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Key points
- Bladder stones are hard clumps formed when urine minerals stick together, often due to insufficient fluid in the bladder.
- Symptoms of bladder stones include lower abdominal pain, painful or frequent urination, and cloudy or dark-colored urine.
- Causes of bladder stones include prostate gland enlargement, nerve damage, bladder inflammation, medical devices, kidney stones, and dehydration.
- Treatment options for bladder stones include cystolitholapaxy, surgery, natural methods, and laser lithotripsy, depending on the stone size and patient's health.
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Bladder stones are hard, pebble-like clumps that form when minerals in the urine start to stick together. They can be a real pain, with the most common symptom being a nagging abdominal ache that just won’t go away. Besides the discomfort in your belly, these stones can also make peeing difficult or even painful. In this article, we’ll explore what causes bladder stones, the signs you should watch out for, and the treatment options that can help bring relief.
What are bladder stones?
Bladder stones are hard clumps that form when minerals in your urine stick together over time, according to MedlinePlus. They explain that bladder stones can range in size from tiny grains to larger pieces that cause real discomfort. Often, these stones develop when there isn’t enough fluid in the bladder to dissolve the minerals properly, leading to buildup and eventually forming a stone. The most common sign is a nagging pain in the abdomen, but it can also make it hard or painful to pee.
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Symptoms for stones in the bladder
Sometimes, bladder stones don’t cause any problems at all, making them hard to detect. However, for many people, these tiny clumps can lead to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Below are some signs to look out for so you can know when it might be time to get checked out. Here are some common symptoms:
- Lower abdominal pain
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy or unusually dark-colored urine
What causes bladder stones?
Bladder stones can develop when the conditions in your bladder make it easier for minerals to clump together. Understanding what leads to these stones can help you see why they sometimes form. Various health issues and even some medical devices can create the perfect environment for these hard clumps to develop. Here are some common causes, according to MedlinePlus:
- Prostate gland enlargement: In men, an enlarged prostate can block urine flow, causing minerals to build up and stick together.
- Damaged nerves: Nerve damage from conditions like diabetes or spinal injuries may prevent the bladder from emptying completely, increasing the chance of stone formation.
- Bladder inflammation: Infections or ongoing irritation in the bladder can change the urine’s makeup, which may lead to stones.
- Medical devices: Devices such as catheters can sometimes irritate the bladder lining or introduce bacteria, creating conditions that favor stone development.
- Kidney stones: Pieces of kidney stones can travel down into the bladder and become the core for new stone growth.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water means less urine to flush out minerals, allowing them to concentrate and form stones.
How are bladder stones diagnosed?
When you visit your doctor with concerns about bladder stones, they will likely perform several tests to figure out what’s causing your symptoms. These exams help confirm the presence of stones and rule out other issues. Some common tests your doctor might use include:
- Cystoscopy: A thin tube with a light and camera is inserted into the bladder, allowing your doctor to see any stones or other abnormalities up close.
- Imaging Tests: Techniques like X-rays, ultrasounds or CT scans are used to create detailed pictures of your bladder, which can help identify stones and their size.
- Urine Test: By analyzing a urine sample, doctors can look for signs of infection, blood or mineral imbalances that might indicate the presence of stones.
Treatment for bladder stones
When it comes to treating bladder stones, there are several options available based on the size of the stones, your overall health and the level of discomfort you're experiencing. According to MedlinePlus, some treatments focus on breaking up or removing the stones, while in other cases, simple lifestyle changes might help the stones pass naturally. Common treatment options include:
- Cystolitholapaxy: A minimally invasive procedure where a small tube with a camera is used to break up and remove the stones from your bladder.
- Surgery: In cases where the stones are too large or complicated to remove with less invasive methods, surgery may be needed to extract them safely.
- Natural Methods: For smaller stones, increasing your water intake and making dietary adjustments can sometimes help pass the stones on their own.
- Laser Lithotripsy: This technique uses laser energy to break the stones into smaller pieces that can be easily passed through the urinary tract.
Complications of having stones in the bladder
Bladder stones can lead to more than just discomfort—they can sometimes cause additional health issues if not properly managed. These complications might affect the bladder and overall urinary system, making everyday activities more challenging. Below are some of the potential complications that can arise from having bladder stones, according to MedlinePlus:
- Chronic Bladder Problems: Over time, bladder stones can irritate and damage the bladder lining, leading to long-term issues like reduced bladder capacity or difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Stones can create a breeding ground for bacteria, making infections more likely. These infections can cause pain during urination and may spread if not treated promptly.
- Recurrent Stone Formation: If the underlying issues aren't addressed, the conditions that allow stones to form can persist, leading to repeated episodes of stone formation and ongoing discomfort.
When to see a doctor for bladder stones
If you notice symptoms like persistent lower abdominal pain, blood in your urine, or trouble peeing, it’s a good idea to see your doctor. MedlinePlus explains that early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the stones from getting bigger or causing more serious problems, so scheduling an appointment as soon as you start experiencing discomfort is key.
However, there are times when a visit to the emergency room is necessary. If you experience severe pain that won’t go away, a high fever, chills or an inability to pass any urine, these could be signs of a serious infection or blockage, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
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FAQs
What are bladder stones and what causes them?
Bladder stones are hard clumps that form when minerals in the urine stick together. They often develop when there isn't enough fluid in the bladder to dissolve the minerals properly, leading to a buildup that eventually forms a stone. Factors that can contribute to their formation include prostate gland enlargement, nerve damage, bladder inflammation, the use of certain medical devices, kidney stones, and dehydration.
What are the symptoms of bladder stones?
Symptoms of bladder stones can include lower abdominal pain, pain during urination, frequent urination, blood in the urine, and cloudy or unusually dark-colored urine. However, sometimes bladder stones don't cause any symptoms, which can make them hard to detect.
How are bladder stones diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests to diagnose bladder stones. These can include a cystoscopy, where a thin tube with a light and camera is inserted into the bladder to view any stones or other abnormalities; imaging tests like X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans to create detailed pictures of the bladder; and urine tests to look for signs of infection, blood, or mineral imbalances that might indicate the presence of stones.
What are the treatment options for bladder stones?
Treatment options for bladder stones can depend on the size of the stones, the patient's overall health, and the level of discomfort being experienced. Treatments can include a cystolitholapaxy, which is a minimally invasive procedure to break up and remove the stones; surgery for larger or more complicated stones; natural methods like increasing water intake and making dietary adjustments; and laser lithotripsy, which uses laser energy to break the stones into smaller pieces that can be easily passed.
When should I see a doctor for bladder stones?
If you notice symptoms like persistent lower abdominal pain, blood in your urine, or trouble peeing, it's a good idea to see your doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent the stones from getting bigger or causing more serious problems. However, if you experience severe pain that won't go away, a high fever, chills, or an inability to pass any urine, these could be signs of a serious infection or blockage, and you should seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Linda Halbrook is a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician with over 40 years of experience, dedicated to providing comprehensive care to patients across Texas. She retired from practice but currently serves on the Clinical Services Committee of CommonGood Medical, a non-profit organization serving the uninsured in Collin County.
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Sources
2 sources
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
- Bladder Stones. (February 5, 2025)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001275.htm
- Kidney Stones. (February 5, 2025)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000458.htm
2 sources
Solv has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references.
- Bladder Stones. (February 5, 2025)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001275.htm
- Kidney Stones. (February 5, 2025)
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000458.htm
