What happens if bladder stones are left untreated?

Untreated bladder stones can continue to grow and cause persistent urinary symptoms, bleeding, recurrent urinary infections, urinary obstruction, and difficulty emptying the bladder. In some cases, long-standing stones can contribute to bladder irritation and other urinary complications. The risk depends on the stone's size, number, location, symptoms, and the underlying cause.

Not every bladder stone causes immediate serious problems, but a stone that remains in the bladder should be evaluated by a urologist, particularly when symptoms are present.

1. Persistent Urinary Symptoms

An untreated bladder stone can continue to irritate the bladder and cause:

• Frequent urination.
• Urinary urgency.
• Burning during urination.
• Lower abdominal discomfort.
• Interrupted urine flow.

Symptoms may persist or become more troublesome over time.

2. Blood in the Urine

A bladder stone can rub against the bladder lining and cause hematuria, or blood in the urine.

The blood may be:

• Visible to the naked eye.
• Intermittent.
• Detected only through urine testing.

Unexplained or persistent blood in the urine should be medically evaluated.

3. Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections

Bladder stones can be associated with recurrent urinary tract infections.

A stone combined with incomplete bladder emptying may create conditions in which bacteria can persist.

Repeated infections should prompt evaluation for a bladder stone and other underlying urinary problems.

4. Urinary Obstruction

A bladder stone can sometimes interfere with urine leaving the bladder.

This may lead to:

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

Sudden inability to pass urine requires prompt medical attention.

5. Difficulty Emptying the Bladder

If a stone interferes with the bladder outlet, urine may remain in the bladder after urination.

Persistent incomplete emptying can itself contribute to further urinary complications and may increase the risk of additional stone formation.

6. Bladder Irritation and Inflammation

Continuous contact between a stone and the bladder lining can cause ongoing irritation.

This may contribute to:

• Urinary frequency.
• Urgency.
• Painful urination.
• Blood in the urine.

7. Stone Growth

Some bladder stones can increase in size when they remain in the bladder, particularly when the underlying cause of stone formation continues.

A larger stone may become more difficult to manage and may cause more significant urinary symptoms.

8. Recurrence and Further Complications

Removing a stone without treating its underlying cause may allow another stone to form.

Conditions that can contribute include:

• Enlarged prostate.
• Urethral stricture.
• Bladder dysfunction.
• Neurological bladder problems.
• Chronic incomplete bladder emptying.

For this reason, treatment should address both the existing stone and its underlying cause whenever possible.

Can an Untreated Bladder Stone Damage the Bladder?

Long-standing bladder stones can cause chronic irritation and may contribute to changes in bladder function, particularly when they occur together with ongoing urinary obstruction.

The extent of any effect depends on the individual patient and how long the stone remains untreated.

Can a Bladder Stone Go Away Without Treatment?

Some small bladder stones may pass naturally, but this is not true for every stone.

A stone that is large, symptomatic, or associated with urinary obstruction may require removal.

Your urologist can determine whether observation is appropriate.

What Happens If the Stone Is Causing Urinary Retention?

If a bladder stone is obstructing urine flow and causing retention, the situation requires prompt medical evaluation.

The treatment may involve relieving the obstruction and removing the stone, while also addressing any underlying cause such as an enlarged prostate or urethral stricture.

When Should I See a Urologist?

See a urologist if you have:

• A known bladder stone.
• Persistent urinary symptoms.
• Blood in the urine.
• Recurrent urinary infections.
• Difficulty passing urine.
• Weak or interrupted urine flow.
• Incomplete bladder emptying.
• Recurrent bladder stones.

If you suddenly cannot pass urine, seek emergency medical care promptly.

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 recurrent urinary problems. A detailed assessment can help determine the severity of the stone, whether treatment is required, and whether an underlying urinary condition needs to be addressed.