our blog, we discuss some of the most important discrepancies in the presentation of kidney stones in men versus women, including symptoms, risk factors, diagnosing the condition, and available treatment methods. Knowledge of these differences may assist in early diagnosis and optimal management, leading to improved prognosis for both genders.
Who Has Kidney Stones More Often?
Traditionally, they were also more frequent in males than in females. Men are almost twice as likely to have kidney stones, especially between the ages of 30 and 60, studies find. But over the years that gap has been closing. New age lifestyle attributes like lack of physical activity, poor dietary habits, and rising obesity have contributed to this upward trend in the incidence of stones among women as well.
Notable Stat: Young women not yet 50 years old are reversing historical trends and experiencing more kidney stone formation, many of which are associated with urinary tract infections (UTIs) and dehydration.
Causes & Risks: Gender-Related Determinants
Although there are some common causes of kidney stones across the board (dehydration, high-sodium diets, low water consumption) there are also gender-specific triggers that may affect the formation of stones.
In Women:
- Bodily hormonal shifts (pregnancy or menopause especially)
- Increased incidence of UTIs, which cause infection-related stones
- Taking some drugs, such as diuretics or calcium supplements
In Men:
- Increased animal protein and salt intakes
- more muscle mass, more calcium, and oxalate in urine.
- More prone to metabolic conditions such as gout
Kidney Stones in Women in comparison to Men – Types
There are 4 main types of kidney stones; calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, uric acid and struvite (infection) stones.
Calcium oxalate and uric acid stones are more common in men.
Women are more likely to have struvite stones, which are associated with long-term urinary tract infections.
Struvite stones can develop quickly and are often not detected until they reach a large size, generating problems.
Men vs. Women Signs and Symptoms
Pain with Kidney Stones in Men and Women: Severity & Location Pain is not localized to one area of the body, and can spread to the lower back, lower abdomen, and groin as well.
- Men may feel pain in their lower back, side, or groin.
- Women may experience a dull aching in the lower belly, often interpreted as menstrual cramps or an unrelated gynaecological problem.
This discrepancy in the pain site has sometimes led to delayed diagnosis of stones in women.
Other symptoms include:
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Nausea or vomiting
- Frequent urge to urinate
Diagnosis: Why It May Be Missed in Women?
Kidney stones symptoms in women are often similar to the normal body changes and hence might not get caught, but in some cases are misdiagnosed with other female-related diseases (e.g., ovarian cysts, endometriosis). This is where imaging technologies like ultrasounds and CT scans become critically important to be able to diagnose with accuracy.
Men are indeed interviewed and diagnosed at a faster rate, and the presentation is typically more transparent.
Treatment Options: Are Men & Women Treated the Same?
Yes and no. The basic treatment modalities are the same for men and women:
- Increased fluid intake
- Pain relievers
- Medications to help pass stones
Medical treatments such as RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery), ESWL (Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy), or PCNL (Percutaneous Nephrolithotomy).
The approach could be different according to the patient’s anatomy and comorbidities.
For instance, Pregnant women need adapted treatment plans that do not incorporate imaging using radiation and certain drugs.
Prevention Tips: Gender-Specific Advice
For Women:
- Stay well-hydrated, especially during pregnancy
- Treat UTIs promptly
- Limit calcium supplements unless prescribed
For Men:
- Cut back on red meat and high-sodium foods
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Watch for signs of gout or metabolic disorders
Universal prevention includes:
- 2.5 to 3 liters of water each day to be consumed
- Restricting oxalate-rich foods (such as spinach, beets, nuts.)
- Avoiding sugary sodas
- Regular check-ups with a family history of kidney stones
Mental and Emotional: Pain perception and Emotional stress
Interestingly, the studies also indicate that women describe more intense pain, which at the same time is better understood concerning emotional coping. Men, in their turn, can postpone treatment and even not pay attention to the initial symptoms. The result of this may be blockage of the urine flow or infection.
Knowing about such tendencies can also make both genders more responsive and quicker in their responses to symptoms in general.
Conclusion: Understanding Differences Can Lead to Better Care
Although the occurrence of kidney stones is irritating and painful to all humans, the nature of their development and manifestation may vary greatly in men and women. Being able to identify these differences, allows quicker treatment and prevention as well as detection of the differences.
Do not wait when you or your beloved experiences any symptoms of kidney stone.
Visit Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, at CureStone, a renowned kidney stone doctor in Gurgaon. Having a solid history of cutting-edge urological practices and a patient-centered approach, Dr. Gupta delivers high-quality and patient-centered service with regard to each case. It is your first stone, or have had repeated cases, you are in fair, experienced hands.
Make an appointment now and embark on the journey of living a pain-free life.