Kidney stones are solid formations that develop from waste products in the blood, crystallizing within the kidneys. These mineral deposits can vary in size, from a grain of sand to much larger, sometimes filling parts of the kidney. Understanding how these stones pass through the body is important. This article clarifies the distinct pathways involved and what to expect from kidney stone passage.
Understanding Separate Pathways
A kidney stone cannot pass out of the body during ejaculation. This is because the anatomical systems responsible for urine and semen are distinct in males. The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, ureters (tubes connecting kidneys to the bladder), bladder, and the urethra, the final exit tube. The male reproductive tract includes the testes, epididymis, vas deferens, seminal vesicles, prostate gland, and ejaculatory ducts.
Both urine and semen exit the body through the urethra, but their pathways leading to it are separate. Urine travels from the kidneys, down the ureters, and into the bladder before exiting through the urethra. Semen is a mixture of sperm, produced in the testes, and fluids from the seminal vesicles and prostate gland.
During ejaculation, sperm travels from the epididymis through the vas deferens, which then joins with the seminal vesicles to form the ejaculatory ducts. These ejaculatory ducts then pass through the prostate gland and empty into the prostatic urethra, a section of the urethra after the bladder. A kidney stone originates in the urinary system and would travel down the ureter to the bladder, making its path distinct from the ejaculatory ducts which join the urethra further down.
The Journey of a Kidney Stone
When a kidney stone forms, it typically begins in the kidney. For a stone to leave the body, it must travel through the urinary tract. This journey involves moving from the kidney, down the ureter, into the bladder, and finally exiting through the urethra during urination.
The passage of a kidney stone can be a varied experience. Small stones may pass without significant discomfort, sometimes unnoticed. However, larger stones can cause considerable pain as they move through the narrow ureter. The time it takes for a stone to pass depends on its size, with smaller stones (less than 4 millimeters) often passing within one to two weeks, while larger ones can take longer.
Common Symptoms of Kidney Stones
When a kidney stone begins to move, it can cause several symptoms. Severe pain, often described as coming in waves, is a common symptom. This pain typically occurs in the side of the back, below the ribs, and may radiate to the lower abdomen and groin.
Other symptoms can include painful urination, a frequent urge to urinate, and blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown. Nausea and vomiting can also accompany the intense pain. Sometimes, urine may appear cloudy or have a foul odor.
When to Consult a Doctor
Consult a doctor for suspected kidney stones, particularly if symptoms are severe. Contact a doctor immediately if you experience unbearable pain or pain accompanied by fever and chills, which could indicate an infection. Difficulty or inability to urinate also warrants urgent medical evaluation.
A healthcare provider can diagnose kidney stones through physical examination, urine tests, or imaging like a CT scan. This allows for assessment of the stone’s size and location, guiding the most appropriate treatment or pain management plan. Prompt medical attention can help manage discomfort and prevent potential complications.