|Kidney stones form when calcium, oxalate, and other substances
build up in the urine. When stones exceed five millimeters in
size, they can get stuck between the kidneys and bladder,
bringing intense pain. (UAB Magazine)| The pain caused by kidney
stones has been described as “the closest thing a man will come
to experiencing childbirth,” so while it might seem fitting that
more men than women get them, awareness can help both sexes
avoid the pain. “While research shows that the gender gap is
decreasing, and that in teens more females than males develop
kidney stones, for adults, men as a general rule get them more
often than women,” said Dean Assimos, M.D., chair of the
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Department of Urology.
“But we should all build our awareness and take preventive
steps.” Symptoms that could indicate someone has a kidney stone
include: - Intense abdominal pain, which can radiate to the
genital area - Urge to frequently urinate - Fever and chills -
Blood in the urine “Always seek