Women are at a higher risk of developing gallstones, which are small, hard pieces formed in the gallbladder from cholesterol or bilirubin. Symptoms include upper right abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and indigestion, with treatment options ranging from surgery to focused shock wave therapy. Recovery is typically faster with minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery compared to open surgery, and living without a gallbladder can still support healthy digestion.