Where in Your Body Is Your Kidneys

The kidneys are two bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located just below the rib cage, one on each side of your spine. Healthy kidneys filter about a half cup of blood every minute, removing wastes and extra water to make urine.

How do you know if something is wrong with your kidneys?

If you feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, this can be a sign of kidney disease. When the kidneys filters are damaged, it can cause an increase in the urge to urinate. Sometimes this can also be a sign of a urinary infection or enlarged prostate in men. You see blood in your urine.

What does it mean if your kidneys are hurting?

Kidney pain is felt in the sides or back. It is often mistaken for back pain. Kidney pain can be caused by kidney stones, urinary tract infection, kidney infection, an injury or kidney cancer.