Bladder stones

Overview

Bladder stones are hard, solid lumps that form inside your bladder when minerals in your urine clump together. Think of them like pebbles that can develop if you don't empty your bladder fully or if your urine becomes very concentrated.

Bladder stones are less common than kidney stones. They affect a small number of people, mainly those with specific problems with their urinary system.

Bladder stones occur more often in men over 50, especially those with an enlarged prostate gland. They can also affect people with nerve damage that affects bladder control or those who use a urinary catheter.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain or discomfort in your lower belly or groin area
• Trouble starting to urinate or a weak stream of urine
• Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
• Blood in your urine, which may look pink, red, or brown
• Pain or burning when you urinate

Symptoms in children

• Children may show signs like straining to pee, crying when urinating, or wetting the bed after being dry
• They might also hold their belly or seem uncomfortable
• Frequent urinary tract infections can be a clue

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults may have confusion or sudden changes in behaviour due to discomfort
• They might not complain about pain but show signs like loss of appetite or falls
• Urinary tract infections that keep coming back are common

Causes

Main causes

• Urine that stays in your bladder too long, becoming concentrated – this allows minerals to crystallize and form stones
• Not emptying your bladder fully (urinary retention) – common with an enlarged prostate, nerve problems, or a weak bladder muscle
• A urinary tract infection that changes the acid balance of your urine
• Dehydration, which makes urine more concentrated

Risk factors

• Having an enlarged prostate (in men)
• Nerve damage from conditions like spinal cord injury or diabetes
• Using a urinary catheter for a long time
• Previous bladder surgery or a bladder diverticulum (a pouch in the bladder wall)
• Drinking too little water every day
• Eating a diet high in salt or oxalate-rich foods, such as spinach and nuts

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You cannot urinate at all – go to an emergency room or call your local emergency number
• You have severe pain in your lower belly or back
• You have a fever and feel unwell, especially if you also have pain or blood in your urine

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have any of the common symptoms, such as pain while urinating, frequent urination, or blood in your urine
• You keep getting urinary tract infections
• You notice changes in your usual urine stream or how often you go

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and any problems you have with urination. They will then do a physical exam and order tests to confirm bladder stones.

Tests that may be done

• Urine test (urinalysis) – checks for blood, infection, or crystals
• Imaging tests – such as an ultrasound, CT scan, or X-ray to see stones
• Cystoscopy – a thin tube with a camera is passed into your bladder to look directly at stones

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless. A cystoscopy may be uncomfortable but your doctor can use a numbing gel. You will usually get results in a few days. Your doctor will explain what they find and talk about treatment options.

Treatment

Treatment for bladder stones depends on their size, number, and what caused them. Small stones may pass on their own with increased fluids. Larger stones often need medical help to be removed or broken up.

Self-care at home

• Drink plenty of water – aim for 6 to 8 glasses a day unless your doctor says otherwise
• Try to empty your bladder completely each time you urinate – take your time
• Avoid holding your urine for long periods
• Use a heating pad on your lower belly for pain relief, but check with your doctor first

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to change the pH of your urine or relax the bladder muscles to help stones pass. They may also treat any underlying infection with antibiotics. Always follow your doctor's advice – never take over-the-counter medicines for stones without talking to them first.

When is surgery considered?

Larger stones that cannot pass on their own may need to be broken up with sound waves (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy) or removed using a scope passed through the urethra (transurethral cystolitholapaxy). In rare cases, open surgery may be needed. Your doctor will discuss which option is best for you.

Living with this condition

If you have bladder stones, you might feel some discomfort or worry. Follow your treatment plan and keep track of your symptoms. Most people start feeling better within a few days to weeks after treatment.

Lifestyle tips

• Drink enough water every day to keep your urine light yellow
• Limit salty foods and avoid a diet very high in oxalate-rich foods like spinach, rhubarb, and nuts
• Do not smoke – smoking can hurt your bladder and increase risk of stones
• Go to the bathroom regularly and take your time to empty your bladder fully

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables. Stay active with walking or other gentle exercise to keep blood flowing and reduce stress. Ask your doctor for specific diet advice if you have had multiple stones.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with bladder stones can be painful and frustrating. It is normal to feel anxious or stressed. Talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you feel overwhelmed. For urgent mental health support, contact your local crisis line.

Prevention

Yes, many bladder stones can be prevented. The most important step is to drink enough fluids to keep your urine dilute. If you have an underlying condition like an enlarged prostate, treating that can help prevent stones from forming.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for bladder stones. But if you have risk factors like a history of stones or problems with urination, your doctor may recommend periodic check-ups.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic urinary tract infections
• Damage to the bladder wall, including scarring or bleeding
• Blockage of urine flow, which can damage your kidneys over time
• Formation of more stones or larger ones

Long-term outlook

The outlook for bladder stones is very good. With proper treatment, most people recover fully and can prevent future stones. Even if stones come back, doctors can manage them effectively. You can live a normal, healthy life with the right care.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.