Bladder Stones – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Bladder stones form when minerals in urine harden into solid masses. These stones develop most often in people who cannot empty their bladder completely.
While small stones might pass on their own, larger ones often need treatment.
Several treatment options exist for bladder stones:
- Medication: Certain drugs can help break down smaller stones.
- Hydration Therapy: Drinking more water helps flush out tiny stones.
- Surgical Removal: For larger stones that won’t pass naturally.
- Cystoscopy: A procedure using a thin tube with a camera to view or remove stones.
If left untreated, bladder stones can cause infections, bleeding, and painful urination.
Signs of Bladder Stones
Bladder stones may sometimes exist without causing any symptoms, even when they are large. However, when these stones irritate the bladder wall or block urine flow, several symptoms can appear:
- Pain in the lower abdomen
- Burning sensation during urination
- Needing to urinate more often than usual
- Trouble emptying the bladder completely
- Blood appearing in urine
- Urine that looks cloudy or darker than normal
These symptoms might vary in intensity based on the stone’s size and location within the bladder.
Why Bladder Stones Form
How Men’s Urinary System Is Affected
In men, the urinary system works to remove waste through urine. This system includes the kidneys, which filter blood and make urine. The urine travels through tubes called ureters to reach the bladder.
Men face unique risks for bladder stones. An enlarged prostate gland is one of the most common causes. This condition, called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), blocks urine flow.
When the bladder can’t empty fully, urine sits in the bladder longer than normal. This allows minerals in the urine to form crystals that grow into stones.
The male urethra is longer than in females and passes through the prostate gland. This makes men more likely to experience blockages that prevent complete bladder emptying.
Common causes in men include:
- Enlarged prostate
- Urethral strictures (narrowing)
- Previous prostate surgeries
- Nerve damage affecting bladder function
How Women’s Urinary System Is Affected
Women’s urinary systems function similarly to men’s. The kidneys filter waste, sending urine through the ureters to the bladder. The female urethra is shorter than that in males.
Women are less likely to develop bladder stones than men. However, certain factors can increase their risk. Urinary tract infections occur more frequently in women and can contribute to stone formation. The minerals in the urine can crystallize around bacteria.
Women may develop bladder stones due to:
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Pelvic organ prolapse
- Bladder diverticula (pouches)
- Neurological conditions affecting bladder function
Factors affecting both men and women include:
| Cause | How it leads to stones |
|---|---|
| Incomplete bladder emptying | Urine becomes concentrated, and minerals crystallize |
| Nerve damage | Prevents normal bladder function, leading to urine retention |
| Foreign objects | Provide surfaces for crystals to form on |
| Kidney stones | Small kidney stones may travel to the bladder and grow larger |
| Inflammation | Changes urine chemistry and promotes crystal formation |
Medical devices like catheters can act as starting points for stone formation in both men and women. The catheter surface gives minerals a place to stick and grow.
Some people develop bladder stones after pelvic radiation treatment or surgery. These treatments can change how the bladder works and lead to incomplete emptying.
Those with nerve damage from conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, or spinal cord injuries often cannot empty their bladders completely. This neurogenic bladder increases the risk of stone formation.
Risk Factors
Men, particularly those aged over 50, face a higher risk of developing bladder stones.
Several health conditions can increase the chance of stone formation:
- Urinary Blockage: Any condition that prevents urine from flowing normally out of the bladder can lead to stone formation. Enlarged prostate is the most common cause of such blockages.
- Nerve Damage: Conditions that affect nerve function controlling the bladder raise stone risk. These include stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and herniated disks.
People who have both nerve damage and a blockage face an even higher risk of developing bladder stones.
Complications
Bladder stones that remain in the body can cause several problems, even when they don’t create noticeable symptoms.
Long-term bladder issues may develop if stones aren’t treated. These include:
- Ongoing pain during urination
- Frequent need to urinate
- Blockage of urine flow when stones lodge in the bladder opening
Recurring infections in the urinary tract frequently happen because of untreated bladder stones. Bacteria can grow around the stones, making infections harder to clear up completely.
Ways to Prevent Bladder Stones
You can take steps to lower your risk of bladder stones. Even though they often result from conditions that are difficult to prevent, here are some helpful prevention strategies:
Watch for warning signs in your urinary habits. If you notice anything unusual when you urinate, tell your doctor right away. Getting early treatment for prostate enlargement or other urinary problems can reduce your risk of developing stones.
Stay hydrated throughout the day. Drinking enough water helps dilute the minerals in your bladder that could form stones. The amount of water you need varies based on your:
- Age
- Body size
- Health conditions
- Activity level
Talk to your healthcare provider about how much fluid is right for your specific needs.
