Diseases of the genitourinary system are common both in women and among the male population. Unfortunately, such problems are carried by the stronger sex is much more difficult. Indeed, in addition to impaired urination, another important factor joins in - problems with sexual activity. The latter is particularly worrying for middle-aged men. These symptoms arise due to the anatomical structure of the body. Violations of both functions are often associated with the fact that there is a stone in the ureter in men. The formation of calculi can be observed both due to malnutrition, and for other reasons. This symptom is a sign of urolithiasis. Regardless of the severity of the clinical picture, treatment is necessary, consisting in the removal of calculi.
Stones in the ureters - what kind of disease?
A stone in the ureter in men does not occur on its own and in an instant. Even if the symptoms appeared suddenly, this was preceded by a long-running chronic pathology. The appearance of calculi in the ducts indicates the presence of urolithiasis. In this case, the process begins in the kidneys. Then the stone enters the ureter. The presence of large calculi is very dangerous, as it can lead to injury and rupture of the organ. In addition, stones block the outflow of urine. This leads to the development of pain. Also, a person is disturbed by false urge to urinate. This disease often leads to the development of inflammatory pathologies, injuries. In addition, it is more difficult to treat, because due to the flow of urine stones constantly migrate throughout the organ. Most often, stones get stuck in places of anatomical narrowing. These include the border with the bladder and exit from the renal pelvis. Often the stones get stuck in the lower part of the organ. This occurs in 70% of cases.
Why do stones appear in the ureters?
The main cause of calculi is urolithiasis. It is believed that the female population is more susceptible to it. Nevertheless, pathology is also common among men. The disease is associated with impaired mineral metabolism in the body. Also the reason is the consumption of certain foods and water. According to statistics, urolithiasis is more common in Asia and the Caucasus. This is due to the nature of the nutrition of people living in these areas. This refers to addiction to spicy and bitter foods. In addition, the development of pathology leads to the use of large amounts of salt, as well as untreated water. A stone in the ureter in men can appear for the following reasons:
- Disorders of phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
- Gout. This pathology is often found in men who abuse alcohol. It is characterized by impaired purine metabolism and deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and kidneys.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases. These include pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis.
- Genital infections. These diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococcus), which enter the organs in an ascending way. As a result, they lead to inflammation of the bladder and kidneys.
- Congenital malformations. These include: doubling of the kidneys, diverticulums of the ureters, etc.
- Endocrine pathologies leading to metabolic disorders.
- Hereditary predisposition to urolithiasis.
- Pelvic injuries.
A stone appeared in the ureter: symptoms in men
In most cases, the ingress of a stone or its part into the ureter is accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture. Especially if the calculus occupies the entire lumen of the organ. Due to severe pain, the patient takes a forced position in bed, tries not to move. Most often, this condition is called an attack of renal colic. It can last for several hours or even days. The pain syndrome periodically subsides, then resumes again. How a stone comes out of the ureter in men depends on the size of the calculus. If it has a small diameter, then its independent promotion is possible. As a result of urine pressure, small stones can crush and come out. In this case, the attack goes away on its own. If this does not happen, the following symptoms are observed:
- Pain in the lower abdomen on one side, in the lumbar region. Can give to the perineum, genitals. The severity of pain depends on the degree of obstruction.
- Urinary retention.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- In some patients, a change in the nature of the stool is observed: diarrhea or constipation.
- Fever, general weakness.
- False urination.
- Tension of the muscles of the lower press.
If the stone in the ureter in men does not come out on its own, then the attacks will be repeated. In addition, constant trauma to the walls of the organ with calculus leads to the development of complications. Among them - chronic inflammation of the ureter, edema. With the spread of infection, pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis develops. Constant urinary retention leads to hydronephrosis. If the disease is not treated, acute or chronic renal failure develops.
Diagnostic methods for ureterolithiasis
The appearance of stones (ureterolithiasis) can be suspected by symptoms such as bouts of acute pain, urinary retention, muscle tension in the anterior abdominal wall. In this case, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are performed. In a general urinalysis, urate or oxalaturia will be observed. There may also be an admixture of protein, bacteria and an increase in the number of white blood cells. In the chronic process and the development of renal failure, there will be changes in the biochemical analysis of blood. These include an increase in creatinine. With gout, an increase in the amount of uric acid in the blood is observed. Instrumental diagnostics include excretory urography and ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Thanks to these methods, you can find out about the localization, number and size of calculi.
Methods of treatment of ureterolithiasis
Ureterolithiasis is a disease in which there is a stone in the ureter in men. How to withdraw calculus? It all depends on its location and size. If the stone does not completely close the lumen of the ureter and can come out on its own, then medication is prescribed. Alternative medicine is also effective. For this purpose, decoctions of diuretic herbs are used. With large amounts of calculi, the ineffectiveness of drug therapy and frequent relapses, surgical intervention is necessary. Urolithiasis is considered an occasion for elective surgery. Emergency measures are taken with the development of acute renal failure and organ trauma with large calculi.
Ureter stones in men: home treatment
In some cases, it is possible to remove the pain syndrome at home. First of all, it is necessary to take an antispasmodic drug. Such medicines include No-Shpa, Papaverin tablets. After using an antispasmodic, the ureter relaxes, which can cause the stone to move and exit. It is also recommended that you take a warm bath for this purpose. Removal of stones from the ureter in men is possible when taking herbal decoctions. They are made from plants such as dill or horsetail. Drinking more fluids is also recommended. In addition, you should follow a diet. Legumes, cabbage, sorrel, nuts and currants should be excluded from the diet.
Drug therapy for ureterolithiasis
Medication is effective for rare attacks of ureterolithiasis and small calculi. Antispasmodic drugs and diuretics are used. The latter include medications "Fitolizin", "Kanefron." These drugs are based on herbs. They have not only a diuretic effect, but are also antiseptic.
Prompt stone removal
In most cases, ureterolithiasis is treated surgically. Despite the fact that stones can come out on their own, they still continue to form in the kidneys and bladder. Therefore, new attacks of ureterolithiasis arise. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to remove large stones in the ureter in men. Surgery is especially necessary if there is a risk of complications. Indications are urinary retention, severe pain. Emergency surgery is necessary with the appearance of spotting from the urethra, a drop in blood pressure.
Types of surgical procedures for ureterolithiasis
There are several methods according to which the removal of stones from the ureter in men is performed. The operation in most cases is performed laparoscopically. The following types of surgical interventions are distinguished:
- Remote lithotripsy. This method is used in the presence of small calculi. It is based on exposure to ultrasonic and magnetic waves. With the help of a device - lithotripter - the stone is crushed into several small parts. As a result, the calculus can pass through the ureter and exit on its own.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This manipulation is carried out under the supervision of ultrasound. Local anesthesia is needed. In the lumbar region, an incision is made to install a nephroscope. Using a thin catheter, contrast is introduced into the urethra. The lithotripter is brought close to calculi, some of the stones are removed using special forceps.
- Ureteroscopy This method resembles percutaneous lithotripsy. But it differs in that the manipulation is carried out without a cut. The stones are removed through the opening of the urethra. If they are large, they are pre-crushed.
- Open surgery. It is rarely performed, only if it is not possible to remove calculi in other ways.
Urolithiasis Prevention
To prevent stones from forming, you must follow a diet and drink as much fluid as possible. It is recommended to filter the water before use. In case of violation of mineral metabolism, consultation with an endocrinologist is required. A disease such as gout is an excuse for refusing alcohol.