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Questions posted in the
The Urology Forum have been answered by urologists from Henry Ford Health System and by Dr. Kevin Pho.
Question Title: Pregnetnecy with one kidney&calcium stonesForum: The Urology Forum
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i am writting about my girlfriend we are basicly just starting our relationship and are planing to get a place togeather.anyway she has had a problem with calcium kidney stones in the past and about a year and a half ago she had surgery to remove a lot of stones from one of her kidneys and some how that kidney lost it`s funtion so she only has one that is working they told her that it would be dangerous for her to have any more kids but she would like to have another one so we are looking in to options we were wordering if there was a way to have ababy without putting her or the baby at serious risk,is there a way to prevent stones from being aproblem durring pregnetnecy? and if not do they have a birth controlpill for men.they also told her that if the bad kidney got infected it would have to be removed i would like to have a child with her but not at the risk of looseing her,so if you can give us some advice it would be greatly apriceated. sincerely, Jonny D. Pritchett
= Dear Jonny, First of all, I would see a urologist or nephrologist to determine if there is a medical reason for your girlfriends stones. It would be important for her to do everything she could to prevent another from occurring. Second, always drink plenty of fluids, water. There are some specific changes that occur during pregnancy that affect the urinary tract that might increase your girlfriends chances of having a stone. The ureters can be dilated in pregnancy and may not eliminate urine as efficiently as usual. The ureters increase in size approx. 1 cm due to increased renal vascular and interstitial volume during pregnancy. The collecting system and ureters during this time also decrease there ability to peristalse (contract), resulting in dilation. The big concern of dilation is stasis or stagnant urine. If the urine is not fully eliminated, stones or infection can occur. These changes usually occur in the second trimester and subside after delivery. This dilation in not secondary to a true obstruction. There are risks with pregnancy and a history of stones. If a problem occurred, this could lead to a premature delivery. A stent, which is a flexible tube that can be placed between the kidney and the bladder helping to keep the one kidney open. If your girlfriend were to have difficulty, pain, infection, or acute renal failure, a stent is a reasonable option. Discuss the options with your doctor. I think he or she knows what is right and can give you a better perspective since they would know your full history. This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568). Sincerely,
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