Can Bladder Stones Cause UTI?

Yes. Bladder stones can contribute to UTIs, particularly when they interfere with normal bladder emptying or are associated with urinary obstruction and retained urine. Recurrent infections may sometimes continue until the underlying bladder stone and its cause are addressed.

Bladder stones develop when minerals crystallize in concentrated or retained urine inside the bladder. They are often associated with conditions that prevent the bladder from emptying properly, such as enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, neurogenic bladder, or other forms of bladder outlet obstruction.

Bladder stones can be linked with UTIs in several ways:

• Incomplete bladder emptying: Retained urine can allow bacteria to multiply more easily.
• Urinary obstruction: A stone or the underlying condition causing the stone can interfere with urine flow.
• Bacterial persistence: Some bacteria may remain associated with stone material, contributing to repeated infections.
• Bladder irritation: Stones can cause inflammation and urinary symptoms that may occur alongside infection.
• Recurrent infection: Repeated UTIs together with bladder stones may indicate that an underlying urinary problem needs treatment.

Symptoms can include burning while urinating, frequent or urgent urination, lower abdominal discomfort, blood in the urine, difficulty passing urine, or recurrent UTIs. However, these symptoms can have several causes, so testing may be needed to determine whether an actual infection is present.

If bladder stones and recurrent UTIs occur together, treatment may need to address both the infection and the stone or underlying cause. Simply treating each infection without addressing urinary obstruction or incomplete emptying may not prevent future episodes.

SCI International Hospital

At SCI International Hospital, Dr. Gautam Banga evaluates patients with recurrent UTIs and bladder stones to identify the underlying cause. Assessment may include urine testing, imaging, and evaluation of bladder emptying, enlarged prostate, urethral stricture, or urinary obstruction. When appropriate, treating the bladder stone and the condition contributing to its formation can help reduce the risk of recurrent urinary infections.