What are the symptoms of bladder stones?

Bladder stones can cause urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, pain or burning while urinating, difficulty passing urine, interrupted urine flow, lower abdominal discomfort, and blood in the urine. Some small bladder stones may cause few or no symptoms and may only be discovered during an examination or investigation for another urinary problem.

Bladder stone symptoms can vary depending on the size and location of the stone and whether it interferes with urine flow.

1. Frequent Urination

A bladder stone can irritate the bladder lining and create a frequent urge to urinate.

You may feel the need to urinate repeatedly, even when only a small amount of urine is produced.

2. Pain or Burning During Urination

Bladder stones may cause:

• Burning while urinating.
• Pain toward the end of urination.
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen or pelvic area.

3. Difficulty Passing Urine

A stone can interfere with the bladder outlet or urinary passage and make it difficult to start or maintain urination.

You may notice:

• Difficulty starting the urine stream.
• A weak stream.
• Straining to urinate.
• Interrupted urine flow.

4. Blood in the Urine

Bladder stones can irritate the bladder lining and may cause blood in the urine.

The urine may appear pink, red, or brown, although blood may sometimes only be detected through urine testing.

5. Lower Abdominal Pain

Some people experience discomfort or pain in the lower abdomen or pelvic region.

The discomfort may become more noticeable during urination or physical activity.

6. Urinary Flow That Stops and Starts

A bladder stone may occasionally move near the bladder outlet, causing the urine stream to stop and start unexpectedly.

7. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder stones can sometimes be associated with recurrent urinary tract infections.

If you repeatedly develop urinary infections, your doctor may investigate whether a bladder stone or another underlying urinary problem is contributing to them.

Can bladder stones cause urinary retention?

Yes. A stone can obstruct the bladder outlet in some cases and make it difficult or impossible to pass urine.

Sudden inability to urinate requires prompt medical attention.

Can bladder stones cause symptoms similar to an enlarged prostate?

Yes. Both bladder stones and enlarged prostate (BPH) can cause symptoms such as:

• Weak urine stream.
• Difficulty starting urination.
• Frequent urination.
• Interrupted urine flow.
• Incomplete bladder emptying.

Because the symptoms can overlap, a urological evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause.

When Should I See a Urologist?

You should seek a urological evaluation if you experience:

• Blood in the urine.
• Persistent burning or pain while urinating.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Frequent or urgent urination.
• Repeated urinary tract infections.
• Weak or interrupted urine flow.
• Lower abdominal discomfort.
• A known history of bladder stones.

If you cannot pass urine at all, seek urgent medical attention.

SCI International Hospital 

At SCI International Hospital, New Delhi, Dr. Gautam Banga, Senior Consultant Urologist and Andrologist, evaluates patients with bladder stones, urinary obstruction, enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, and other urinary problems. Appropriate evaluation can help determine whether bladder stones or another urinary condition is responsible for the symptoms.