A bladder stone is a fairly common diagnosis. The disease is associated with the deposition in the bladder cavity of small formations that interfere with the normal functioning of the genitourinary system. Interestingly, among men, this problem is much more common.
Stones are usually composed of uric acid, calcium oxalate and other minerals. They can be single or multiple, have different shapes, sizes and consistencies.
Bladder stone: causes
Today, there are many reasons that lead to the formation of calculi in the cavity of the bladder :
The most common cause is the so-called infravesical obstruction - a phenomenon that is associated with partial blockage of the outflow of urine. As a result of current disturbance, the bubble is not completely empty. The urine stagnates and begins to crystallize over time, forming stones of different sizes. In men, an enlarged prostate can lead to blockage, and in women - lesions of the bladder in the cervix.
In addition, a stone in the bladder can occur as a result of narrowing of the urethra, phimosis and other diseases that impede the outflow of urine.
In some cases, a violation of the connections between the bladder and the nervous system leads to a similar problem - these diseases are combined under the name "neurogenic bladder".
A stone in the bladder can form if there are foreign bodies in the organ cavity, including ligatures, stents, suture materials, mechanical contraceptives (spiral).
In women, a prolapse of the uterus along with a displacement of the bladder can lead to this phenomenon.
Reconstructive bladder surgery for treating incontinence can also cause stone formation.
You may notice that there are actually many reasons for the formation of solids in the cavity of the bladder.
Bladder stone: symptoms
Occasionally, the disease can be asymptomatic. But in most cases, patients complain of severe pain in the lower abdomen. The urge to urinate becomes more frequent, but during this process there are severe pains that extend to the pubic bone and genitals. Patients also complain of frequent nightly urges. Sometimes urine contains traces of blood. Sexual intercourse becomes painful.
Bladder stone: diagnosis and treatment
With the above symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. First you need to take urine tests - a laboratory test usually reveals an elevated level of salts. In addition, the patient is prescribed an ultrasound examination of the bladder, which allows you to determine the size and texture of the stones. Much less often, an internal examination of the bladder is carried out with the introduction of a special device, a cytoscope, inside.
As for the treatment, as a rule, conservative methods will suffice for a complete cure. The main goal of therapy is to dissolve the stones and remove salts from the body. Therefore, patients are prescribed various drugs that destroy the structure of deposits. The choice of medicine here depends on the mineral of which the stone consists. But sometimes, surgical extraction of formations is nevertheless required.