Bladder stones and incontinence

Woman holding bladder
23 October 2023

Bladder stones and incontinence

Bladder stones, a painful and frequently unnoticed condition, can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as incontinence. In this guide, we'll cover:

  • What bladder stones are
  • The link between incontinence and bladder stones
  • How to treat and manage bladder stones
  • Ways to prevent bladder stones and incontinence

By the end of this blog, you'll have a clearer insight into managing bladder stones-related incontinence.

What are bladder stones?

Bladder stones are hard, mineral-based masses that can develop in your bladder. The size and makeup of these stones can differ significantly, but regardless of these factors, they can lead to discomfort and various health problems. These stones form when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid to crystallise and bind together.

It's vital to address bladder stones as soon as possible. Treatments often include increasing water intake to help flush out smaller stones, using medications to dissolve the minerals, or employing surgical techniques to remove the stones directly in more severe cases. Regular check-ups and staying hydrated can help prevent the formation of bladder stones.

Symptoms of bladder stones

Bladder stones are hard masses of minerals in your bladder. When these stones form, they can lead to various uncomfortable and disruptive symptoms. Common signs include frequent trips to the bathroom, pain when urinating, and discomfort in the lower abdomen. Among these, incontinence is particularly challenging and can greatly interfere with daily life.

Bladder stones can irritate the bladder walls and sometimes cause partial blockages. This irritation and blockage may result in a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate or contribute to leakage issues, which we understand as incontinence. This symptom affects not only physical health but also emotional and mental well-being, as it can be embarrassing and inconvenient, limiting social activities and overall quality of life.

Managing these symptoms effectively involves treating the bladder stones themselves, often requiring medical intervention such as medication to dissolve the stones or surgery to remove them. Alongside medical treatment, using the right incontinence products can help manage symptoms. Products designed for high absorbency, comfort, and discretion can offer significant relief and help maintain an active, fulfilling life despite these challenges.

Causes of bladder stones

Bladder stones are small, hard masses of minerals that form in the bladder when urine becomes concentrated, allowing minerals to crystallise and bind together. Several factors contribute to the development of these stones:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs can change the chemical composition of urine, making stones more likely to form. Bacteria involved in UTIs can produce substances that encourage stone formation.

Diet

A diet high in fat, sugar, or salt can increase the risk of bladder stones. Foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, rhubarb, and peanuts, can also contribute to the formation of crystals if consumed in large quantities.

Insufficient Water Intake

Not drinking enough water leads to more concentrated urine, which increases the likelihood of mineral crystals forming. Staying hydrated is key to preventing stones, as it dilutes the minerals in urine.

Other Health Complications

Certain medical conditions can lead to bladder stones. For instance, people with bladder diverticula (pouches that form in the bladder wall) or those with neurogenic bladder (a problem with bladder function due to nerve damage) are at higher risk.

Understanding these factors can help in taking preventive measures such as maintaining a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and managing underlying health conditions that might contribute to the formation of bladder stones.

Diagnosis of bladder stones

When diagnosing bladder stones, medical professionals begin by reviewing your medical history and conducting a physical examination. They will ask about your symptoms, any previous health issues, and your lifestyle to get a comprehensive understanding of your situation. This step is vital as it helps to identify any underlying causes that might contribute to the formation of bladder stones.

Following this initial assessment, diagnostic imaging techniques such as ultrasounds or X-rays are often employed. An ultrasound is a non-invasive method that uses sound waves to create images of the internal organs, including the bladder. It can detect stones within the bladder by highlighting abnormalities in the images. On the other hand, an X-ray uses radiation to capture images of the structures inside your body and can show the presence of bladder stones.

Once bladder stones are confirmed, you can begin managing them. This often involves a combination of treatments depending on the size and location of the stones. Small stones might be managed with increased fluid intake to help pass them naturally, while larger stones might require medication to dissolve them or surgical procedures to remove them.

Addressing bladder stones can significantly improve incontinence issues as these stones can irritate the bladder, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and incontinence. You can reduce these symptoms and improve your overall bladder health by effectively managing or eliminating bladder stones.

Incontinence and Bladder Stones

Bladder stones can cause significant discomfort and contribute to incontinence by irritating the bladder's lining and disrupting its normal functioning. Here’s a detailed look at how you can manage incontinence symptoms while addressing bladder stones:

Lifestyle Modifications

Minor adjustments in your daily habits can significantly help manage incontinence. Consider cutting down on substances irritating the bladder, such as caffeine and alcohol. These substances can increase the frequency of urination and lead to urgency, exacerbating incontinence. 

Additionally, it’s beneficial to schedule regular bathroom breaks. By not allowing your bladder to become too full, you can reduce the risk of accidents and improve bladder health. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy fibre-rich diet can also support overall bladder and digestive health.

Pelvic Floor Exercises (Kegel Exercises):  

These exercises target strengthening the pelvic floor muscles, which support the bladder and urethra. Strengthening these muscles helps improve urinary control and reduce leakage. To perform Kegel exercises, you tighten the muscles you would use to stop urinating and hold them for about five to ten seconds, then relax. Repeat this 10-15 times per session, three times a day. Consistency is key to seeing improvements.

Incontinence Products 

Using the right incontinence products can provide comfort and maintain your dignity and sense of security. Pads and protective underwear are designed to absorb urine leaks, protect the skin from irritation, and reduce odour. These products come in various sizes and absorbency levels, allowing you to choose one that matches your symptoms' severity and lifestyle needs. It’s essential to look for products that offer an excellent fit and breathable materials to maintain skin health.

Preventing Bladder Stones

Taking proactive steps is key in preventing bladder stones and reducing the risk of incontinence. Here are some valuable tips:

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is vital for keeping your urine diluted. This helps prevent the formation of crystals that can lead to bladder stones. Aim to drink at least six to eight glasses of water daily, more if you are active or in a hot climate.

Maintain a Balanced Diet

Reducing your intake of foods high in oxalates can help minimise the risk of stone formation. Foods rich in oxalates include spinach, soy products, almonds, and potatoes. Instead, focus on a varied diet with many other fruits and vegetables. Incorporating foods with lower oxalate levels, like bananas, cabbage, and peas, can also be beneficial. A balanced diet supports overall health and helps maintain a healthy weight, which benefits bladder health and function.

Take control of your incontinence symptoms with Incontinence UK

Take control of your incontinence symptoms with Incontinence UK. If you're experiencing incontinence symptoms and seeking affordable solutions for comfort, Incontinence UK has you covered. Our incontinence pads and pants offer reliable protection, reducing discomfort and ensuring privacy.

We provide lower prices than supermarkets, even for leading brands like TENA and Drylife, making it an excellent option for purchasing incontinence products in bulk. Subscribe for an additional 10% off every order and the convenience of home delivery.