Placement of a double J ureteral stent is a routine part of managing many urologic conditions, from kidney stone treatment to post-surgical ureteral protection, but patients are often surprised by the range of side effects that can accompany having one in place. Double J stent side effects are commonly reported and span urinary symptoms, occasional blood in the urine, and flank discomfort, most of which are considered a typical part of the body adjusting to an indwelling device rather than a sign of a procedural problem. This overview breaks down the most frequently reported categories of side effects and outlines which symptoms warrant a call to the treating physician versus more urgent care.
Why Are Urinary Frequency and Urgency So Commonly Reported?
Urinary frequency — needing to urinate more often than usual — and urgency — a sudden, strong need to urinate — are among the most consistently reported double J stent side effects. This is generally attributed to the coiled bladder-end segment of the stent resting near the trigone, a nerve-rich region of the bladder wall involved in signaling bladder fullness. The stent's presence can effectively mimic a partially full bladder sensation even when the bladder is not full, prompting more frequent urges. Some patients also report a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying. These symptoms are commonly reported to fluctuate with hydration status, physical activity, and time of day, and tend to be most pronounced in the initial period after placement.
What Should Patients Know About Blood in the Urine (Hematuria)?
Hematuria, or blood in the urine, is a commonly reported side effect of an indwelling ureteral stent and can range from urine that appears faintly pink or tea-colored to more visibly blood-tinged. Mild hematuria is generally understood to result from minor irritation where the stent contacts the ureteral or bladder lining, and it is commonly reported to become more noticeable after physical activity, dehydration, or increased movement of the stent. Many patients notice it intermittently rather than constantly. However, heavy bleeding, urine that is thick with clots, or bleeding that is worsening rather than stable should be treated as a reason to seek immediate medical care rather than assumed to be routine stent-related hematuria.
How Common Is Flank Discomfort, and What Causes It?
Flank discomfort — pain or pressure felt in the side or lower back — is another frequently reported category of double J stent side effects, and it is generally attributed to a different mechanism than bladder-focused symptoms. During urination, some degree of urine reflux back up the stent toward the kidney can occur, which may create a transient pressure sensation on the affected side, sometimes described by patients as most noticeable during or immediately after voiding. Flank discomfort is commonly reported to vary with hydration and bladder fullness, and some patients notice it more during physical exertion. Persistent, severe, or worsening flank pain, especially when paired with fever or chills, should prompt contact with a physician promptly, since these can indicate infection or obstruction requiring evaluation.
Are There Other Less Common Side Effects to Be Aware Of?
Beyond the frequency, hematuria, and flank discomfort categories, patients sometimes report other stent-related experiences such as mild lower abdominal discomfort, occasional urinary leakage, or general awareness of the stent's presence during certain movements or positions. Stent material and design are among the factors that can influence the overall side-effect profile a patient experiences. The UroFlow Ureteral Stents from INVAMED, made from polyurethane (PUR) with an optional phosphorylcholine (PC) surface treatment, are described by the manufacturer as designed with an emphasis on patient comfort and minimal encrustation over the indwelling period. A qualified physician determines which stent is suitable for an individual's clinical circumstances. Readers can find more information on the UroFlow Ureteral Stents page and the broader urology and incontinence management category.
Do stent side effects get better over time?
Many patients report that urinary symptoms and discomfort are most noticeable in the first several days after placement and gradually become more tolerable as the body adjusts, though experiences vary by individual. Symptoms that worsen rather than stabilize or improve should be brought to the attention of a qualified physician.
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.