There is often no easy answer to this and there is not usually one single factor. Stones are common and are estimated to affect in 1in 10 people. Men are a little more likely to form stones than women. If you have had one stone, you are at risk of developing a further stone in the future.
Sometimes stones run in families and a very small number of families will have a specific genetic conditions (<1%.) For most people “stones running in their family” is related to lots of factors including lifestyle and diet.
If your kidney does not drain well or if you have certain medical conditions you may be more prone to forming them. Your doctor will let you know if you have any of these medical conditions or drainage problems
We do see more patients after a spell of hot weather or holidays abroad as stones are more likely to occur if you are dehydrated and your urine becomes very concentrated.
Kidney stones are not related to gallstones though we are often asked if they are related.
