Bladder Stones: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Prevention Tips

What are Bladder Stones?

Bladder stones (medical term: cystolithiasis) are hard mineral masses that form in the urinary bladder when urine becomes concentrated, causing minerals such as calcium, magnesium ammonium phosphate (struvite), or uric acid to crystallise and aggregate. Sizes range from sand-like granules to large stones that can occupy a significant portion of the bladder.

Because they irritate the bladder lining or obstruct urine flow, bladder stones often cause painful urination, urinary frequency, interrupted stream, visible or microscopic blood in urine, and lower abdominal discomfort. If not treated, they may lead to recurrent urinary infections, bladder inflammation, or back-pressure damage to the kidneys.

Bladder stones usually develop when the bladder doesn’t empty (urinary stasis). Residual urine stagnates, allowing crystals to grow into stones. Unlike kidney stones, which originate in the kidneys and may migrate downward, bladder stones typically form within the bladder itself, often due to incomplete emptying, infection, or a foreign body acting as a nidus.

Causes of Bladder Stones

Understanding the main bladder stone causes is crucial for both treatment and prevention. Bladder stones often develop when the bladder cannot empty, allowing minerals to crystallise and form hard deposits.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the key causes of bladder stones include:

• Bladder outlet obstruction (commonly due to benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH): Incomplete emptying from BPH is the most common cause in adult men, responsible for nearly half to three-quarters of cases.
• Neurogenic bladder / impaired bladder emptying: Spinal cord injury, MS, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, and other neurologic disorders disrupt bladder contraction and raise stasis risk.
• Foreign bodies & devices: Indwelling catheters, retained stent fragments, exposed sutures, or migrated contraceptive devices act as a nidus for crystal deposition.
• Chronic infection & inflammation: Recurrent UTIs and post-radiation cystitis can alter urine chemistry; infection stones (struvite) are classic in chronically bacteriuric or catheterised patients.
• Dehydration / concentrated urine: Low fluid intake promotes crystallisation and stone growth.
• Anatomical factors: Bladder diverticula and post-augmentation bladders trap urine and mucus, encouraging stone formation.
• Endemic peadiatric factors (primary stones): In certain developing regions, low-protein diets, chronic dehydration, and recurrent diarrhoeal illnesses predispose children to primary bladder stones.

Risk Factors

Certain health conditions and lifestyle habits increase your chances of developing bladder stones.

You may be at higher risk if you have:

• Prostate enlargement (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH): An enlarged prostate can block urine flow, leading to urine retention and bladder stone formation.
• Long-term catheter use: Continuous catheterisation may introduce bacteria or act as a surface where minerals crystallise.
• Poor hydration: Inadequate fluid intake concentrates minerals in urine, making urinary stones more likely.
• Bladder diverticula: Small pouches in the bladder wall can trap urine, creating an environment where stones form easily.
• Spinal cord injuries or neurological disorders: Conditions that interfere with bladder control, such as multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease, can cause incomplete emptying.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): Persistent infections alter urine chemistry, promoting stone growth.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Malnutrition or vitamin A deficiency can affect the urinary tract lining, increasing susceptibility to bladder stones.

Signs & Symptoms of Bladder Stones

Recognising bladder stone symptoms early helps prevent complications such as infection or kidney damage.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain or burning during urination: A sharp, stinging sensation when passing urine is one of the most frequent symptoms of bladder stones.
• Frequent urge to urinate: You may feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night (nocturia).
• Interrupted urine flow: Difficulty starting urination or a weak, stop-and-start stream can indicate an obstruction caused by stones.
• Blood in urine (heamaturia): The urine may appear pink, red, or brown due to bleeding from bladder irritation..
• Cloudy or dark urine: Concentrated urine with crystals or infection can appear discoloured and foul-smelling.
• Lower abdominal pain or discomfort: Discomfort may radiate to the perineum, penis, or inner thighs in men.
• Urinary retention: In severe cases, stones may completely block urine flow, leading to bladder distension and pain.

How Bladder Stones are Diagnosed

When bladder stones are suspected, doctors use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging to confirm the diagnosis. A thorough evaluation helps determine the size, number, and location of stones as well as any underlying urinary issues.

Here’s how bladder stone diagnosis is typically carried out:

1. Medical history review: Your doctor will assess urinary symptoms, hydration habits, past infections, and any history of prostate or bladder problems.
2. Physical examination: The bladder and lower abdomen may be checked for swelling or tenderness. In men, a digital rectal exam may be performed to evaluate prostate enlargement.
3. Urine test (urinalysis): Helps detect the presence of infection, blood, or mineral crystals — early indicators of urinary stones.
4. Imaging tests: X-rays, ultrasound, or CT scans are used to identify the number, size, and position of bladder stones and to rule out other urinary tract conditions.
5. Cystoscopy: A flexible or rigid cystoscope is inserted through the urethra to directly visualise bladder stones and assess mucosal changes or obstructions.

Diagnostic Tests for Bladder Stones

To confirm the presence of bladder stones and identify their cause, your doctor may recommend several diagnostic tests. These help evaluate the urinary system, detect infection, and guide the most suitable bladder stone treatment plan.

Common tests include:

• Urine Routine and Microscopy Test: Detects the presence of red blood cells, white blood cells, crystals, or infection that indicate urinary stones or inflammation.
• Ultrasound Abdomen and Pelvis: A non-invasive imaging test used to visualise stones, assess their size, and detect any urinary obstruction or bladder wall changes.
• Non-contrast CT scan or CT urogram: Provides detailed cross-sectional images to detect even radiolucent stones that X-rays may miss.
• X-ray KUB (Kidneys, Ureters, Bladder): Helps locate radio-opaque bladder stones and assess their number and size.
• Urine Culture: Identifies bacterial infections commonly associated with stone formation.
• Serum Electrolytes and Kidney Function Tests (KFT): Evaluate overall kidney health and detect metabolic imbalances that may contribute to cystolithiasis.

Treatment Options for Bladder Stones

The right bladder stone treatment depends on factors such as the size, number, and composition of the stones, as well as the underlying cause. While smaller stones may pass naturally, larger or symptomatic ones usually require medical or surgical intervention.

1. Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-invasive methods may help dissolve or eliminate smaller bladder stones:

• Increased hydration: Drinking 2–3 litres of water daily helps flush out small stones naturally by diluting urine and reducing mineral concentration.
• Dietary changes: Limiting salt, sugar, and animal protein intake minimises mineral buildup and supports bladder stone prevention.
• Medications: Treatment may include antibiotics for infection control, pain relief, and urine alkalinisers such as potassium citrate for uric acid stones.

2. Surgical Treatments

When non-surgical methods are ineffective or the stones are too large to pass naturally, surgical removal is necessary. Common bladder stone treatments include:

• Transurethral cystolitholapaxy: The most common procedure in which a cystoscope with a lithotripter is used to fragment stones into small pieces for removal or irrigation.
• Percutaneous suprapubic cystolithotomy: Involves making a small incision near the lower abdomen to extract the stones directly.
• Open cystolithotomy: Reserved for very large or complex stones, or when concurrent bladder reconstruction is required.

3. Treating Underlying Causes

Managing the root cause of bladder stones is essential to prevent recurrence:

• Treat prostate enlargement (BPH) to improve bladder emptying.
• Address chronic urinary infections with appropriate antibiotics.
• Correct bladder outlet obstructions caused by urethral stricture or tumours.
• Maintain adequate hydration and follow a balanced diet.

Prevention Tips for Bladder Stones

Bladder stone prevention focuses on healthy habits that maintain optimal urinary function and prevent mineral accumulation.

Simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in keeping the bladder clear of stones:

• Stay hydrated: Drink at least 2–3 litres of water daily to dilute urine and flush out waste products.
• Empty your bladder: Avoid holding urine for long periods and ensure full voiding each time.
• Treat infections promptly: Seek early treatment for urinary tract infections to prevent crystal formation.
• Eat a balanced diet: Limit foods high in salt, sugar, and animal protein; include more fruits, vegetables, and fibre.
• Avoid oxalate-rich foods: Minimise intake of spinach, beets, and chocolate if prone to urinary stones.
• Manage bladder or prostate conditions: Regular check-ups with your urologist can help detect and manage urinary retention or obstruction.
• Monitor urinary health: Individuals with a history of stones or catheter use should undergo periodic urine tests and imaging for early detection.

By following these steps and staying attentive to your body’s urinary health, you can significantly reduce the risk of bladder stones and related complications.

Complications if Left Untreated

If bladder stones are not treated promptly, they can cause several serious health problems. Over time, stones irritate the bladder lining and obstruct urine flow, leading to infections and long-term urinary complications.

Possible complications of untreated bladder stones include:

• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs): Stones can trap bacteria, leading to frequent and painful infections.
• Bladder inflammation (cystitis): Constant irritation from urinary stones causes inflammation, swelling, and burning during urination.
• Chronic pelvic or abdominal pain: Persistent discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area can develop due to ongoing irritation.
• Obstruction of urine flow: Large stones may block the urethra, causing urinary retention and painful distension of the bladder.
• Bladder wall thickening or diverticula: Continuous inflammation can cause the bladder wall to become stiff and develop pouches that further trap urine.
• Kidney damage (hydronephrosis) and infection: Prolonged back-pressure from urinary obstruction can lead to hydronephrosis, renal scarring, or even kidney failure.

Conclusion

Bladder stones (cystolithiasis) are a common urinary condition that forms when concentrated minerals harden inside the bladder. Early recognition of symptoms such as abdominal pain, painful urination, or urinary obstruction can help prevent complications like infection or kidney damage. With timely bladder stone treatment, proper diagnosis, and healthy lifestyle choices, most individuals recover completely and can avoid recurrence through consistent bladder stone prevention measures such as staying hydrated and treating infections promptly.

At Metropolis Healthcare, you can take charge of your urinary health with ease and accuracy. We offer over 4,000 diagnostic tests, including full-body checkups and speciality urinary evaluations, with home sample collection available across 10,000+ touchpoints. Experience fast turnaround, accurate results, and booking convenience via our website, app, call, or WhatsApp—trusted by millions for reliable, expert-led diagnostics.

FAQs

Can bladder stones go away on their own?

Small bladder stones sometimes pass naturally through urination, especially if you drink plenty of water. However, larger stones usually require medical removal to avoid complications.

What foods should I avoid to prevent bladder stones?

• Excessive animal protein (red meat, organ meats)
• High-salt foods (pickles, processed snacks)
• Oxalate-rich foods (spinach, beets, chocolate)
• Carbonated or sugary drinks
• Alcohol and caffeine (in excess)

How are bladder stones different from kidney stones?

While both are mineral deposits, kidney stones form in the kidneys and may travel down to the bladder, whereas bladder stones develop directly inside the bladder, often due to incomplete emptying or infection.

Can men and women both get bladder stones?

Yes, though men over 50 are more prone due to prostate-related urinary obstruction. Women can also develop bladder stones from infections, catheter use, or pelvic surgeries.

How painful are bladder stones?

Pain levels vary by stone size and position. Many patients experience burning during urination or lower abdominal pain, while larger stones can cause intense discomfort and urinary blockage.

References

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK441944/
2. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20354339
3. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16312-bladder-stones
4. https://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/what-are-bladder-stones