What Are Bladder Stones?
Your kidneys produce urine, a mixture of water and waste materials filtered out from your blood. A key component of this waste is urea, a substance composed of nitrogen and carbon. If it remains in the bladder for too long, crystals in urine may form. These crystals gradually solidify, forming bladder stones.
The medical term "lithiasis" describes the formation of stones within the urinary tract. These stones are solid masses of varying sizes, created by the crystallization of substances found in the urine, and can develop anywhere along the urinary system. The medical term for bladder stones is urolithiasis.
What Causes Bladder Stones?
Several factors can increase the likelihood of forming bladder stones, including:
An enlarged prostate
Men over the age of 50 are significantly more likely to develop bladder stones. This increased risk is often attributed to prostate enlargement, a common condition as men age.
The prostate is a gland that surrounds a portion of the urethra, the tube through which urine leaves the body. An enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH) can interrupt the flow of urine, leading to incomplete bladder emptying. Stagnant urine creates ideal conditions for minerals to crystallize and form stones.
Bladder-related health issues
Conditions that lead to residual urine in the bladder increase the risk of stone development, such as:
- Bladder diverticula — pouches in the bladder wall which can trap urine
- Urinary tract obstructions
Frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Infections can change the chemical composition of the urine, making it easier to form stones. Bacteria involved in UTIs can also contribute to the creation of struvite stones, a type of bladder stone that forms in response to bacterial infections which make the urine less acidic.
Kidney stones
Tiny kidney stones might move through the ureters into your bladder. If they are not expelled, they can develop into bladder stones.
Nerve damage
A neurogenic bladder is a condition where nerve damage affects normal bladder function, leading to urine storage and emptying difficulties. Conditions that affect bladder regulation include:
- Stroke
- Spinal cord injuries
- Herniated disks
- Parkinson's disease
- Diabetes
Urinary catheters
Mineral crystals can tend to form on the surfaces of catheters or other medical devices. Long-term use can lead to bladder stones due to the potential for bacteria to enter the bladder and the risk of urine retention.
What Are Bladder Stone Symptoms?
The presence and severity of symptoms often depend on the size and movement of the stones within the bladder. Though it's possible for there to be no symptoms at all, some common signs include:
- Painful urination
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty urinating or an interrupted urine flow
- Blood in the urine
- Cloudy or dark urine
How Are Bladder Stones Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of bladder stones includes a series of steps, beginning with a physical examination. A urinalysis is also conducted to look for the presence of blood, bacteria, or crystalline substances in the urine.
Imaging tests, such as CT scans, ultrasounds, or X-rays, may be used to get a clearer picture of the size and location of the stones.
Cystoscopy may also be performed, which enables the doctor to look directly inside the bladder using a scope for a more precise diagnosis.
How Are Bladder Stones Treated?
Treatment methods are aimed at removing or dissolving the stones and addressing the underlying conditions that led to their formation. The exact treatment often depends on stone size.
Small stones
Small bladder stones might pass naturally out of the urinary tract with the help of increased water intake. Drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, helps dilute the urine, allowing the stones to pass without causing much pain or blockage.
Larger stones
For stones that are too large to pass on their own or that cause pain, infection, or other complications, more direct treatment methods may be necessary.
Cystolitholapaxy
Cystolitholapaxy is a minimally invasive procedure preferred for treating bladder stones that are too large to pass naturally but not excessively large. Under anesthesia, a cystoscope is inserted through the urethra and specialized tools are used to break the stones into smaller pieces. The fragments are then flushed from the bladder.
The procedure generally allows for a quick recovery, with patients being advised to maintain a high fluid intake to help flush out the stone fragments after the procedure. Temporary discomfort or a burning sensation during urination may be felt.
Surgery
When cystolitholapaxy isn’t possible, or if stones are too difficult to break apart, a cystolithotomy may be performed. Here, an incision is made in the bladder through the abdomen to remove the stones directly.
No matter the treatment method, strategies for preventing future stone formation should be started. This may involve lifestyle adjustments, dietary changes, and treating underlying health issues contributing to stone development.
Preventing Bladder Stones
Empty your bladder completely
One of the most effective ways to prevent bladder stones is to ensure the bladder is fully emptied during urination. You can practice double voiding, which involves waiting a few moments after urinating and then trying to go again.
If you have a condition that makes complete emptying challenging, such as an enlarged prostate, consulting with your doctor for a targeted treatment may be helpful.
Increase your fluid Intake
Adequate fluid intake dilutes the urine, reducing the concentration of minerals that can crystallize and form stones. It also encourages more frequent urination, which can help flush out any crystals before they grow into larger stones.
Use bladder training
Bladder training exercises can improve bladder emptying. Techniques include scheduled voiding and pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the muscles involved in urination.
FAQs
Can diet influence the formation of bladder stones?
Yes, diet plays a role. A high intake of foods rich in oxalates, like spinach and beets, and a high sodium intake can contribute to bladder stones. Maintaining a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help.
Are bladder stones the same as kidney stones?
No, they are not the same. Bladder stones form in the bladder, while kidney stones form in the kidneys. However, kidney stones can travel down to the bladder and become bladder stones if not passed.
Can bladder stones be prevented?
Yes, to a degree. Regular urination, adequate hydration, and treating underlying bladder or urinary tract conditions can help prevent the formation of bladder stones.
Urology Center Of Iowa
Clinic Locations
Phone
515-400-3550
Fax
515-400-3551
Address
12129 University Ave, Clive, IA 50325
Need A Urologist?
Contact us at one of our locations to schedule an appointment.