What Are Bladder Stones?

• Hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder
• Often develop when urine becomes concentrated
• Can vary in size from tiny to large
• May occur singly or in multiples

What Causes Bladder Stones?

• Incomplete emptying of the bladder
• Enlarged prostate in men (BPH)
• Bladder infections
• Foreign objects in the bladder (e.g. catheters)
• Neurogenic bladder (nerve damage affecting urination)
• Kidney stones that migrate to the bladder

What Are the Symptoms?

• Frequent urination
• Pain or burning during urination
• Lower abdominal pain
• Cloudy or dark urine
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Difficulty urinating or interrupted urine stream

How Are Bladder Stones Diagnosed?

• Urinalysis to detect blood, infection, or crystals
• X-ray or CT scan for clear visualization of stones
• Ultrasound of the bladder
• Cystoscopy (a scope to look inside the bladder)

What Is the Treatment?

• Drinking more water to flush small stones (if possible)
• Cystolitholapaxy – breaking up and removing stones with a scope
• Surgery for large or multiple stones
• Treating underlying causes like BPH or infections

What Are the Risk Factors?

• Male gender
• Age over 50
• Bladder outlet obstruction (e.g., BPH)
• Neurogenic bladder
• Use of catheters
• History of kidney stones

Can Bladder Stones Be Prevented?

• Stay well hydrated
• Prompt treatment of bladder infections
• Manage BPH or other urinary conditions
• Avoid holding urine for long periods
• Regular medical checkups if at risk

When to See a Doctor?

• Painful or difficult urination
• Blood in the urine
• Frequent UTIs or bladder discomfort
• Known urinary retention or incomplete bladder emptying