Bladder Stones: Reasons, Indications, and Remedies
In the realm of urinary health, a less common but significant issue that affects men over the age of 50 is bladder stones. Known medically as vesicovaginal fistulas (VVF), these are abnormal openings between the bladder and the vagina that cause urinary incontinence. However, this article will focus on bladder stones, a more prevalent concern.
Bladder stones, also known as "vesical calculi" or "cystoliths," are formed due to a buildup of minerals in the bladder. The common causes and risk factors for these stones are primarily related to conditions that affect normal urine flow and bladder emptying.
An enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH) is a frequent culprit in men above 50. An enlarged prostate can compress the urethra, obstruct urine flow, and prevent complete bladder emptying. This residual urine can lead to crystallization and the formation of stones.
Incomplete bladder emptying, often due to BPH or other urinary tract blockages, also plays a significant role. When urine is not fully expelled, it stagnates, encouraging stone formation.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) can occur repeatedly in men over 50, particularly those with prostate enlargement or bladder dysfunction. These infections can contribute to stone formation by increasing sediment in the urine and promoting crystallization.
Other urinary tract abnormalities, such as kidney stones or anatomical blockages, can also raise the risk of stones forming within the bladder. The use of urinary catheters, diabetes, low fluid intake, and weaker immune function in older men can also increase bladder stone risk.
Symptoms of bladder stones may include discomfort or pain in the penis, regular urination or a stop-start flow, taking longer to start urinating, pain in the lower abdominal area, pain and discomfort when urinating, blood in the urine, cloudy or abnormally dark urine. However, bladder stones can stay in the bladder for some time and do not always cause symptoms.
If bladder stones are too large to pass in the urine, treatment involves either breaking them up or removing them by surgery. A procedure called cystolitholapaxy, where a doctor breaks up bladder stones through a thin tube with a camera on the end, is one such treatment option.
It's essential to note that bladder stones and kidney stones are different, but kidney stones can become bladder stones if they pass down into the bladder. Bladder stones are more common in males over the age of 50, usually due to an enlarged prostate gland or another type of bladder blockage.
Complications from cystolitholapaxy are rare but can include tears in the bladder wall and infections. Bladder stones can lead to complications if they are not removed, including urinary tract infections, kidney damage, and sepsis.
To help prevent or slow the buildup of bladder stones, drinking plenty of fluids, double voiding, and sitting down to urinate may be beneficial. If you experience any symptoms suggestive of bladder stones or recurrent UTIs, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
**Key points:**
- Enlarged prostate causing bladder outlet obstruction and incomplete emptying is the most common cause for bladder stones in men over 50. - Incomplete bladder emptying due to various urinary tract issues can promote stone formation. - Urinary tract infections can contribute to stone formation in men over 50. - Other urinary tract abnormalities, catheter use, diabetes, low fluid intake, and weak immune function can increase bladder stone risk. - Symptoms of bladder stones may include discomfort or pain in the penis, regular urination or a stop-start flow, taking longer to start urinating, pain in the lower abdominal area, pain and discomfort when urinating, blood in the urine, cloudy or abnormally dark urine. - Treatment for bladder stones involves either breaking them up or removing them by surgery. - Bladder stones can lead to complications if they are not removed. - Preventive measures include drinking plenty of fluids, double voiding, and sitting down to urinate.
References: [1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Bladder stones. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bladder-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20374398 [2] National Kidney Foundation. (2021). Bladder Stones. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/bladderstones [3] Urology Care Foundation. (2021). Bladder Stones. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/b/bladder-stones [4] Cleveland Clinic. (2021). Bladder Stones. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16013-bladder-stones [5] American Urological Association. (2021). Bladder Stones. https://www.auanet.org/publications/patients/bladder-stones
- The science of medical-conditions and health-and-wellness reveals that incomplete bladder emptying, often due to an enlarged prostate or other urinary tract blockages, can predict the occurrence of bladder stones in men above 50.
- Urinary tract infections, particularly those that recur in older men with prostate enlargement or bladder dysfunction, can be a predictive factor for the development of bladder stones, as they increase sediment in the urine and promote crystallization.
- Bladder stones, also known as "vesical calculi" or "cystoliths," can be predicted by the presence of other urinary tract abnormalities such as kidney stones or anatomical blockages, urinary catheter use, diabetes, low fluid intake, and weaker immune function in older men.
