Published: July 31, 2021 | 5 mins read

3 Steps to Flush Out Kidney Stones Stuck at UVJ or in Bladder

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Kidney Stones are tough enough as it is. But, when they get stuck, the increased pain and irritation can lead to costly additional trips to the Emergency Room that is unnecessary in most cases. The goal of today’s blog is to help guide you through the process of flushing out a kidney stone that is stuck naturally without the need for surgical intervention.

Where Do Stones Get Stuck?

 

When it comes to kidney stones getting stuck, there are two places that this occurs most often (see Figure A): 

Illustration of where stones get stuck at the UVJ and the entrance to the urethra

The reason that kidney stones get stuck at the Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ) or the entrance to the Urethra Is due to natural narrowing that occurs at these two points in the urinary tract. Please note that not every kidney stone will get stuck at these locations. However, based on our experience, roughly 20% of people who produce kidney stones will have a kidney stone get stuck at one of these locations. 

And, when it comes to kidney stones getting stuck at these two locations, size does matter. Larger stones will have more potential to get stuck. However, certain stone types that are more jagged (regardless of size) will be more prone to getting stuck as well. 

FEAR NOT, THOUGH! If your kidney stone has made the journey down the urinary tract to either the Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ) or is in your Bladder, it’s going to pass. It will just be a matter of time. 

 

Complications Due To A Stuck Stone

 

However, this doesn’t mean that your kidney stone getting stuck can’t cause further complications. A stone stuck at the entrance to your Urethra will clear itself naturally. But, kidney stones that get stuck at the Ureterovesical Junction need to be monitored. Here are a few things to watch out for that may indicate that your kidney stone is stuck at the Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ):

  • Pain in your flank or lower back. Please note that this is significant because the pain experienced with kidney stones moves with the stone. Translation: if your kidney stone is stuck at the Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ) (located below your belly button), you have passed the points of pain located in your back and flank regions. Pain that is regressing up the urinary tract is a sign that you have a potential blockage causing pressure upstream. 
  • For Males: pain in your testicles. 
  • Nausea and vomiting (that was not present at the onset of the kidney stone). 
  • Bloody urine (that was not present at the onset of the kidney stone).
  • Urinary tract infection, typically with a fever. 

Do I Need A Surgical Intervention?

 

In almost all instances, there is no need for surgical intervention if you have a kidney stone stuck at the Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ). But, if you make a trip to the Doctor or Emergency Room, they will likely make a recommendation for one of the following procedures: 

    1. Laser Lithotripsy: laser inserted through the Urethra and into the bladder that will break apart the kidney stone. The average cost of this procedure as of 2021 was $12,800.
    2. Stent: a tube inserted into your urinary tract to allow obstructions to pass more freely. The average cost of this procedure in 2021 was $10,000.

Steps To Naturally Flush Out Stuck Stones

 

As you can imagine, neither of the surgical procedures mentioned will be comfortable or without their consequences in terms of pain. Additionally, they may put a strain on you financially, as their costs are astronomical. Fortunately, you can quickly and naturally flush out your stuck kidney stone by following these three steps:

 

    1. STEP ONE | ANTI-INFLAMMATORY: Kidney stones that get stuck are all about inflammation, as they irritate the living heck out of your urinary tract. By taking an elevated dose (2x standard) of an anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen or Advil, you will reduce inflammation enough to allow more freedom of movement for the kidney stone.
    2. STEP TWO | CHUG SOME WATER: Once things have loosed up a bit in your urinary tract with the help of the anti-inflammatory, it’s time to create some PRESSURE. The goal will be for you to drink 1.5-2L (48-64oz) of water in the shortest period of time possible. DO NOT SIP. Chug!
    3. STEP THREE | POP THAT SUCKER OUT: All of the water you just drank will create a high level of backpressure in your urinary tract. Combined with reduced inflammation, all you need to do now is urinate at the fastest rate possible to force the stone past the UVJ and or out of your Bladder.

 

Sounds simple, right? Well, it is! However, if you don’t get the stone to move past the Ureterovesical Junction (UVJ) or out of your Bladder on the first attempt, try-try-try again. Wait 4 hours and repeat steps 1-3, and you should be doing your victory dance in no time.

Thank you for reading. Download our companion guide if you’d like all this information in one easy-to-read FREE PDF. Click “Get the Guide” below:

PDF Download Link: 3 Steps To Flush Out Stuck Kidney Stones

Comments or questions?

Responses

  1. I have a stone that is 8 by 7 by 10m and at the last CT 2 days ago is sitting by the UVJ I have mild pain in the back feels like it’s a nerve pinch and a super irritated bladder. I just started trying your method how long do you think it would take to pass and can this pass? It’s made it all this way

    1. Hey Danielle, thanks for reaching out. This method isn’t black/white. So, you will likely need to try it once or twice a day until you achieve success.

      And you’re absolutely right! That stone has traveled a long distance and it’s almost to the finish line.

      Just be consistent and that stone will be gone soon 🙂

  2. Been trying for a week the pain is still the same , don’t know wheather the stone is out or still there. My doc just gave me ( geripod 8mg) bed time.

    Any suggestions will help ????????