Kidney Stones
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Male Fertility Doc
Eric K. Seaman, MD
Urologist located in Millburn, NJ & Denville, NJ
Kidney stones can come out of nowhere, and when they do the pain can be extremely debilitating. At his practice Male Fertility Doc in Denville and Millburn, New Jersey, Eric K. Seaman, M.D., offers a range of treatment options for even the most severe cases of kidney stones. For more information on how you can treat your kidney stones, call the office or use online booking to schedule an appointment today.
Kidney Stones Q & A
What are kidney stones?
Kidney stones occur when hard deposits of salts and minerals build up in your kidneys and become lodged in your kidneys or urinary tract. There are many reasons you may get kidney stones, but they often occur when something causes your urine to concentrate, creating the deposits.
While kidney stones can be very painful, they aren’t usually dangerous and don’t generally cause any lasting damage. Nevertheless, many people still seek treatment because of how unpleasant the symptoms can be.
What are the symptoms of kidney stones?
When a kidney stone is still contained within your kidney, it usually causes no symptoms. Once it begins to move through your urinary tract, however, symptoms can come on quickly and change as the stone moves through your system. Common kidney stone symptoms include:
- Severe pain in your lower back, near your kidneys
- Radiating pain in your groin, often coming in waves or fluctuating in intensity
- Pain when you urinate
- Pink, brown, or red urine
- Blood in your urine
- Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent urge to urinate that can’t be relieved
If an infection is present, you may also develop a fever or chills. If you show signs of infection, seek immediate medical attention.
How are kidney stones treated?
Treatment for kidney stones can vary depending on the size and cause of the stones. Small stones can sometimes be passed relatively easily by drinking plenty of water and managing your pain with medication. Medication can also be used to relax the muscles along your urinary tract.
Larger kidney stones may require more direct treatment. In many cases, Dr. Seaman can use sound waves to break up kidney stones so you can pass them more easily. This is called extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and Dr. Seaman can perform the procedure in as little as an hour under only light anesthesia. In more severe cases, Dr. Seaman may recommend surgery or the use of a small tube called a ureteroscope to remove stones as well.
If you’re suffering from kidney stones or have any questions about treatment, call the office of Eric K. Seaman, M.D., or schedule an appointment online today.
