Ureteric Stent Symptoms: Pain, Urgency and Bladder Irritation

A ureteric stent is a thin, flexible tube placed between the kidney and bladder to help urine drain freely.

It is commonly used after procedures for kidney or ureteric stones, or when the ureter is swollen, narrowed or temporarily blocked.

While the stent has an important role, it can also cause symptoms while it remains in place. These are sometimes described as ureteric stent-related symptoms or stent irritation syndrome.

Common symptoms include urinary frequency and urgency, discomfort when passing urine, blood in the urine, bladder pressure and pain in the kidney or flank — particularly during or shortly after urination.

Most stent-related symptoms are temporary, but severe or worsening symptoms should be assessed to exclude infection, obstruction or another complication.

Why Does a Ureteric Stent Cause Symptoms?

One end of the stent sits in the kidney, while the lower end curls inside the bladder.

As the bladder fills and empties, the lower end of the stent can irritate the bladder wall. This may create symptoms similar to a urinary tract infection, even when no infection is present.

During urination, pressure within the bladder can also be transmitted upwards along the stent towards the kidney. This may contribute to flank or kidney discomfort during or shortly after passing urine.

The severity varies considerably. Some people notice only mild discomfort, while others experience symptoms that interfere with sleep, work and normal daily activities.

Common Symptoms of a Ureteric Stent

Frequent urination

You may feel that you need to pass urine more often than usual, sometimes even when the bladder contains only a small amount of urine.

Urinary urgency

A sudden, strong need to urinate is common. This occurs because the portion of the stent inside the bladder can irritate the bladder wall.

Bladder or lower abdominal discomfort

Some people describe pressure, aching or an uncomfortable sensation low in the abdomen or around the bladder.

Symptoms may become more noticeable with movement or when the bladder is full.

Pain or burning when passing urine

Discomfort during urination can occur with a ureteric stent.

However, burning urination can also occur with a urinary tract infection. Persistent or worsening symptoms, particularly with fever or feeling unwell, require medical assessment.

Flank or kidney pain during urination

A characteristic stent-related symptom is discomfort in the kidney or flank during or shortly after passing urine.

A ureteric stent allows urine to drain from the kidney to the bladder, but it may also permit some pressure or urine to travel backwards towards the kidney when the bladder contracts.

This can produce a temporary ache or sharper discomfort on the side where the stent is located.

Blood in the urine

A small amount of blood can occur while a ureteric stent is in place.

Urine may appear pink or light red, and the bleeding can sometimes become more noticeable after walking, exercise or increased physical activity.

Persistent heavy bleeding, blood clots or difficulty passing urine should be assessed.

Why Can Stent Symptoms Become Worse After Physical Activity?

Physical activity can increase movement and contact between the stent and the lining of the urinary tract.

The lower curl of the stent may irritate the bladder lining, which can temporarily increase:

urinary urgency
bladder discomfort
blood in the urine
flank discomfort

Symptoms often fluctuate from day to day and may be more noticeable after prolonged walking or strenuous activity.

Is It Normal to Have Pain When Urinating With a Stent?

Some discomfort during urination can occur with a ureteric stent, particularly flank pain towards the end of urination.

The pattern of symptoms is important.

Pain that is mild, predictable and settles after urination may be related to the stent. Severe or progressively worsening pain requires assessment, particularly if accompanied by fever, vomiting or difficulty passing urine.

Stent Irritation or Urinary Infection?

Some stent symptoms overlap with those of a urinary tract infection.

Both may cause:

Symptom	Stent irritation	Urinary infection
Urinary frequency	Common	Common
Urgency	Common	Common
Burning urination	Can occur	Common
Blood in urine	Can occur	Can occur
Flank discomfort	Can occur	Can occur
Fever or chills	Not expected from simple irritation	Concerning for infection
Feeling significantly unwell	Not typical	May occur

Symptoms alone cannot always distinguish between stent irritation and infection.

A urine test, and sometimes blood tests or imaging, may be required when infection or obstruction is suspected.

When Should You Seek Urgent Medical Attention?

Seek prompt medical assessment if you have a ureteric stent and develop:

fever or chills
severe or worsening flank pain
persistent vomiting
difficulty or inability to pass urine
heavy bleeding or significant blood clots
increasing weakness, dizziness or feeling significantly unwell

Fever with a ureteric stent should not simply be assumed to be stent irritation. Infection in an obstructed or recently instrumented urinary tract can become serious and requires timely assessment.

How Are Ureteric Stent Symptoms Managed?

Management depends on the severity of the symptoms, why the stent was inserted and how long it needs to remain in place.

Simple measures may include maintaining appropriate fluid intake and temporarily reducing strenuous activity if this consistently worsens discomfort or bleeding.

Medication may sometimes be prescribed to reduce urinary symptoms, bladder spasms or stent-related discomfort.

Persistent or unusually severe symptoms may require further assessment to check:

the position of the stent
whether the stent is draining adequately
whether infection is present
whether there is continuing obstruction
whether the stent can be removed

Treatment should therefore be individualised rather than assuming that every symptom is caused by irritation alone.

How Long Do Stent Symptoms Last?

Symptoms can continue for as long as the ureteric stent remains in place, although their intensity may change over time.

For temporary stents placed after stone surgery, symptoms usually improve substantially after the stent is removed.

The timing of removal depends on why the stent was inserted and the condition of the ureter and kidney.

It is important to attend the planned follow-up for stent removal or exchange. If you are unsure when your stent should be removed or changed, contact your treating urology team.

Can a Ureteric Stent Move?

Stent migration is uncommon but can occur.

A change in symptoms does not necessarily mean that the stent has moved. However, unexpectedly severe pain, new difficulty passing urine, unusual urinary leakage or other significant changes may warrant assessment.

An X-ray, ultrasound or other imaging can be used when the position of the stent needs to be checked.

What Happens When the Stent Is Removed?

Temporary ureteric stents are usually removed once they are no longer required.

After removal, mild burning, urinary frequency or a small amount of blood in the urine may occur temporarily. Some people also experience short-lived flank or bladder discomfort.

Symptoms should generally improve as the urinary tract settles.

Persistent fever, severe pain, inability to pass urine or significant deterioration after stent removal requires medical assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is urinary frequency normal with a ureteric stent?

Yes. Frequency and urgency are among the most common stent-related symptoms because the lower end of the stent sits inside the bladder and can irritate it.

Why does my kidney hurt when I urinate with a stent?

During urination, bladder pressure may be transmitted backwards through the stented ureter towards the kidney. This can cause temporary flank or kidney discomfort.

Is blood in the urine normal with a stent?

A small amount of blood can occur, particularly after physical activity. Heavy bleeding, significant blood clots or difficulty passing urine should be assessed.

Can a stent cause symptoms that feel like a UTI?

Yes. Stent irritation can cause urgency, frequency, burning and bladder discomfort. Because these symptoms overlap with urinary infection, a urine test may be needed if infection is suspected.

Is fever caused by stent irritation?

Simple stent irritation should not cause fever. Fever or chills while a ureteric stent is in place should be medically assessed, particularly following recent urinary tract surgery.

Will the symptoms stop after the stent is removed?

Most stent-related symptoms improve substantially after removal. Mild urinary discomfort or flank pain can occasionally persist for a short period afterwards.

Living With a Ureteric Stent

A ureteric stent can cause noticeable urinary and bladder symptoms even when it is functioning normally.

Frequency, urgency, intermittent blood in the urine and discomfort during urination are common. The key is recognising symptoms that fall outside the expected pattern.

Fever, severe worsening pain, persistent vomiting, inability to pass urine or significant bleeding require medical assessment rather than being attributed automatically to the stent.

Concerned About Symptoms From a Ureteric Stent?

If stent-related symptoms are persistent, unusually severe or difficult to distinguish from infection or obstruction, a urological assessment can help determine the cause and whether further investigation or treatment is required.