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Bladder stones

Also called Bladder calculi

Bladder stones are hard lumps of minerals that form inside the bladder. They usually develop when urine stays in the bladder because it does not empty completely, for example because of an enlarged prostate or nerve damage. Small stones may pass on their own; larger ones usually need removing.

Last updated Nov 9, 2026

What it is

They are most common in older men with prostate enlargement. Treating the underlying cause helps stop new stones forming.

Stones are usually broken up and removed through a telescope passed into the bladder.

Common signs

  • Pain in the lower tummy
  • Pain or difficulty when peeing, or a stop-start flow
  • Needing to pee more often
  • Cloudy or dark urine, or blood in the urine

How it is usually diagnosed

  • Urine tests
  • Ultrasound, X-ray or CT scan
  • Cystoscopy

Records worth keeping

Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:

  • Scan and cystoscopy reports
  • Stone analysis results, if done
  • Prostate or bladder emptying test results

Questions to ask your doctor

  • Why did the stone form?
  • What is the best way to remove it?
  • How can I stop new stones forming?

When to get help right away

Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:

  • Being unable to pee
  • Fever with shivering and pain

This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.

Sources

Related conditions

Kidney stonesHard deposits that form in the kidneys and can cause severe pain when they move. Small stones often pass on their own.Enlarged prostateA common, non-cancerous growth of the prostate in older men that can make peeing slower and more frequent.Urinary tract infections (UTIs)Infections of the bladder, urethra or kidneys. They are common, especially in women, and are often treated with antibiotics.