Can You Swim with a Ureteral Stent? Dive Into the Facts

Ureteral stents are small, hollow, flexible tubes that are placed inside the ureter to help urine flow from the kidney to the bladder. These stents are often used as part of the treatment for conditions such as kidney stones, tumors, or strictures. If you have a ureteral stent in place, you may be wondering whether it is safe to swim. In this article, we will dive into the facts and answer some of the most common questions about swimming with a ureteral stent.

Before we get into the specifics of swimming with a stent, let’s first talk about what a ureteral stent is and why it might be needed.

A ureteral stent is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the ureter to help urine pass from the kidney to the bladder. The ureter is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, and if it becomes blocked, urine can back up into the kidney, causing pain and other complications. A stent can help keep the ureter open and allow urine to flow freely.

Ureteral stents are usually made of silicone or polyurethane and come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Some stents are long and straight, while others are curved or J-shaped. The stent is inserted through the urethra, up the bladder, and into the ureter under the guidance of a cystoscope or fluoroscope.

There are several reasons why a ureteral stent might be needed. The most common reasons include:

• Passing kidney stones: A ureteral stent may be placed after kidney stone removal to help prevent blockage and promote healing.
• Tumor or growth: A stent may be used to help keep the ureter open if a tumor or other growth is blocking the flow of urine.
• Stricture: A ureteral stricture is a narrowing of the ureter that can occur due to scar tissue or other factors. A stent can help keep the ureter open and promote healing.

Your doctor will determine whether a ureteral stent is necessary based on your individual condition and symptoms.

Many people wonder whether it is safe to swim with a ureteral stent. The short answer is that it depends on a few factors, including:

• The reason for the stent: If you have a ureteral stent because of a recent kidney stone removal, your doctor may advise you to avoid swimming for a few days or until the stent is removed to help prevent infection.
• The type of water: Swimming in a pool or well-maintained body of water is generally considered safe with a ureteral stent. However, swimming in natural bodies of water, such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean, may increase your risk of infection.
• Your individual situation: Your doctor may advise against swimming if you have a history of infections, are immunocompromised, or have other health problems that may increase your risk of complications.

Overall, if you have a ureteral stent in place, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether swimming is safe for you.

If you and your doctor agree that it is safe for you to swim with a ureteral stent, there are a few precautions you can take to help reduce your risk of complications:

• Check the water quality: If you are swimming in a natural body of water, check the water quality before getting in. Avoid swimming in water that is contaminated or has high levels of bacteria.
• Shower before and after swimming: Showering before and after swimming can help wash away any bacteria on your skin and reduce your risk of infection.
• Avoid swimming for extended periods: Prolonged exposure to water can increase your risk of infection. Try to limit your swimming time to 30 minutes or less.
• Avoid submerging your head: Submerging your head in the water can increase your risk of infection. Consider wearing a swim cap or avoiding deep dives.

Remember, if you experience any pain or discomfort while swimming with a ureteral stent, stop and consult your doctor immediately.

In some cases, it may not be safe to swim with a ureteral stent. Your doctor may advise against swimming if:

• You have a history of infections
• You are immunocompromised
• You have other health problems that may increase your risk of complications
• You are still recovering from surgery
• You have a fever, chills, or other signs of infection

If your doctor advises against swimming, it is important to follow their recommendations to ensure a safe and healthy recovery.

If you experience any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms while swimming with a ureteral stent, stop swimming and contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms to watch for include:

• Pain or discomfort in your side, back, or groin
• Blood in your urine
• Difficulty urinating
• Fever, chills, or other signs of infection

Your doctor can evaluate your symptoms and determine whether any further treatment or testing is needed.

After swimming with a ureteral stent, it is important to take care of yourself to help reduce your risk of complications. Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Shower after swimming to wash away any bacteria on your skin
• Drink plenty of fluids to help flush out your urinary system
• Monitor your symptoms for any signs of infection or other complications
• Follow your doctor’s recommendations for caring for your stent

If you experience any pain, discomfort, or other symptoms after swimming with a ureteral stent, contact your doctor immediately.

In summary, swimming with a ureteral stent can be safe in certain circumstances. However, it is important to talk to your doctor about whether swimming is safe for you based on your individual situation. If you do decide to swim with a stent, be sure to take precautions to reduce your risk of complications and monitor your symptoms for any signs of infection or other issues.

Can I swim with a ureteral stent?

Swimming with a ureteral stent can be safe in certain circumstances. Talk to your doctor about whether swimming is safe for you based on your individual situation.

What precautions should I take when swimming with a ureteral stent?

• Check water quality
• Shower before and after swimming
• Avoid swimming for extended periods
• Avoid submerging your head

What should I do if I experience pain or discomfort while swimming with a ureteral stent?

Stop swimming and contact your doctor immediately. Symptoms to watch for include pain, blood in urine, difficulty urinating, fever, chills, or other signs of infection.

1. Urology Care Foundation. Urinary Tract Infections in Adults. Accessed October 19, 2021.

2. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Ureteral Stenting. Accessed October 19, 2021.

3. American Urological Association. Ureteral Stent. Accessed October 19, 2021.