A recent article published in Urology Times revealed that kidney stones are on the rise in women. The article cited survey data published in the Canadian Urologic Association Journal, which showed that while the overall number of U.S. adults with kidney stones has stayed relatively stable over the past 10 years, the female population with kidney stones has increased.
About the Survey
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, or NHANES, included more than 38,000 age 20 and older, with slightly more than half being women. From 2007 to 2008, 8.9% of the adult survey participants had kidney stones, and from 2017 to 2020, that number increased by one percent to 9.9%. While the overall increase is seemingly insignificant, the number of women with kidney stones increased from 6.5% in the first timeframe to 9.1% in the second window. In fact, it was women ages 20-39 years old that saw the largest jump, from 4.7% to 6.4%; women ages 40-64 increased 10.7% to 11.7%.
Why are Kidney Stones in Women Increasingly Common?
There are several factors at play when it comes to assessing why kidney stones in women are on the rise.
Physiological Factors
It’s no surprise that women’s bodies are unique and capable of pregnancy and menopause, both of which are scenarios in which hormones play a large role. Postmenopause brings an increased risk of kidney stones, as does pregnancy, during which hormonal shifts and imbalances as well as increased pressure on the urinary system can lead to kidney stones.
Lifestyle Factors
Rising obesity rates (more than 40% of adults are obese), an increase in diabetes diagnoses, sedentary lifestyle and poor diet are also linked to an increase in kidney stone risk. Additionally, dehydration concentrates urine, which also can lead to stone formation.
Improved Healthcare Access
The final — and perhaps most surprising — reason there is an increased number of women with kidney stones is that women have improved healthcare access. With more women in the workforce receiving better benefits, women are participating in routine checkups and have established relationships with care specialists. With improved healthcare access, women are also enjoying improved imaging, which may lead to asymptomatic stone diagnosis.
Non-Invasive Kidney Stone Treatment
If you suspect you have kidney stones or have recently been diagnosed with them, talk to your urologist about Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy, or ESWL. It’s the only non-invasive kidney stone treatment option available, and it’s increasingly used to effectively treat kidney stones. We have provided a free downloadable script (available here) to help guide your conversation with your doctor.
If you suspect you have kidney stones and are seeking a urologist to treat your stones with ESWL, find a Triangle Lithotripsy treatment location near you, and then call us at (919) 404-7255 to schedule your appointment today!