What Are Bladder Stones? Symptoms, Causes & When to Seek Help | Doctor explains

Understanding Bladder Stones — Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options If you’ve been dealing with pain when passing urine, lower abdominal discomfort, or frequent urinary infections, it may not just be a simple UTI. In some cases, these symptoms are caused by bladder stones — small, hard mineral deposits that form when the bladder doesn’t empty properly. I’m Dr O’Donovan, a UK licensed medical doctor. In this video, I explain what bladder stones are, why they form, how to recognise the symptoms, and what treatment options are available — including what to expect if you need a procedure. What this video covers: *What bladder stones (bladder calculi) are *Common causes and risk factors (including enlarged prostate, dehydration, and catheters) *Key symptoms to watch for *How bladder stones are diagnosed *Treatment options including cystolitholapaxy and surgery *What happens if bladder stones are left untreated *Practical prevention tips *When to seek urgent medical care Bladder stones can sometimes pass unnoticed — but larger stones can lead to pain, infections, and complications if left untreated. Understanding the signs early can make a real difference. If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms, it’s important to speak to your GP or a healthcare professional to get the right diagnosis. ***** Website resources for further reading: NHS information (UK): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder... Mayo Clinic (USA): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-c... Cleveland Clinic (USA): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health... Video made: April 2026 Connect through: Website: www.doctorodonovan.com YouTube:    / @drodonovan   Disclaimer: The video is intended as an educational resource only. The information within this video or on this channel isn't designed to replace professional input, so if you have any medical issues please consult a medical provider. No professional relationship is being created by watching this video. Dr. O’Donovan cannot give any individual medical advice. All information should be verified for accuracy by the individual user. Dr O’Donovan accepts no responsibility for individual interpretation of data, although it is always accurate to the best of his knowledge at the time of the video being published. This is an EDUCATIONAL video. Images are used in accordance with fair use guidelines. Legal information: Content provided via YouTube is for general information purposes ONLY. Information videos are not produced to provide individualised medical advice. Medical education videos on Doctor O'Donovan are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. NEVER ignore professional medical advice because of something you have heard here. ALWAYS consult your doctor regarding any concerns about your condition or treatment.