Comprehensive care for bladder stones
Bladder stones are solid masses formed by minerals in the bladder — typically developing when concentrated urine minerals crystallize due to incomplete bladder emptying. At Prestige Medical Group, our urology team provides thorough evaluation and personalized care for patients dealing with bladder stones and their underlying causes.
What are bladder stones?
Bladder stones are solid masses formed by minerals in the bladder. They develop when concentrated urine minerals crystallize — typically due to incomplete bladder emptying.
Bladder stones can range in size and may pass naturally in some cases. However, medication or surgery is sometimes required for larger stones. When left untreated, bladder stones can lead to infections and other complications — which is why prompt evaluation matters.
Common symptoms
Bladder stones can cause discomfort and urinary issues when they irritate the bladder wall or obstruct urine flow. Common symptoms include:
Lower Abdominal Pain
Discomfort below the navel
Painful Urination
Burning or pain when urinating
Frequent Urination
More frequent need to urinate
Difficulty With Urine Flow
Trouble starting or maintaining flow
Blood in Urine
Visible or detected on lab tests
Cloudy or Dark Urine
Unusual urine color or appearance
Common causes
Bladder stones form when the bladder fails to completely empty, leading to mineral concentration and crystallization. Several conditions can contribute.
Prostate Enlargement
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate gland — can obstruct urine flow in men, leading to incomplete bladder emptying and stone formation. This is one of the most common causes of bladder stones in men over 50. Learn more about BPH.
Nerve Damage
Nerve damage that affects bladder emptying — known as neurogenic bladder — can result from a number of conditions:
Inflammation
Inflammation of the bladder can also contribute to stone formation. Common causes include:
Medical Devices
The use of medical devices in the urinary tract can also contribute to bladder stone formation:
Many bladder stones start with BPH
Because BPH (an enlarged prostate) is a leading underlying cause of bladder stones in men, treating BPH can also be key to addressing the source of the problem. If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms that may be related to BPH, learn about your treatment options.
Learn About BPH Treatment →Risk factors
Men ages 50 and above
Men, particularly those aged 50 and above, have a higher likelihood of developing bladder stones — largely because BPH (enlarged prostate) becomes more common with age and can obstruct urine flow.
Urinary Obstruction
Conditions that prevent proper urine flow — most commonly an enlarged prostate
Nerve Damage
From stroke, spinal cord injuries, Parkinson’s, diabetes, or herniated disks
Combined Factors
Concurrent nerve damage and bladder outlet obstruction increase risk further
Complications and prevention
Potential complications
Bladder stones that remain untreated — even if asymptomatic — can lead to:
Steps for prevention
Preventing bladder stones primarily involves addressing underlying conditions:
Concerned about bladder stones?
If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms or have been told you might have bladder stones, schedule an evaluation with our urology team. Early evaluation can prevent complications.