A sexually transmitted disease is an infection passed from one person to another through sexual contact, including vaginal, anal, or oral sex. Some can also spread through blood or from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding.

What are the most common STDs?

The most common STDs include chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, genital herpes, hepatitis B and C, and HIV/AIDS.

What symptoms should I look for?

Possible symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, unusual genital discharge, sores, blisters, or rash in the genital area, lower abdominal or pelvic pain, and fever or fatigue. Many STDs can be present without symptoms.

How are STDs diagnosed?

Diagnosis may involve blood tests, urine tests, or swabs from the genital area or throat.

Some STDs, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, can be cured with antibiotics. Others, like herpes and HIV, cannot be cured but can be managed effectively with medication.

How can I prevent an STD?

Prevention steps include using condoms every time you have sex, getting regular STD screenings, having a mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner, and avoiding needle sharing.

What should I do if I think I have an STD?

Seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment protect your health and help prevent spreading the infection to others.

Kidney Stones

Updated: Jul 8

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

Kidney stones are a common urological condition that can cause intense pain and discomfort. At our clinic, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney stones, using the latest minimally invasive techniques. Learn how to recognize the symptoms, understand the causes, and discover how to prevent kidney stones from coming back.

What Are Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside the kidneys. They can vary in size and may affect one or both kidneys. When they move into the urinary tract, they can block the flow of urine and cause severe pain.

What Causes Kidney Stones?

Kidney stones form when urine becomes concentrated and substances like calcium, oxalate, or uric acid crystallize. Several factors increase the risk of developing kidney stones:

Low fluid intake (dehydration)
Diet high in salt, sugar, or animal protein
Obesity
Family history of kidney stones
Certain medical conditions like urinary tract infections or gout

Common Kidney Stone Symptoms

Recognizing the symptoms of kidney stones early can lead to faster and less invasive treatment. Common symptoms include:

Sharp, cramping pain in the back or side (renal colic)
Pain that radiates to the lower abdomen or groin
Painful or frequent urination
Blood in the urine (hematuria)
Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
Nausea and vomiting

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, contact a urologist near you as soon as possible.

Kidney Stone Diagnosis

We use advanced imaging and lab tests to diagnose kidney stones quickly and accurately:

Ultrasound or CT scan to detect stone size and location
Urinalysis and blood tests to check for infection and metabolic risk factors

Kidney Stone Treatment Options

At our clinic, we offer personalized kidney stone treatment plans depending on the type, size, and location of the stone:

Conservative management: Small stones can often be passed naturally with increased hydration and pain relief.
Medications: To ease pain or relax the ureters, making it easier for the stone to pass.
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL): Non-invasive treatment using sound waves to break stones into smaller pieces.
Ureteroscopy with laser lithotripsy: A thin scope is used to locate and fragment the stone with a laser.
Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: Surgical removal for large or complex stones.

How to Prevent Kidney Stones

After treatment, our goal is to help you prevent kidney stones from forming again. Prevention strategies include:

Drinking at least 2–3 liters of water per day
Reducing salt and animal protein in your diet
Limiting foods high in oxalates (e.g., spinach, nuts, chocolate)
Staying physically active and maintaining a healthy weight
Following individualized medical or dietary advice from your urologist

When to See a Urologist for Kidney Stones

If you have kidney stone symptoms or a history of stones, early evaluation can prevent complications. At Zhordania Medical Center, our experienced urology team provides advanced diagnostic tools and modern treatment options for kidney stones in Tbilisi, Georgia.

📞 Call us today at +995598257727 or book an appointment online to start your recovery.