Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Kidney Stones: What is considered the most severe pain people can endure?

The answer to this question is subjective. The aftermath of a bone fracture includes managing initial trauma and the potential of enduring pain well after the injury. People who have endured severe cluster headaches compare their pain to the sensation of giving birth through the eye socket. The agony of childbirth exists as another severe pain source but how does kidney stone discomfort compare? Researchers surveyed men and women with blocked urinary tracts about whether they considered this pain their worst ever and most respondents confirmed it was. A majority of the women who had experienced childbirth before still reported that kidney stone pain was the worst they ever felt. The agony caused by kidney stones may rank as the worst type of pain imaginable which nobody desires to endure!

Despite being an unpleasant condition nobody wishes to endure, kidney stones affect a significant number of people. Research indicates that 10% of people will develop a kidney stone during their lifetime. Scary stuff. You can take specific steps to reduce your chances of developing kidney stones. Our Kidney Stone Report provides you with genetic strategies to reduce your risk right from the beginning. You can decrease your risk by focusing on your DGKH gene and cutting down your oxalate consumption. A specific variant of this gene can make you more susceptible to developing calcium oxalate kidney stones. People with a specific variant of the BCAS1 gene can lower their kidney stone risk by cutting back on salt and sugar. Individuals with this genetic variant experience elevated calcium levels in their urine which makes them more susceptible to kidney stones. Additional gene-based recommendations exist which could serve to decrease your likelihood of developing kidney stones. Genetic factors account for 50% of why some people experience kidney stones more than others. Addressing modifiable elements like hydration and diet can help reduce kidney stone risk for individuals who have a high genetic predisposition.

Kidney stones affect 11% of men in America while 7% of women experience them. The kidneys serve as natural filters for water and essential minerals while removing salts and waste materials from the blood. The kidneys maintain body mineral levels while controlling blood pressure and supporting both red blood cell production and bone health. The buildup of minerals in the kidney causes stone formation which mainly consists of calcium deposits. Kidney stones remain undetected until they cause pain while moving from the kidney through the urinary tract. Patients may also experience nausea alongside urine discoloration and foul odor while seeing changes in urination patterns by either increasing frequency or producing smaller volumes. Lack of hydration stands as a top risk factor for kidney stone formation because sufficient fluid intake dilutes urine components to stop stones from developing. The primary risk factors for developing kidney stones include high animal protein diets together with high salt or sugar consumption and obesity while gut diseases such as IBD together with weight reduction surgery and UTIs also contribute along with certain medications and excess vitamin C supplementation and genetic predispositions. Small kidney stones typically pass naturally while patients take pain medication and muscle relaxants. Doctors may use sound wave therapy or surgery to remove larger kidney stones. The genes CASR, SLC34A1, SLC2A9, and TRPV5 control the levels of calcium and minerals within the kidneys which has an impact on the likelihood of developing kidney stones. Genetic factors that increase fasting insulin levels may lead to greater kidney stone formation risk. By comprehending genetic factors that lead to kidney stones people can actively reduce their risk and handle this painful condition more effectively. The Precision Health & Wellness tests offered by PlexusDx provide personalized insights into genetic predispositions while delivering actionable recommendations to protect kidney health. Start your journey to better kidney health today and avoid getting caught by surprise with kidney stones. Discover PlexusDx Precision Health & Wellness tests at PlexusDx.com and through Amazon and Walmart which provide individual genetic assessments and strategies to enhance kidney health.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.

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