The Liv Hospital Medical Writer Team creates evidence-based health content.
View author profile →Overview
Bladder Stones
Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form inside the urinary bladder when minerals in concentrated urine crystallize. Unlike kidney stones, which form in the kidneys, bladder stones develop in the bladder, although a kidney stone can sometimes travel down the urinary tract and become lodged there. They are more likely to affect people who cannot empty their bladder fully, including some older adults and people with urinary tract conditions. Treatment is usually effective, especially when the reason for poor bladder emptying is also addressed.
Symptoms
Bladder Stone Symptoms
- Painful urination (dysuria)
- Blood in the urine (hematuria)
- Interrupted urine flow
- Frequent urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- Difficulty urinating
Causes
What Causes Bladder Stones?
Bladder stones commonly develop when urine remains in the bladder and becomes concentrated. Minerals in the urine can then crystallize and grow into a stone. A stone formed in the bladder is different from a kidney stone, which forms in the kidney and may travel down the urinary tract.
- An enlarged prostate or another blockage can prevent urine from leaving the bladder completely.
- A neurogenic bladder can interfere with the nerves that control bladder emptying.
- Changes to the urinary tract can slow or obstruct the normal flow of urine.
- Bladder diverticula, or pouches in the bladder wall, can allow urine and minerals to collect.
- Foreign material, such as a urinary catheter, can provide a surface where crystals form.
- Rarely, a kidney stone can move into the bladder and remain there.
Risk Factors
Bladder Stone Risk Factors
Less modifiable
Older age and male anatomy can increase risk, particularly when prostate enlargement affects urine flow. A personal history of bladder stones or kidney stones may also raise the chance of developing another stone.
Treatable contributors
An enlarged prostate, neurogenic bladder, recurrent urinary infections, dehydration, and conditions or procedures that interfere with bladder emptying can contribute to risk. Treating these problems may reduce risk, although some cannot be fully prevented.
Treating the cause of incomplete bladder emptying and following individualized fluid advice may reduce the risk of bladder stones. These steps should not replace evaluation of ongoing urinary symptoms.
Complications
Bladder Stone Complications
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Persistent bladder irritation
- Bleeding in the urine
- Urinary retention
- Kidney damage from prolonged urinary obstruction
- Recurrence when the underlying cause is not treated
Seek prompt care
Possible blockage or infection
Seek prompt medical attention if you cannot urinate, have severe or worsening pain, develop fever or chills with urinary symptoms, or notice heavy visible blood in your urine.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Bladder Stones
Evaluation may include a medical history and physical examination, along with urine testing for blood or infection. Imaging such as an ultrasound or CT scan can help find urinary bladder calculi and show their size, position, or effect on urine flow. Cystoscopy allows a clinician to look directly inside the bladder, while bladder-emptying tests can help identify why urine is not leaving normally.
| Test | What it can show | Why it may be used |
|---|---|---|
| Urine test | Blood, infection, or crystals | Checks for related urinary problems |
| Ultrasound or CT scan | Stone location, size, and blockage | Looks for stones and other causes of symptoms |
| Cystoscopy | The inside of the bladder | Confirms a stone and may guide treatment |
| Urine-flow or bladder-emptying tests | How well urine leaves the bladder | Helps identify incomplete emptying |
Treatment Options
Bladder Stones Treatment Options
Bladder stones can be treated with procedures that break up or remove them, along with treatment for the condition that caused incomplete emptying. The choice depends on the stone’s size, number, location, symptoms, overall health, and the reason urine is not leaving the bladder normally.
Endoscopic Stone Removal
Transurethral cystolitholapaxy uses a cystoscope passed through the urethra to reach the bladder. The stone is broken into smaller pieces with a laser or mechanical device and the fragments are removed. This is commonly used for accessible stones and is often performed with anesthesia as an outpatient or short-stay procedure; temporary burning, urgency, or mild blood in the urine may occur during recovery.
| Option | When it may be considered | What recovery may involve |
|---|---|---|
| Transurethral cystolitholapaxy | Most accessible bladder stones | Usually outpatient or short-stay recovery |
| Percutaneous or open cystolithotomy | Very large, numerous, or difficult-to-reach stones | Longer recovery based on the approach |
| Treating the underlying cause | Obstruction or incomplete bladder emptying | Follow-up depends on the urinary condition treated; fluids, infection treatment, prostate or bladder-outlet treatment, and stone analysis may help prevent recurrence |
Prevention
Preventing Bladder Stones
Prevention depends mainly on treating urinary blockage or incomplete bladder emptying and managing infections. Follow your clinician’s advice about fluids and attend follow-up visits, particularly if you have had bladder stones before. These measures can also help reduce recurrence of bladder stones and kidney stones when an underlying urinary problem is present.
- Take prescribed medicines as directed, including treatment for prostate or bladder-outlet problems.
- Do not ignore difficulty urinating, weak flow, or a feeling that the bladder is not empty.
- Drink an appropriate amount of fluid unless a clinician has advised you to restrict fluids.
- Complete prescribed treatment for urinary infections.
- Ask whether stone analysis or dietary changes could help lower your individual risk.
Outlook and Prognosis
Bladder Stone Outlook and Prognosis
Most bladder stones can be removed successfully, and urinary symptoms often improve after treatment. Recovery depends on the procedure used and the condition that caused the stones, such as an enlarged prostate or another blockage. Ongoing follow-up may be needed to confirm that the bladder is emptying well.
When Should You See a Doctor
When Should You See a Doctor for Bladder Stones?
Arrange a medical appointment for persistent painful urination, frequent urination, interrupted flow, lower abdominal pain, blood in the urine, or difficulty emptying the bladder. These bladder stones symptoms can have other causes, so a healthcare professional may recommend urine or imaging tests.
Get urgent help
Warning signs of blockage or infection
Seek urgent medical care if you cannot urinate, have severe or rapidly worsening pain, fever or chills with urinary symptoms, vomiting, or significant blood in the urine.
