Bladder stones

Bladder stones are hard mineral deposits that form in the bladder. Doctors use the term cystolithiasis to describe the condition of having bladder stones. Some stones are small and may pass on their own. Others grow larger and can irritate the bladder lining. Larger stones often need treatment because they may cause pain, infections, or trouble emptying the bladder.

At Penn Medicine, specialists collaborate on urinary stones care to provide comprehensive evaluation and advanced treatment for all types of bladder stones. Our team focuses on identifying the root cause of stone formation—such as urinary retention or metabolic issues—to not only remove current stones but also create a personalized plan to prevent them from returning.

Bladder stones don’t always cause symptoms, especially when they’re small. But when they irritate the bladder or block urine flow, you may notice changes. In some people, symptoms come and go as the stone moves around inside the bladder. They may include:

• Sudden urges to urinate
• Needing to urinate more often than usual
• Pain or burning when you urinate
• Trouble starting or maintaining urine flow
• Blood in the urine
• Lower belly pressure or pain
• Frequent urinary tract infections

They usually form when the bladder doesn’t fully empty. When urine sits in the bladder, minerals can concentrate and form crystals that gradually grow into stones. In children, dehydration or diet may sometimes play a role.

Certain conditions can also increase the risk of developing bladder stones. These include an enlarged prostate that blocks urine flow, nerve damage that affects bladder control, repeated urinary tract infections, and bladder diverticula, which are small pouches in the bladder wall. Long-term use of medical devices, like catheters, can contribute as well. In some cases, kidney stones—hard mineral deposits that form in the kidneys—can travel into the bladder and remain there.

Treatment focuses on removing the stone and helping you feel better. The approach depends on the size of the stone, your symptoms, and what may have caused it. Many treatments are minimally invasive, which often means less discomfort and faster recovery.

Common treatments include:

• Treating the underlying cause: Your care team may treat conditions that contributed to the stone’s formation, like prostate enlargement or bladder-emptying issues. Addressing the cause helps reduce the chance of future stones.
• Breaking up the stone (cystolitholapaxy): Specialists use a thin scope inserted through the urethra to locate the stone. Special tools or lasers break it into smaller pieces that can be flushed out.
• Surgery: If the stone is large or difficult to remove with other methods, surgery may be recommended.

Not all bladder stones can be prevented, but certain habits can lower your risk. Helpful steps include:

• Drinking enough water throughout the day
• Emptying your bladder completely when you urinate
• Managing conditions that affect urine flow
• Getting treatment for urinary tract infections early
• Following your doctor’s advice if you have prostate or bladder issues

Regular follow-up visits may also help catch small stones before they grow larger.

Penn Medicine urologists take the time to understand your symptoms and how they’re affecting your daily life. Using advanced imaging and modern treatment approaches, our specialists tailor treatment to remove stones safely and speed up your recovery.

Beyond treating the stone itself, your care team works to prevent future stones by addressing the underlying causes, while coordinating with dietitians, kidney specialists, and other experts as needed. With a focus on comfort and long-term urinary health, Penn Medicine supports you every step of the way.