A bladder stone is a small mass of crystallized minerals and proteins, that are naturally present in your urine. They form in your bladder when stagnated urine becomes concentrated. And this type of stone is not the same nor as common as kidney stones.
Bladder stones can grow to such an extent that they fill your bladder or block urine’s flow. And they sometimes cause bladder wall irritation because they have jagged edges, which may result in bleeding or infection.
Bladder stones won’t always cause symptoms. But when they do, you’ll likely experience a range of these symptoms:
- dysuria
- nocturia
- hematuria
- penis pain
- pelvic pain
- incontinence
- frequent urination
- urination difficulties
- abnormally dark urine
- urine stream interruption
- urinate only in certain positions
Small bladder stones can pass on their own, without any complication. However, those remaining in your bladder for to long may lead to further complications and increase your risk of:
- nerve damage
- recurring UTIs
- bladder cancer
- enlarged prostate
- chronic bladder dysfunction
While the reason why a bladder stone materializes is sketchy, bladder stones are typically associated with another urinary related health condition, like:
- cystitis
- urinary retention
- neurogenic bladder
- bladder diverticulum
- frequent bladder infections
- benign prostatic hyperplasia
Diet and fluid intake may be involved in bladder stone development as well. And mostly men build up this bladder problem.
Small bladder stones often pass out in the urine, especially if you increase your water intake to assist in their flushing. Those that don’t make it out should be subjected to bladder stone removal.
Bladder stone removal can be accomplished in two ways. First option is breaking your stones apart via a procedure called cystolitholapaxy. A laser, ultrasound or a mechanical device is used for the stone breakup, which are then flushed from your bladder. Occasionally, bladder stone removal requires surgically opening up your bladder and grabbing it out. Either way, antibiotics are given to reduce your risk of infection.
Most bladder stones are removed without permanent bladder damage. And routinely drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration, which can help deter another round of bladder stone removal.