Medical Expulsive Therapy: What It Is and How It Helps with Kidney Stones
When a kidney stone moves into the ureter, it can cause intense pain and block urine flow. Medical expulsive therapy, a non-surgical approach that uses medication to help pass small kidney stones naturally. Also known as MET, it’s a common first step for stones under 10mm that aren’t stuck or causing infection. Instead of rushing to surgery, doctors often start with MET to let the body do the work—with a little help.
This therapy mostly relies on alpha blockers, medications that relax the muscles in the ureter, making it easier for stones to pass. Tamsulosin is the most used drug here, but others like doxazosin and terazosin also show results. Studies show MET can double the chance of passing a stone within two weeks compared to just waiting it out. It’s not magic, but it’s science that works for many. You won’t feel the stone dissolve—it still has to travel out on its own. But with these drugs, the journey gets smoother, faster, and less painful.
Who benefits most? People with small stones (4–6mm), no signs of infection, and no major blockage. It’s not for everyone. If the stone is too big, stuck, or you have a history of kidney problems, other options like shock wave therapy or ureteroscopy might be needed. MET is low-risk, with mild side effects like dizziness or low blood pressure—especially if you’re already on blood pressure meds. That’s why it’s always done under a doctor’s watch.
You’ll find real-world cases in the posts below: how tamsulosin helped someone pass a stone in days, why some people still need surgery despite MET, and how lifestyle changes like water intake and walking can boost success rates. You’ll also see how drugs like terazosin—often used for prostate issues—can double as stone helpers, and what happens when MET doesn’t work. This isn’t theory. It’s what patients and doctors are doing right now.
Learn how tamsulosin works for kidney stones, its benefits, risks, dosage, and when to use it as medical expulsive therapy.
Oct, 24 2025