What causes kidney stones in women?

The causes of kidney stones in women mainly include genetic factors, eating habits, physiological characteristics, and the impact of diseases. Kidney stones can be effectively prevented and managed by adjusting diet, improving lifestyle, and timely treating related diseases.

1) Genetic factors:

The formation of kidney stones is related to heredity. If someone in the family has had kidney stones, women may also face a higher risk. This is because some people's urine naturally contains more substances that are prone to stone formation, such as oxalic acid, calcium or uric acid. This group of people needs to pay more attention to regular physical examinations, observe kidney function indicators, and take targeted measures under the guidance of a doctor to prevent kidney stones.

2) Eating habits:

Unhealthy eating habits are one of the important factors that lead to kidney stones. For example, insufficient drinking water and long-term intake of foods high in calcium, oxalate, and salt will increase the probability of women contracting kidney stones. This is because adequate drinking water helps dilute the crystalline substances in the urine, while excessive intake of calcium or oxalate makes these substances more likely to deposit in the kidneys, thereby forming stones. It is recommended to drink 2 to 3 liters of water every day, eat more potassium-containing foods (such as bananas and spinach), and reduce the intake of high-salt and high-fat foods.

3) Physiological characteristics:

Women have shorter urethras and are more susceptible to urinary tract infections. Some urinary tract infections may lead to the formation of infectious stones. Long-term sitting and lack of exercise may also lead to poor urine flow in women, increasing the risk of stone formation. To reduce this situation, it is recommended to do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, such as brisk walking and dancing, and pay attention to avoid sitting for long periods of time, and stand or move appropriately regularly.

4) Disease impact:

Certain diseases may also increase the risk of kidney stones in women, such as hyperparathyroidism, diabetes, gout, etc. These diseases will change the metabolic balance in the body, increase the concentration of certain ions in the urine (such as uric acid and calcium ions), and easily form stones. For women with the above diseases, they should strictly follow the doctor's advice to control the disease and have their urine and kidneys checked in time.

5) External environment:

Climate conditions may also have an impact. In hot and humid environments, the human body tends to sweat more, which reduces urine output and increases the concentration of crystals in the urine. Women living in hot conditions especially need to drink more water and keep their urine clear to reduce the risk of stones.

Women who develop kidney stones should drink plenty of water, adjust their diet, avoid sitting for long periods of time, and control diseases that may induce stones. If you have symptoms such as severe waist pain, hematuria, or difficulty urinating, you should go to the hospital in time for imaging or urine tests and receive targeted treatment. Prevention is better than cure, and a healthy lifestyle is the fundamental way to deal with kidney stones.