Bladder Stone Symptoms

Blood in the urine is one of the most common symptoms of bladder stones. Bladder stones are masses that form from minerals and proteins in the urine, and though they can form anywhere along the urinary tract, they end up in the bladder. Stones start out as small grains but can grow to be more than one inch in size.

Bladder stones are crystal masses, most commonly containing calcium salts. Stones that scratch the bladder wall can lead to an infection. If you have blood in your urine from bladder stones, it might be visible, or a lab test can detect trace amounts of it. If you have pain above your groin and see blood in your urine, even if you don't have pain, you should see your doctor. You may have bladder stones.

Another common symptom of bladder stones is blocked urine. Larger stones can block the flow of urine and cause severe pain. Stones are more common in men, but rare in children. Nobody is sure of the exact cause of bladders stones, although they seem to be more common in hot climates and during the summer. It could be that hot weather leads to body fluid loss. Therefore it is important to drink plenty of water.

Genetic factors can also contribute to bladder stones. Other factors include gout, hormone imbalances, urinary infections, and urinary obstruction. Many times, stones will pass when you urinate. If they are large, your doctor can break them up with ultrasound or shock waves, or you may need surgery.