Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsCausesTypes of StonesSymptomsDiagnosisHow to Pass a StoneComplicationsTreatmentsRisk FactorsPrevention
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Causes
Types of Stones
Symptoms
Diagnosis
How to Pass a Stone
Complications
Treatments
Risk Factors
Prevention
Bladder stones—also known as bladder calculi,vesical calculi, or cystoliths—are hardened mineral deposits that form when your urine becomes concentrated, often because thebladderdoesn’t fully empty.
Bladder stones do not always cause symptoms when they are passed, but larger ones can cause often extreme lower abdominal and back pain, painful urination, andblood in the urine.
Treatment isn’t always needed, but some cases require a laser or ultrasonic device that can break up the stone so that it is easily passed in the urine. Very large stones may requireopen surgery. Without treatment, severe cases can lead to infection or bladder damage.
This article covers what you need to know about bladder stones, including their causes and symptoms and how they are diagnosed, treated, and prevented.
Justin Paget / Getty Images
What Causes Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones usually develop when you cannot completely empty your bladder of urine. When this happens, minerals and other compounds in urine can start to stick together and form crystals. Over time, the crystals can enlarge and harden into stones (calculi).
Common causes of bladder stones include:
Bladder Pain
Types of Bladder Stones
Examples include:
Bladder Stone Symptoms
Bladder stones don’t always cause symptoms. Sometimes a person won’t even know they’ve passed one until they see the stone in the toilet after they urinate.
When symptoms occur, they may include:
Certain bladder stones, such as struvite stones, are associated with UTIs. In such cases, there may also be fever with chills, nausea or vomiting,flank pain, and cloudy, foul-smelling urine,
When to Seek Emergency CareCall 911 or have someone rush you to the nearest emergency room if you have:Excruciating pain in the abdomen, groin, genitals, or sideHigh fever with shaking chillsSevere nausea or vomitingThe inability to pee
When to Seek Emergency Care
Call 911 or have someone rush you to the nearest emergency room if you have:Excruciating pain in the abdomen, groin, genitals, or sideHigh fever with shaking chillsSevere nausea or vomitingThe inability to pee
Call 911 or have someone rush you to the nearest emergency room if you have:
Do I Have a Bladder Infection?
How Are Bladder Stones Diagnosed?
Adigital rectal exam (DRE)may be used in a person with a penis to check for an enlarged prostate, while apelvic exammay be used in a person with a vagina to check for bladder prolapse.
Based on the initial findings, other tests or procedures may be ordered, including:
How Do You Get Rid of Bladder Stones?
How Long Does It Take to Pass a Bladder Stone?Bladder stones usually pass faster than kidney stones because they are farther down in theurinary system. Expect smaller stones to pass on their own within two to three days and possibly longer if you are older and have an enlarged prostate or other conditions that obstruct the normal flow of urine.
How Long Does It Take to Pass a Bladder Stone?
Bladder stones usually pass faster than kidney stones because they are farther down in theurinary system. Expect smaller stones to pass on their own within two to three days and possibly longer if you are older and have an enlarged prostate or other conditions that obstruct the normal flow of urine.
4 Stages of Passing a Stone
What Happens If the Stone Won’t Pass?
If a bladder stone does pass and gets “stuck,” the buildup of urine behind the blockage can exert extreme pressure on the bladder and adjacent structures. In some cases, the bladder can become permanently damaged.
Possible complications of an untreated, severe bladder stone include:
Other Treatment Options
If a bladder stone is large or does not pass on its own after several days, your urologist (specialist in conditions of the urinary tract) may recommend treatments to either break up the stone or physically remove it. Other indications for treatment include extreme pain, bleeding, the onset of a UTI, and the risk of development of kidney failure.
Treatment options include:
How Stones Are Surgically Removed
Who’s Likely to Get Bladder Stones?
Certain people are at greater risk of bladder stones than others. Common factors contributing to bladder stones include:
Can I Prevent Bladder Stones?
Tips for Keeping Your Urinary Tract Healthy
Summary
Bladder stones are hardened clumps of minerals that usually form when the bladder doesn’t empty as it should. Causes of this include an enlarged prostate, bladder obstruction, bladder prolapse, and neurogenic bladder. Chronic dehydration, a high-purine diet, and long-term catheter use can also contribute.
Bladder stones don’t always cause symptoms. Larger ones can lead to extreme lower abdominal and back pain, frequent urination, painful urination, and blood in the urine.
Bladder stones can be diagnosed with urine tests and imaging studies and may or may not require treatment. If a stone cannot be passed on its own, specialist procedures or surgeries may be used to break up the stone or remove it physically.
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