Did you know that your bladder could be home to hard lumps of minerals called bladder stones? Often, they are so small that they don’t cause symptoms, which means you could have them without even knowing. So what exactly are these stones, how do they form, and what can you do about them? Here’s a closer look.
What is a Bladder Stone?
Bladder stones are little stones that develop from the minerals found in your body. What happens is the minerals that are found in your urine crystallize and become hard. You can have just one or many. They can also range in size from being very small to quite large. If you just have small bladder stones, then there is a good chance you won’t even realize they are there and they will leave in your urine without any pain.
What Causes Bladder Stones to Form?
So what causes these hard little stones to form in your bladder? The most common reason is that you aren’t emptying your bladder completely, therefore, it gives the minerals a chance to crystallize. Men who have an enlarged prostate gland tend to be more at risk of developing bladder stones since they are unable to completely empty their urine. The enlarged area blocks the flow of urine.
Those who have nerve damage to their bladder also tend to be at a higher risk of developing these stones.
What are the Common Symptoms?
It’s important to note that not all bladder stones cause symptoms. If the stone is small, then you may not know it exists. Even large ones may not present with symptoms.
Here’s a look at the common symptoms that can be associated with bladder stones.
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- Increased amount of urination
- Lower abdominal pain
- A burning feeling when you urinate
- Pain in the testicles or penis
- Blood in the urine
- Dark or cloudy looking urine
- An interruption in the urine flow or difficulty urinating
What Can You Do About Bladder Stones?
As far as treatment goes, bladder stones should be removed. In most cases, this will happen on its own, but you can speed things along by drinking plenty of water. If the bladder stones were caused by the inability to empty the bladder, however, then drinking lots probably won’t help.
It’s not uncommon for the bladder stones to be removed by the doctor. This procedure is called a cystolitholapaxy. The doctor will insert a small tube with a camera into your urethra and then break the stone into small pieces.
If you suspect you may have bladder stones and they are causing discomfort, then you will want to contact us 646-205-3039