Bladder Stones: Symptoms and Treatment
Have you ever had bladder stones? If so, you already know how uncomfortable they are. Bladder stones are hard masses composed of minerals from your urine and are more common in men over the age of 50. Oftentimes, you may have a bladder stone or stones and not even realize it because they tend to pass from your body on their own without medical intervention. However, in some cases, they may cause pain while urinating. When this happens, it’s time to meet with your doctor to have the stones removed.
Risk Factors for Bladder Stones
As with many other medical conditions, there are certain risk factors that may indicate you’re at an increased risk of developing bladder stones. For example, bladder stones are more likely to occur in parts of the world, especially developing countries, where dehydration, infection, low-protein diets, and issues in the urinary tract are common. In more developed areas of the world, bladder stones are more common in adults over the age of 50. Other conditions that may indicate an increased risk of developing bladder stones include the following:
- Neurogenic Bladder
- Bladder Outlet Obstruction
Causes of Bladder Stones
There are a few different causes associated with bladder stones. One of the biggest causes of the condition is the inability to completely empty your bladder while urinating. Many health conditions may cause this to happen. Over time, urine left behind in your bladder may begin forming crystals until bladder stones form. Some of the most common conditions that may prevent your bladder from emptying include the following:
- Large Prostate
- Nerve Damage
- Bladder Augmentation Surgery
- Bladder Diverticula
- Bladder Swelling
- Poor Diet
- Cystocele
- Kidney Stones
Symptoms of Bladder Stones
Although some people with bladder stones never experience symptoms, others may experience the following unpleasant symptoms and side effects:
- Blood in Your Urine
- Burning Sensation When Urinating
- Difficulty Urinating
- Lower Abdominal Pain
- Frequent Urination
- Cloudy or Dark Colored Urine
Diagnosis of Bladder Stones
If you think you may have bladder stones, schedule an appointment with your doctor, so they can perform a physical exam. During the exam, your doctor may feel around your lower abdomen to check your bladder before suggesting the following tests to make a diagnosis:
- Urine Test
- Imaging, Such as an X-rays, CT, or Ultrasound
- Cystoscopy
Treatments of Bladder Stones
If your doctor diagnoses you with bladder stones, your treatment plan will vary depending on how severe your condition is. For example, if your stones are small, your doctor may suggest drinking plenty of water to help the stones pass through without medical intervention. However, if your condition is more severe, your doctor may suggest a procedure known as cystolitholapaxy, during which your doctor will break the stones into tiny pieces. Your doctor may also suggest surgery if your stones are particularly large and difficult to break.
Prognosis of Bladder Stones
The prognosis for bladder stones hinges on the severity of your condition. If your stones are small, you have little to worry about because they will likely clear up on their own. If they’re larger and treated in a timely manner, you’re also more likely to have a positive outlook.
Complications of Bladder Stones
If left untreated and allowed to grow, bladder stones may result in the following complications:
- Chronic Bladder Dysfunction
- Urinary Tract Infections
