Bladder Stones:-Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that can develop in the bladder when it doesn’t fully empty of urine.
While small stones may not cause noticeable symptoms and can be passed during urination, larger stones often lead to discomfort or obstruct urine flow.
Common symptoms include:
– Severe lower abdominal pain (which may also affect the penis in men)
– Pain or difficulty urinating
– Increased frequency of urination, especially at night
– Cloudy or dark urine
– Presence of blood in urine
Bladder stones are most common in men over 50 due to prostate enlargement, but both genders can develop them. Children rarely have bladder stones, but if they do, it can result in bedwetting and may cause painful, prolonged erections in boys.
When to Consult Your GP
If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms, especially persistent abdominal pain, increased urgency to urinate, or blood in your urine, consult your GP. These signs may indicate issues beyond kidney stones and require further investigation.
If your GP suspects kidney stones, you’ll likely undergo blood and urine tests to check for infections. An X-ray may be performed, although not all stones are visible this way. Ultrasound or cystoscopy—a procedure where a thin, lighted tube with a camera is inserted into the bladder—may also be used for diagnosis.
Causes of Bladder Stones
Bladder stones typically arise when the bladder doesn’t fully empty. In men, an enlarged prostate often obstructs urine flow. When urine remains in the kidney too long, minerals crystallize and eventually form stones.
Treatment of Bladder Stones
Surgery is generally necessary to remove renal calculi, with the most common method being cystolitholapaxy. This involves using a cystoscope equipped with a camera to locate stones, followed by breaking them up with specialized tools or lasers for removal. Addressing the underlying causes is crucial to prevent future stone formation.
Preventing Bladder Stones
If you’ve had kidney stones before, there are steps to reduce the likelihood of recurrence:
– Drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid daily to dilute urine.
– Regularly empty your kidney without delay.
– Try double voiding—urinating again 10 to 20 seconds after the first attempt if the kidney isn’t fully emptied.
– Prevent constipation, possibly with regular laxatives.
Bladder and Kidneys Function
The kidneys filter waste from the blood, combining it with water to create urine, which flows to the bladder for storage. When the bladder is full, urine exits the body through the urethra.
