Kidney stones in the toilet: What it means and what to do next

If you've noticed something small, hard, and unusual in your toilet after urinating, you might be asking yourself: Did I just pass a kidney stone?

Seeing kidney stones in the toilet can be surprising, even alarming. But passing a stone is also a sign that your body may be trying to resolve a urinary issue on its own. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what kidney stones look like, how to confirm if what you saw was really a stone, what symptoms to watch for, and what to do next to protect your kidney health.

What are kidney stones?

Kidney stones are hard, crystal-like deposits made from minerals and salts. They form in your kidneys when urine becomes concentrated, causing certain substances to stick together and form small clumps.

These stones can vary in:

• Size: From tiny specks (like grains of sand) to larger than a marble

• Color: Usually yellow, brown, or off-white

• Shape: Jagged, round, or irregular

Can you see kidney stones in the toilet?

Yes, you might see a kidney stone in the toilet after passing it during urination. It may look like:

• A small, grainy piece of sand

• A tiny, hard pebble

• Something gritty or sharp

• A yellowish, brown, or off-white object

If the stone is large enough, it can be visible in the toilet or stuck in a urine strainer (if you’re using one). Many people don’t notice them at all unless they're specifically looking.

What does passing a kidney stone feel like?

Passing a kidney stone can cause intense discomfort. You may experience:

• Sharp pain in the lower back, sides, or abdomen

• Burning sensation during urination

• Blood in the urine (pink, red, or brown tint)

• Frequent urge to urinate

• Nausea or vomiting

Sometimes, small stones pass with little or no pain. But larger stones can be quite painful and may even require medical treatment.

What to do if you think you passed a kidney stone

If you see something unusual in your urine or toilet, here’s what you can do:

1. Save the stone, if possible

Use a clean urine strainer or filter to catch the stone. Let it dry and place it in a small container. Your doctor can analyze it to understand its composition.

2. Write down your symptoms

Note any pain, changes in urine, or unusual sensations. This helps your provider understand what happened.

3. Drink plenty of water

Flushing your system helps pass remaining fragments and reduces the risk of another stone.

4. Call your doctor

Even if the pain has stopped, it’s a good idea to follow up. Your provider may want to do tests to check your kidneys and prevent future stones.

What causes kidney stones?

Kidney stones can form when certain substances in your urine — like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid — become too concentrated. This can happen if:

• You don’t drink enough water

• You eat a high-sodium or high-protein diet

• You have a family history of kidney stones

• You have certain medical conditions (like gout or inflammatory bowel disease)

Types of kidney stones

There are several types of stones, each caused by different factors:

Calcium stones

• The most common type

• Usually caused by high calcium or oxalate levels

Uric acid stones

• Form in people who lose too much fluid or eat high-purine diets (like red meat, organ meats)

Struvite stones

• Often linked to urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Can grow quickly and become large

Cystine stones

• Rare and genetic

• Form in people with a condition called cystinuria

Knowing the stone type helps tailor your prevention plan.

How do you confirm it was a kidney stone?

To know for sure, your doctor may recommend:

• Urine tests to detect crystals or blood

• Imaging like CT scan, ultrasound, or X-ray to see stones

• Stone analysis, if you bring in a sample

Some stones aren’t visible on regular X-rays, so other scans may be needed.

What if you didn’t feel pain but saw a stone?

Some people pass small stones without any symptoms. This is more common than you might think. Tiny stones may pass during urination without causing pain or blockage.

Still, if you see something unusual in your urine or toilet, it's smart to check in with a healthcare provider. Even silent stones can signal a need for better hydration or dietary changes.

Can kidney stones come back?

Yes, unfortunately. About 50% of people who pass one kidney stone will develop another within 5 to 10 years. That’s why prevention is so important.

How to prevent kidney stones from coming back

Drink more fluids

Aim for 2.5 to 3 liters of water a day unless your doctor says otherwise. Staying hydrated dilutes your urine, making stone formation less likely.

Watch your diet

• Limit sodium (salt)

• Reduce animal protein (like red meat)

• Eat more fruits and vegetables

• Get enough calcium from food (not supplements, unless prescribed)
  
  

Get tested

A 24-hour urine test can show what substances are contributing to your stone risk.

Take medications if needed

Some people may need medicine to:

• Reduce uric acid

• Control calcium levels

• Prevent infections
  
  

What if you have multiple stones or large stones?

Sometimes, stones don’t pass on their own. Your doctor may recommend:

• Shock wave therapy (ESWL): Breaks stones into smaller pieces

• Ureteroscopy: A thin tube is used to remove or break up stones

• Surgery: For very large or stubborn stones

The right approach depends on the stone size, location, and your symptoms.

When to seek emergency help

Go to the ER or call your provider if you experience:

• Severe or worsening pain

• Fever or chills (could be infection)

• Nausea or vomiting that won’t stop

• Inability to urinate

• Blood in your urine

These can be signs of serious complications like infection or urinary blockage.

What does blood in urine mean?

It may be a sign that a kidney stone irritated your urinary tract. The blood might look:

• Bright red

• Pink or tea-colored

• Cloudy or foamy

Even if bleeding stops quickly, don’t ignore it. Always follow up with your healthcare provider.

Can kidney stones damage your kidneys?

Yes, but it’s rare. Most stones don’t cause long-term damage if treated properly. However, untreated stones that block urine flow or cause infections can lead to permanent kidney issues.

Takeaway

Kidney stones can be surprising, especially when you notice them in the toilet. But seeing one is often a sign that your body is doing its job by passing it naturally. Still, it’s important to follow up, stay hydrated, and make lifestyle changes that reduce your risk of future stones. Understanding what they look like, how they form, and what symptoms to watch for can help you take control of your kidney health. Whether the stone caused pain or passed silently, don’t ignore it. The sooner you take steps to improve your hydration and nutrition, the better you can protect your kidneys. Keep an eye on your symptoms, talk to your doctor about testing, and consider preventive measures like dietary changes or medications. Your kidneys are essential to filtering waste and staying healthy — so let this be your cue to listen to them.

Take the next step

Concerned about kidney stones? Our at-home kidney health test can help you check in on your risk and take action early.

Explore our test kits

Related Resources

Want to dive deeper into kidney health? Check out these helpful reads:

• The Complete Guide to At-Home Kidney Function Tests – Stay on top of kidney health with simple home testing.How Long Do Kidney Stones Last? Must Know – Get clarity on how long kidney stones typically last.
  

• What Can Mimic Kidney Stone Pain? – Learn about other conditions that cause similar pain.

 

References

References

Kidney. (2023, September 8). Kidney Stones: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Cleveland Clinic website: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15604-kidney-stones 

Kidney stones - Symptoms and causes. (2025). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Mayo Clinic website: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755 

Kidney Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment - Urology Care Foundation. (2025). Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Urologyhealth.org website: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/k/kidney-stones 

NHS website. (2017, October). Kidney stones. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from nhs.uk website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-stones/ 

Watson, S. (2017, October 20). 8 Signs and Symptoms of Kidney Stones. Retrieved September 17, 2025, from Healthline website: https://www.healthline.com/health/symptoms-of-kidney-stones 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean if I see kidney stones in the toilet?

A: It means you’ve passed a stone from your urinary tract. Passing a stone is often painful but usually a sign your body is expelling it.

Q: Do kidney stones always show in urine?

A: Not always. Small stones may dissolve or pass unnoticed, while larger ones may cause pain and be visible.

Q: Is passing kidney stones dangerous?

A: Passing small stones is usually safe, but larger stones can block urine flow and cause complications. Seek care if symptoms are severe.

Q: How can I prevent kidney stones from forming again?

A: Drink plenty of water, reduce salt intake, and follow dietary advice from your doctor based on stone type.