Two Birds for One (Kidney) Stone –

Here’s a summary of findings from an interesting study that was recently published:

Journal of urology:

Sex helps you pass a kidney stone. 90 patients, prospective, randomized, but not blinded.  NNT of 2. MANY limitations though. “sexual intercourse and masturbation” were prohibited in the other two groups but you have no way to guarantee that. Only men included in the study, not blinded.

Stone passage rate at 2 weeks

Symptomatic treatment 34.8%

Tamsulosin 47.6 %

Sexual intercourse 3-4 times per week 83.9%

Authors’ conclusion: Patients who have distal ureteral stones ≤6 mm and a sexual partner may be advised to have sexual intercourse 3-4 times a week to increase the probability of spontaneous passage of the stones.