Bladder Stones: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options

When dealing with bladder stones, hard mineral deposits that form inside the urinary bladder and can cause pain, infection, and urinary blockage. Also known as vesical calculi, they often develop when urine becomes concentrated and minerals crystallize. Bladder stones are a type of urinary calculi and share several risk factors with kidney stones, yet they behave differently because they sit in a storage organ rather than a filtering one.

Another key player is kidney stones, solid formations that arise in the kidneys and may travel down the ureter into the bladder. Also called renal calculi, they often act as the source of bladder stones when fragments descend and lodge in the bladder. Understanding the link between kidney and bladder stones helps you spot early signs like flank pain that later turns into frequent urination or blood in the urine.

How to Spot and Prevent Bladder Stones

One common companion condition is urinary tract infection, a bacterial invasion of the urinary system that can aggravate stone formation. Also referred to as UTI, infections can cause the bladder lining to become inflamed, making it easier for minerals to stick together. If you notice burning during urination, cloudy urine, or a fever, it could be a sign that a stone is irritating the bladder and inviting infection.

When a stone grows large enough to block urine flow, doctors may recommend lithotripsy, a non‑invasive procedure that uses shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces. Known as extracorporeal shock wave therapy, it lets the patient pass the fragments naturally. Lithotripsy is often chosen for stones smaller than 2 cm and for patients who want to avoid surgery. The decision hinges on stone size, composition, and the presence of infection.

Diet and hydration play a huge role. Drinking plenty of water dilutes urine, reducing mineral concentration. Reducing salt and animal protein lowers calcium and uric acid levels, two common culprits in stone formation. If you have a history of kidney stones, regularly testing urine pH can guide you on whether to target acidic or alkaline stones.

Medication can also help. For those prone to calcium‑oxalate stones, thiazide diuretics reduce calcium excretion. Patients with uric acid stones might benefit from allopurinol, which lowers uric acid production. Always discuss with a healthcare professional before starting any regimen.

Our collection below pulls together practical guides on related health topics—from managing pain with safe medication to understanding when to seek professional help. Whether you’re looking for tips on preventing urinary calculi, comparing treatment options like lithotripsy, or learning how infections tie into stone formation, you’ll find clear, actionable information to keep your bladder healthy.