Bladder Stones – What They Are and How to Deal With Them

If you’ve ever felt a sudden pain while peeing or noticed blood in your urine, bladder stones could be behind it. A bladder stone is a hard mass that forms inside the bladder when minerals in urine crystallize and stick together. Unlike kidney stones, which grow in the kidneys, these stones stay where urine collects, so they can cause irritation every time you empty your bladder.

Most people develop bladder stones because something prevents the bladder from emptying completely. A blocked urethra, an enlarged prostate, or nerve problems that affect bladder muscles are typical culprits. When urine sits too long, minerals have more time to settle and form a stone. Infections also play a role – certain bacteria change the chemistry of urine and make stone formation easier.

Common Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

The first sign is usually pain that comes on suddenly during urination or right after you finish. Many describe it as a sharp, burning sensation that can radiate to the lower abdomen or back. Blood in the urine (hematuria) often shows up as pinkish or reddish tint, and sometimes you’ll see tiny blood clots.

Other red flags include frequent urges to pee, especially at night, weak urine flow, and a feeling that your bladder never fully empties. If a stone is large enough, it might block the urethra completely – then you could experience extreme pain and an inability to urinate, which requires emergency care.

Treatment Options from Simple Changes to Surgery

Small stones (under 5 mm) often pass on their own if you drink plenty of water. Aim for at least 8‑10 glasses a day unless your doctor says otherwise. Staying hydrated dilutes the urine and helps push tiny fragments out.

If you keep getting stones, doctors will look for the underlying cause. Treating an enlarged prostate with medication or surgery can restore normal bladder emptying. For nerve‑related issues, pelvic floor therapy or bladder training exercises may help.

When a stone won’t move on its own, medical removal is needed. The most common method is cystolitholapaxy – a tiny camera and laser break the stone into small pieces that can be flushed out. This procedure is usually done under short‑term anesthesia and lets you go home the same day.

Very large or hard stones sometimes require open surgery (cystotomy) where the surgeon makes a small incision in the bladder to take the stone out. It’s more invasive but rarely needed thanks to advances in laser technology.

After removal, prevention is key. Keep drinking enough water, limit foods high in oxalates if you’re prone to calcium‑oxalate stones, and manage any urinary infections promptly with antibiotics. Regular check‑ups can catch recurring problems early, saving you from painful emergencies.

At ScriptCo Pharmaceuticals we also offer guidance on medications that support bladder health and advice on safe online pharmacies for any prescriptions you might need. Understanding how bladder stones form and what to do about them puts you in control of your urinary health – no more guessing or waiting until pain forces you into the ER.

The connection between bladder stones and muscle spasms of the urinary tract

The connection between bladder stones and muscle spasms of the urinary tract

As a blogger, I've recently come across some fascinating information on the connection between bladder stones and muscle spasms of the urinary tract. It turns out that bladder stones can cause irritation and inflammation, which in turn may lead to involuntary muscle contractions or spasms. These spasms can be quite painful and disruptive, making it difficult to pass urine normally. It's important to recognize the symptoms of both bladder stones and muscle spasms in order to seek appropriate treatment. So, keep an eye out for any discomfort or changes in your urinary habits and consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you may have either of these conditions.