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Bladder stones

Stones - bladder; Urinary tract stones; Bladder calculi

 

Bladder stones are hard buildups of minerals. These form in the urinary bladder.

Causes

 

Bladder stones are most often caused by another urinary system problem, such as:

  • Bladder diverticulum
  • Blockage at the base of the bladder
  • Enlarged prostate (BPH)
  • Neurogenic bladder
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Incomplete emptying of bladder

Almost all bladder stones occur in men. Bladder stones are much less common than kidney stones .

Bladder stones may occur when urine in the bladder is concentrated. Materials in the urine form crystals. These may also result from foreign objects in the bladder.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms occur when the stone irritates the lining of the bladder. The stones may also block the flow of urine from the bladder.

Symptoms can include:

  • Abdominal pain , pressure
  • Abnormally colored or dark-colored urine
  • Blood in the urine
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Frequent urge to urinate
  • Inability to urinate except in certain positions
  • Interruption of the urine stream
  • Pain, discomfort in the penis
  • Signs of UTI (such as fever, pain when urinating, and need to urinate often)

Loss of urine control may also occur with bladder stones.

 

Exams and Tests

 

The health care provider will perform a physical exam. This will also include a rectal exam. The exam may reveal an enlarged prostate or other problems.

The following tests may be done:

  • Bladder or pelvic x-ray
  • Cystoscopy
  • Urinalysis
  • Urine culture (clean catch)

 

Treatment

 

You may be able to help small stones pass on their own. Drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water or more per day will increase urination.

Your provider may remove stones that do not pass using a cystoscope . A small telescope will be passed through the urethra into the bladder to remove the stones.

Some stones may need to be removed using open surgery.

Drugs are rarely used to dissolve the stones.

Causes of bladder stones should be treated. Most commonly, bladder stones are seen with BPH or blockage at the base of the bladder. You may need surgery to remove the inside part of the prostate or to repair the bladder.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Most bladder stones pass on their own or can be removed. They do not cause permanent damage to the bladder. They may come back if the cause is not corrected.

Left untreated, stones may cause repeated UTI. This can also cause permanent damage to the bladder or kidneys.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call your provider if you have symptoms of bladder stones.

 

Prevention

 

Prompt treatment of UTI or other urinary tract conditions may help prevent bladder stones.

 

 

Open References

References

Benway BM, Bhayani SB. Lower urinary tract calculi. In: Wein AJ, Kavoussi LR, Partin AW, Peters CA, eds. Campbell-Walsh Urology . 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 55.

Sharma R, Dill CE, Gelman DY. Urinary bladder calculi. J Emerg Med . 2011;41(2):185-186. PMID: 19345546. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19345546 .

 
  • Female urinary tract

    Female urinary tract - illustration

    The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

    Female urinary tract

    illustration

  • Male urinary tract

    Male urinary tract - illustration

    The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

    Male urinary tract

    illustration

    • Female urinary tract

      Female urinary tract - illustration

      The female and male urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

      Female urinary tract

      illustration

    • Male urinary tract

      Male urinary tract - illustration

      The male and female urinary tracts are relatively the same except for the length of the urethra.

      Male urinary tract

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Talking to your MD

       

        Self Care

         

        Tests for Bladder stones

         
         

        Review Date: 5/23/2016

        Reviewed By: Jennifer Sobol, DO, urologist with the Michigan Institute of Urology, West Bloomfield, MI. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

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