By All Women Urology

11/26/2012 Kidney stones can be one of the most painful problems most of us ever experience. Many have claimed that the pain is even worse than that of child birth. So what is a kidney stone? A kidney stone (renal calculi) is made up of hard, crystalline mineral. The material forms within the kidney or urinary tract and that’s partially why it’s so painful.



Symptoms of Kidney Stones



Some of the most common symptoms are severe abdomen pain, blood in the urine, and flank pain. More men than women traditionally suffer with this condition and the average age of a sufferer is 20 to 49 years old. Those who have ever had a kidney stone are more likely to develop another one during their lifetime.



Causes of Kidney Stones



Dehydration is one of the main causes of kidney stones, but certain medical conditions such as gout, can also cause this painful condition. Using certain medications or even over-the-counter supplements can also lead to kidney stone formation. Hereditary factors or a family history of kidney stones, as well as dietary factors can be related to stone formation. These days, doctors are seeing more and more cases where dietary factors are a contributing factor.



Treatment of Kidney Stones



Diagnosis is the first step in your treatment and Dr. Lobby utilizes several diagnostic tools including the CT Scan. In many cases, kidney stones pass through the ureter to the bladder but this can take time and be painful. Some medications can assist the body in passing the stones quicker and Dr. Lobby may feel it’s necessary to prescribe something to control the painful symptoms until passage occurs.



In some cases, a surgical technique known as lithotripsy may be performed when kidney stones do not pass safely through the ureter to the bladder. Dr. Lobby normally attempts to use the least invasive means of successfully treating any illness or condition before moving on to more complex treatment options.


An All Female Staff at All Women Urology



Dr. Nancy Lobby has worked with many patients experiencing the pain of kidney stones. Her background and training equip her to diagnose and treat this condition with great success. As a woman and professional urologist, she understands what you may be going through and will make every effort to control pain and provoke your body to naturally pass the stones as quickly as possible.



The staff at All Women Urology is completely comprised of women. Dr. Lobby believes that you will feel more comfortable and less embarrassed to discuss your condition around other females. Patients are made to feel relaxed and speak openly to the doctor, nurse or staff members about their kidney stones or other conditions.