Bladder stones are hard buildups of mineral that form in the urinary bladder.

Bladder stones are usually the result of another urologic problem such as urinary tract infection, bladder diverticulum, neurogenic bladder, or an enlarged prostate. Approximately 95% of all bladder stones occur in men. Stones originating in the bladder are much less common than kidney stones.

Bladder stones may occur when urine in the bladder is concentrated and materials crystallize. The patient feels symptoms when the lining of the bladder is irritated by the stone or when the stone obstructs the flow of urine from the bladder.

• Frequent urge to urinate
• Interruption of the urine stream
• Difficulty urinating
• Inability to urinate except in certain positions
• Blood in the urine
• Abdominal pain, pressure
• Pain, discomfort in the penis
• Abnormally colored or dark-colored urine
• Urinary tract infection
  • Dysuria (painful urination)
  • Urinary urgency
  • Fever

Incontinence may also be associated with bladder stones.

• Physical examination, including rectal examination, may reveal enlarged prostate or other urologic conditions.
• Urinalysis may show blood in the urine or an infection.
• Urine culture (clean catch) may reveal infection.
• Bladder or pelvic x-ray may show the presence of stones.
• Cystoscopy can reveal a stone in th bladder.