How are kidney stones detected?

If the typical signs of pain aren't prevalent when you visit the doctor, the most common way of testing if you have stones is by using a Helical CT Scan.  This type of scan uses less radiation than earlier means and is an all-around safer method.

Pregnant women, however, that need to avoid any kind of radiation can utilize Ultrasound technology to detect kidney stones, which is a safer alternative.

Kidney Stone CT Scan

Kidney Stone Ultrasound

So, what are symptoms of kidney stones anyhow?

Typically, when you have kidney stones, you'll feel pain in the abdomen, lower back, or groin areas of your body.  The level of pain, however, varies widely and sometimes, you may not experience any pain at all.  If the surrounding area is also infected, you may have fever, nausea, and even vomiting if it is bad enough.

Whether you're actually having pain or not, many times, there will be blood in your urine and this is usually the first major sign of an underlying problem.  Sometimes, you may have a strange sense of having to urinate that's different from the normal feeling you're used to or the stream itself might seem to have a harder time leaving your body than usual.

In any case, you should definitely see your doctor as they will be able to fully diagnose what's happening to your body.