Do you feel like you need to urinate often? Or do you experience pain or burning when you urinate? Sometimes you may have noticed that the color of your urine changes and you may have noticed a little blood. One reason for such discomfort could be the formation of bladder stones. Many people are not aware of this. So don't worry, today we will talk about this simply and in a way that you can understand.
What are bladder stones?
Simply put, bladder stones are hard, stone-like lumps that form inside your bladder (the sac that holds urine). They form when minerals in the urine harden after you've finished urinating, and some urine remains in the bladder.
Think about it, small stones can pass out with urine without you even realizing it. But if large stones form, you may experience severe pain, an inability to urinate, and blood in the urine.
The most important thing is that if you experience severe pain that you cannot bear, or severe discomfort such as difficulty urinating, you should immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Another medical name for this condition is 'bladder calculi'.
How do you know if you have bladder stones? - Symptoms
If large stones form, they can injure the inside of the bladder and cause various complications. Be aware of the symptoms below.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Change in urine color | The urine may appear cloudy or dark in color. Sometimes, you may even see blood in the urine (hematuria) . |
| Frequent need to urinate | Even though I've just urinated, I always feel like I need to urinate again. |
| Pain | It is common to experience pain or burning when urinating (dysuria) . You may also experience occasional pain in the lower abdomen, penis, or testicles. |
| Difficulty urinating | Even though you need to urinate, it can be difficult to start. Sometimes, the flow of urine suddenly stops and then starts again (urinary intermittency) . |
| Urinary tract infections (UTIs) | Bladder stones can cause frequent urinary tract infections (UTIs) . This can cause frequent urination, pain, cloudy urine, and a foul odor. |
Why do bladder stones form? - Main causes
The main reason for the formation of bladder stones is that urine remains in the bladder for a long time without being completely expelled. There are several factors that contribute to this.
- Enlarged prostate: This is the most common cause of urinary stones in men . Most men's prostates enlarge after the age of 50. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This can block the urethra and prevent the bladder from emptying completely. The remaining urine can then form stones.
- Neurogenic bladder: Neurogenic bladder disorders such as spinal cord injury, stroke, and diabetes can cause bladder dysfunction. Even then, urine may remain in the bladder.
- Dehydration: If you don't drink enough water, the concentration of minerals in your urine increases, making it easier for stones to form.
- Kidney stones: Sometimes a kidney stone can travel down into the bladder. It usually passes out with urine. However, rarely, the stone can become lodged in the bladder and grow larger.
- Special conditions for women: After childbirth, some women may develop a prolapsed bladder (Cystocele). Even then, the urinary tract can become blocked and stones can form.
- Surgery and devices: Stones can form on the surface of the bladder due to surgeries performed on the bladder (e.g., augmentation cystoplasty) or if things like catheters are left in place for too long.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you go to see a doctor, he will listen carefully to your symptoms, examine you, and then order several tests to confirm the condition.
- Urinalysis: This checks the urine for small stones, blood, and infections.
- Imaging tests: You may be asked to have a scan to look inside your bladder. This may be a (CT) scan, an X-ray, or an ultrasound. These can show the exact size, shape, and location of the stones.
- Cystoscopy: In this, a thin tube with a camera attached, called a cystoscope, is inserted through the urethra to look directly into the bladder. This can be used to determine with 100% certainty whether there are stones.
What are the treatments for these stones?
There is nothing to worry about, there are effective treatments for this. Usually, this is treated by a doctor who specializes in the urinary system (urologist). The treatment method is determined by the size of the stone.
| Treatment method | What to do |
|---|---|
| Cystolitholapaxy | This is the most commonly used method. It is not surgical. A small instrument with a camera is inserted through the urethra and the stone is broken up using a laser beam or high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound). The crushed pieces are then washed out with a solution. |
| Surgery | If the stone is very large and cannot be removed this way, surgery may be required to remove the stone through a small incision in the abdomen. If the stone is due to an enlarged prostate, it can be treated during the same surgery. |
What do you do with small stones?
If the stones are very small, your doctor may tell you to drink plenty of water and give you a medication (e.g., alpha-blocker) that helps the stones pass through your urine.
What can be done to prevent stone formation and reduce discomfort?
There are several things you can do to prevent bladder stones from recurring and reduce their discomfort.
Good habits
- Drink plenty of water: This is the most important thing. Drink at least 2-3 liters of water a day. If your urine is light yellow or watery, you are drinking enough water. If it is dark yellow, you need to drink more water.
- Pain relief: You can talk to your doctor about taking a pain reliever (NSAIDs) for pain. These medications do not work for everyone, so do not take them without medical advice.
- Treat the underlying cause: If you have a prostate problem, it's important to get it treated properly, otherwise the stones may recur.
Things to avoid eating and drinking
Foods high in salt and sugar can increase the risk of stone formation. So it's a good idea to cut down on these:
- Canned foods, soups
- Fast food
- Lunch meats
- Sugary drinks, soda
Take-Home Message
- Bladder stones form mainly because urine is not completely expelled and remains in the bladder.
- Common symptoms include frequent urination, pain during urination, and blood in the urine.
- Drinking plenty of water can significantly reduce the risk of stone formation.
- If you have these symptoms, see a doctor without delay. If you experience severe pain, go to a hospital's ETU immediately.
- Don't worry, with proper treatment, this condition can be completely cured. And by treating the underlying cause, you can also prevent the stones from forming again.
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