What Are Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones are hard masses of minerals that form in the urinary bladder when urine becomes concentrated and minerals crystallize. These stones can vary in size from small grains to several centimeters in diameter.
Common Causes
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Urinary tract infections
- Foreign objects in the bladder
- Enlarged prostate (in men)
- Neurogenic bladder
- Kidney stones that travel to the bladder
Risk Factors
- Male gender (more common in men)
- Age over 50
- Bladder outlet obstruction
- Poor bladder emptying
- Chronic urinary tract infections
- Catheter use
Symptoms
Common Signs
- Lower abdominal pain
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination
- Blood in urine
- Interrupted urine flow
- Cloudy or dark-colored urine
Emergency Symptoms
- Complete inability to urinate
- Severe abdominal pain
- High fever with chills
Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Urinalysis
- Imaging tests (X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan)
- Cystoscopy
Treatment Options
Conservative Management
- Increased fluid intake
- Pain management
- Antibiotics (if infection present)
Medical Procedures
-
Cystolitholapaxy
- Breaking stones with laser or ultrasound
- Removing fragments through the urethra
-
Open Surgery
- Reserved for large stones
- Required in complex cases
Prevention
- Stay well-hydrated
- Empty bladder completely
- Treat underlying conditions
- Regular medical check-ups
- Proper hygiene
When to Seek Medical Care
- Painful urination
- Blood in urine
- Difficulty urinating
- Lower abdominal pain
- Recurring urinary tract infections
Complications if Untreated
- Chronic bladder dysfunction
- Urinary tract infections
- Kidney damage
- Bladder damage