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Symptoms - Kidney stones

Very small kidney stones are unlikely to cause many symptoms. They may even go undetected and pass out painlessly when you pee.

Larger kidney stones can cause symptoms, including:

  • pain in the side of your tummy (abdomen) or groin – men may have pain in their testicles
  • a high temperature
  • feeling sweaty
  • severe pain that comes and goes
  • feeling sick or vomiting
  • blood in your urine
  • urine infection

Blocked ureter and kidney infection

A kidney stone that blocks the ureter, the tube that connects your kidney to your bladder, can cause a kidney infection.

This is because waste products are unable to pass the blockage, which may cause a build-up of bacteria.

The symptoms of a kidney infection are similar to symptoms of kidney stones, but may also include:

  • a high temperature
  • chills and shivering
  • feeling very weak or tired
  • cloudy and bad-smelling urine

Find out more about kidney infections

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Page last reviewed: 30 November 2022
Next review due: 30 November 2025