Bladder Stones: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment
حصى المثانة
Bladder stones are mineral deposits that often form when the bladder does not empty well. They may cause pain, blood in urine or recurrent infections. Care addresses both the stone and its underlying cause.
What is Bladder Stones?
They differ from kidney stones, although a small stone can travel from a kidney into the bladder. Size, symptoms, obstruction and infection guide care; drinking water alone cannot solve every case.
Related reading: Assessment of blood in urine.
Symptoms
Burning, frequency, lower abdominal pain, interrupted flow or blood may occur, sometimes with no symptoms. Similarity to infection or prostate symptoms makes examination important.
Causes
Retained or concentrated urine can crystallize. Prostate enlargement, neurological bladder dysfunction or a foreign object such as a catheter may contribute, alongside other factors identified during assessment.
Risk factors
Bladder outlet obstruction, enlarged prostate, neurogenic bladder and long-term catheters increase risk. A catheter does not mean all pain is from stones; infection and other causes need consideration.
Diagnosis
Assessment uses urine tests and checks emptying, sometimes with ultrasound, CT or cystoscopy. Analysis of a removed stone can help explain its composition.
Treatment
Stones can be fragmented and removed endoscopically, while some require another surgical approach. Infection and poor emptying are addressed when present. Antibiotics do not remove the stone itself.
Complications
Recurrent infections, obstruction, irritation and bleeding can occur. Stones may return if their cause persists, making follow-up of bladder emptying part of treatment.
Prevention
Drink an amount appropriate to your health and investigate difficult urination or repeated infections. Treating obstruction or bladder dysfunction reduces recurrence. Do not force large fluid volumes if medically restricted.
When to see a doctor
Seek care for blood, recurring pain or difficulty urinating. Complete inability to urinate or severe pain with fever or chills requires emergency assessment rather than waiting for spontaneous passage.