Bladder stones

Bladder stones can cause a variety of symptoms depending on the size and location of the stone(s) within your bladder or urinary tract. Some of the most common symptoms of bladder stones include:

• Painful or difficult urination (dysuria)
• A frequent or urgent need to urinate (frequency and urgency)
• Blood in the urine (haematuria)
• Cloudy or strong-smelling urine
• Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or back
• Nausea or vomiting
• Inability to urinate

Many people with bladder stones may not have any symptoms or have only mild symptoms. However, if you experience any of the above symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention. Our specialists at Circle Health Group will perform a thorough examination and may recommend additional tests such as X-rays, ultrasound or CT scan to confirm the diagnosis of bladder stones.

It's also worth noting that symptoms of bladder stones may vary between males and females. In females, the symptoms may be more pronounced due to the shorter urethra. For example, women may experience more frequent and painful urination or a feeling of pressure in the pelvic area.

Sometimes, bladder stones can also cause recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs). If bladder stones are left untreated, they can cause damage to the bladder or the urinary tract, and increase the risk of developing kidney stones or UTIs.

If you suspect you may have bladder stones, it is important to see a medical professional as soon as possible. At Circle Health Group, our specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of bladder stones and can help alleviate your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free and healthy life.

Bladder stones can happen because of a variety of reasons, with the most common causes being:

Dehydration

One of the most common causes of bladder stones is dehydration. When the body is dehydrated, our urine becomes concentrated, which can cause the minerals in our urine to crystallise and form stones. Drinking plenty of water can help prevent bladder stones by diluting your urine and flushing out the minerals that can cause stones to form.

Metabolic disorders

Metabolic disorders such as gout, hyperparathyroidism, and renal tubular acidosis can also cause bladder stones. These conditions cause your body to produce excess amounts of certain minerals, which can lead to the formation of stones in your bladder.

Urinary tract infections

UTIs can also lead to the formation of bladder stones. UTIs cause inflammation in your bladder and urinary tract, which can cause the minerals in your urine to crystallise and form stones.

Enlarged Prostate

An enlarged prostate can lead to bladder stones in men. The enlarged prostate can cause blockages in your urinary tract, which can lead to the formation of stones.

Whatever the cause of your urinary stones, our specialists can help you manage your condition. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards a pain-free and healthy life.

Bladder stones can be a painful and uncomfortable condition that can have a significant impact on your quality of life. At Circle Health Group, we offer a variety of treatment options for bladder stones to help alleviate your symptoms and improve your mobility. The treatment options for bladder stones can be broadly classified into non-surgical and surgical treatments.

Non-surgical treatments are typically used for small stones that can be passed out of the body naturally. These treatments include:

Medications

Certain medications such as alpha blockers and calcium channel blockers can be prescribed to relax the muscles in your ureter (the tube that connects the kidney to the bladder) and make it easier for you to pass the stones.

Drinking plenty of water

Drinking plenty of water can help flush the stones out of your bladder. Your doctor may recommend drinking 2-3 litres of water per day to help flush out the stones.

Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL)

ESWL is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to break the stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily. The procedure is typically done on an outpatient basis, which means you come in for an appointment rather than having any stay in hospital, and most people return to normal activities within a few days.

Surgical treatments are typically used for larger stones that cannot be passed naturally or stones that are causing complications. These treatments include:

Ureterorenoscopy (URS)

URS is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to remove stones from the bladder and upper urinary tract. During the procedure, a small scope is inserted through your urethra and into the bladder, allowing your surgeon to remove the stones.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL)

PCNL is a minimally-invasive procedure that is used to remove larger stones from the bladder and upper urinary tract. During the operation, a small incision is made in your back and a small scope is inserted through the incision and into the kidney, allowing the surgeon to remove the stones.

Open surgery

In rare cases, open surgery may be necessary to remove bladder stones. This is typically done when the stones are too large to be removed by other means or if there are other complications. The operation typically involves making a larger incision in the abdomen and removing the stones directly.

During your initial consultation, we will ask you about your symptoms and medical history, and we may perform a physical examination. We will also take a urine test to check for the presence of blood or other abnormal substances in your pee. Depending on the results of the physical examination and urine analysis, we may recommend additional tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan, to confirm the diagnosis of bladder stones.

After we make the diagnosis, we will work with you to determine the best course of treatment for you. We will take into consideration the size and position of your bladder stones, whether the stones are causing complications, and any underlying conditions that you may have.

If you have been diagnosed with bladder stones or suspect that you may have them, you likely have many questions about the condition and the treatment options available. In this section, we will address some of the most commonly asked questions about bladder stones to help you better understand this condition and the treatment options available.

How to flush stones from the bladder?

There are several ways to flush stones from the bladder. One of the most effective ways is to drink plenty of water. Drinking 2-3 litres of water per day can help flush out the stones and make it easier to pass them. Medications such as alpha blockers and calcium channel blockers can also be prescribed to relax the muscles in the ureter and make it easier to pass the stones. In some cases, a procedure called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) may be used to break the stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily.

What causes bladder stones?

The exact cause of bladder stones is not fully understood, but it is believed to be the result of a build-up of minerals and other substances in the urine. Factors that can increase your risk of developing bladder stones include dehydration, urinary tract infections, and certain medical conditions such as kidney stones or gout.

How to pass kidney stones from the bladder?

If you have kidney stones that have passed into the bladder, the treatment options will depend on the size and location of the stones as well as your overall health. Drinking plenty of water can help flush out the stones and make it easier to pass them.

Medications such as alpha-blockers and calcium channel blockers can also be prescribed to relax the muscles in the ureter and make it easier to pass the stones.

In some cases, a procedure called Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) may be used to break the stones into smaller pieces that can be passed more easily. In other cases, surgery may be required to remove the stones. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best course of treatment to help you pass the kidney stones from the bladder.

What do bladder stones look like?

Bladder stones can vary in size and shape, but they are typically small and hard. They can be white, yellow or brown in colour and often have jagged edges. They may be smooth or rough in texture. Your doctor may be able to see the stones during a physical examination or through imaging tests such as X-rays or ultrasounds.

What happens if bladder stones are not removed?

If bladder stones are not removed, they can cause a variety of symptoms including pain during urination, frequent urination, and blood in the urine. They can also lead to urinary tract infections or blockages in the urinary tract. In some cases, bladder stones can cause damage to the bladder or other organs if left untreated.

Additionally, if you have a history of bladder stones, you may be at a higher risk of developing them again in the future. It is important to have bladder stones diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to prevent complications. If you suspect you have bladder stones, contact Circle Health Group for a private bladder stones treatment consultation. Our specialists will work with you to determine the best course of treatment to alleviate your symptoms and prevent future complications.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

• Flexible appointment times and locations to suit your routine
• The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant fits your needs
• Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your specific requirements
• Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
• Private cosy ensuite rooms as standard and delicious healthy meals
• Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
• Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about treatment for bladder stones, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in February 2023. Next review due February 2026.

1. Bladder stones, NHS
2. What Are Bladder Stones?, WebMD
3. Bladder stones, Mayo Clinic
4. Bladder Stones (Bladder Calculi), Cleveland Clinic
5. Bladder Stones: Pain, Symptoms, Treatments, Healthline