Kidney stones can cause incontinence, but usually only while the stone is moving or blocking urine flow
Yes, kidney stones can trigger incontinence — but the connection is temporary and tied to where the stone sits in your urinary tract. When a stone blocks the flow of urine or irritates the lining of your ureter (the tube that carries urine from your kidney to your bladder), it can cause sudden urges to urinate, leaking, or an inability to empty your bladder fully. The incontinence typically stops once the stone passes or is removed.
The reason this happens is physical: a stone pressing against the bladder wall or urethra changes how your bladder muscles contract and how your nervous system signals the need to urinate. You may feel an urgent need to go but find little comes out, or you may leak urine unexpectedly. Some people also experience retention — the opposite problem — where urine backs up because the stone is blocking the way out.
If you have sudden incontinence along with flank pain, blood in your urine, or difficulty urinating, a kidney stone may be the cause. A doctor can confirm this with imaging (usually a CT scan) and recommend whether to wait for the stone to pass on its own or pursue removal.
Key Takeaways
- Kidney stones cause incontinence by irritating the bladder or blocking urine flow, and the incontinence usually resolves once the stone passes or is removed.
- Symptoms often include sudden urges to urinate, leaking, pain in the flank or lower abdomen, and sometimes blood in the urine.
- A CT scan or ultrasound can confirm whether a stone is present and where it is located in your urinary tract.
- Most kidney stones pass on their own within a few weeks with fluids and pain management, though larger stones may need medical removal.
- If incontinence persists after a stone has passed, talk to your doctor about other possible causes.
Why kidney stones affect bladder control
Your bladder is a muscle that fills with urine and contracts to empty. Normally, nerves signal when it is full, and you decide when to go. A kidney stone disrupts this system in two ways: by physically irritating the bladder wall or urethra, and by blocking the normal flow of urine.
When a stone sits in your ureter or at the opening of your bladder, the irritation triggers your bladder to contract unpredictably — you feel an urgent need to urinate even when your bladder is not full. At the same time, the stone may prevent urine from flowing out normally, so you may leak or feel unable to empty completely. Some people describe it as a constant urge with little relief.
The severity depends on the stone's size and exact location. A small stone in the upper ureter may cause only mild discomfort and no incontinence. A larger stone near the bladder outlet can cause significant leaking and retention.
Symptoms that suggest a kidney stone is causing incontinence
Incontinence caused by a kidney stone usually comes with other signs that point to the stone itself. Look for sharp or cramping pain in your flank (the side of your abdomen between your ribs and hip), lower abdomen, or groin. The pain may come and go as the stone moves.
You may also notice blood in your urine (it may look pink, red, or brown), a burning sensation when you urinate, or an inability to urinate despite feeling the urge. Some people have nausea or vomiting along with the pain. Fever can signal an infection, which is a medical emergency if a stone is blocking urine flow.
If you have sudden incontinence without these other signs — no pain, no blood, no urinary difficulty — the cause is likely something else, such as a urinary tract infection, pelvic floor weakness, or a medication side effect. A doctor can sort this out.
How doctors confirm a kidney stone
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, then order imaging to see whether a stone is present. A CT scan without contrast is the gold standard — it shows stones of almost any size and composition and takes only a few minutes. Some doctors use an ultrasound or X-ray first, which are faster but may miss small stones.
The imaging also shows where the stone is located (upper ureter, lower ureter, bladder, or urethra), how large it is, and whether it is blocking urine flow. This information helps your doctor decide whether to watch and wait or recommend removal. Blood and urine tests may also be done to check kidney function and rule out infection.
Treatment options and what to expect
Most kidney stones pass on their own within two to four weeks. Your doctor will recommend drinking plenty of water — usually at least 2 to 3 liters a day — to help flush the stone through. Pain is managed with over-the-counter or prescription medication, and anti-nausea drugs if needed. During this time, your incontinence should gradually improve as the stone moves.
Larger stones (usually those bigger than 6 millimeters) or stones that are not moving may need medical removal. The most common procedure is extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), which uses sound waves to break the stone into smaller pieces that can pass more easily. Another option is ureteroscopy, where a thin scope is threaded up the urethra to locate and remove or break up the stone. A third option, percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL), is used for very large stones and involves a small incision in the back.
After the stone passes or is removed, incontinence caused by the stone should resolve within days to a week as the irritation settles. If leaking continues, your doctor will investigate other causes.
Preventing kidney stones and future incontinence
Once you have had a kidney stone, your risk of having another is higher. Staying well hydrated is the single most important step — aim for enough fluid intake that your urine stays pale yellow or clear. Limit salt and animal protein, which can increase stone-forming substances in your urine. If you have had a stone analyzed, your doctor can recommend specific dietary changes based on its composition.
Some people are prescribed medications to prevent recurrence, such as allopurinol (for uric acid stones) or thiazide diuretics (for calcium stones). These are tailored to your stone type and risk factors. Regular follow-up with your doctor helps catch any new stones early, before they cause incontinence or other complications.
When to seek medical attention
Contact a doctor if you develop sudden incontinence along with flank or abdominal pain, blood in your urine, or difficulty urinating. These signs suggest a kidney stone or another condition that needs evaluation.
Seek emergency care (call 911 or go to an emergency room) if you have severe pain that does not ease with medication, fever above 101°F along with pain and urinary symptoms, or inability to urinate for more than a few hours despite feeling the urge. These can signal an infection or complete blockage, both of which need urgent treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a small kidney stone cause incontinence?
A small stone may not cause incontinence at all, or may cause only mild urgency. Incontinence is more common with larger stones or stones positioned near the bladder outlet. Size alone does not determine symptoms — location matters more.
Will incontinence go away after the stone passes?
Yes, in most cases incontinence caused by a kidney stone resolves within a few days to a week after the stone passes. If leaking continues beyond that, talk to your doctor about other possible causes such as pelvic floor weakness or urinary tract infection.
Can I treat a kidney stone at home?
Small stones often pass on their own with fluids and pain management at home. However, you need a doctor to confirm a stone is present and rule out infection or complete blockage. Do not assume incontinence is from a stone without imaging — other causes need different treatment.
Does a kidney stone infection require hospital care?
Yes. If a stone blocks urine flow and bacteria multiply, you can develop a serious infection called urosepsis. Signs include fever, severe pain, nausea, and confusion. This is a medical emergency and requires hospital treatment with antibiotics and often stone removal.
What if I have incontinence but no pain?
Incontinence without pain is unlikely to be from a kidney stone. Other common causes include urinary tract infection, pelvic floor weakness, medication side effects, or overactive bladder. Your doctor can run tests to find the real cause and recommend the right treatment.