Q&A for How to Cope With Kidney Stones

Kidney stone pain typically goes away once the stone passes into the bladder. Depending on the stone, this may could days or more than a month.

Definitely! Drinking water can help get rid of the stones without bothering your urinary tract. You're also welcome to drink other clear liquids, like fruit juice or lemon-lime soda.

If you have nausea and vomiting with your kidney stones, call your doctor or go to the emergency room. They can give or prescribe an anti-nausea medication, and may also be able to recommend over-the-counter medications.

You can use over-the-counter pain medications, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, or ask your doctor to prescribe something if these aren't enough to manage your pain. Heat can also help--try taking a hot bath or shower or using a heating pad for 20-30 minutes at a time. If your pain is extremely severe, go to the emergency room. They can get you faster pain relief and find out if there are any serious complications.

Kidney stones usually cause blood in the urine, although it might not be visible to the naked eye. Other conditions that cause kidney pain may not be accompanied by blood in the urine. If your doctor suspects kidney stones but does not see blood in your urine test, they may run other tests to confirm or rule out a kidney stone diagnosis.

Yes, there is some evidence that drinking lemon juice or lemonade can help prevent the formation of kidney stones due to increasing citrate levels in the urine. Even if you already have a kidney stone, drinking water with lemon juice is a good way to get the extra hydration you need to help it pass.

Yes! A recent study published in the journal Urology found that having sex at least 3-4 times a week can help you pass a kidney stone more quickly. Listen to your body, however--don't try to have sex if you're in too much pain or if doing so makes you feel a lot worse.

While having the doctor look at your private parts may feel scary or embarrassing, it's really important that you do what you have to to take care of your health. Abdominal pain could be a symptom of something serious, and you need to get it checked out. Tell your mother about your concerns. If it would help you feel more comfortable, you can ask for her or a nurse to be with you in the exam room.

Almost any fluid can be helpful if you have a kidney stone, although it's best to avoid alcohol. You might want to avoid acidic juices if they irritate your bladder and make you more uncomfortable. Water is always your best option.

Kidney stones form when certain substances build up in your urine and stick together to form clumps of crystals in your urinary tract. The risk of developing kidney stones increases if you're dehydrated or if you have too many stone-forming foods in your diet (such as oxalate-rich foods).

Any natural juices with citrate are good as long as there is no or little added sugar. Lemonade and limeade are the best and one small glass of fresh juice with pulp and low sugar can help prevent future stones.