Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are a common health concern, affecting various parts of the urinary system, including the bladder and urethra. More serious infections can involve the kidneys, which are responsible for filtering waste and extra water from the blood to create urine. UTIs can be triggered by various factors, including sexual activity and the use of catheters.

A notable symptom of bladder-related issues, such as UTIs or bladder stones, is a burning or stinging sensation during urination. Another alarming symptom is hematuria, the presence of blood in urine, which could indicate serious conditions like kidney or bladder stones, an infection, or even cancer. Both men and women can experience bladder problems due to various causes, including tumors, bladder stones, scar tissue, nerve damage from injuries or surgeries, diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and shingles.

Bladder stones, similar to kidney stones, form when urine becomes concentrated, leading to the hardening of minerals in the urine. These stones can become a clinical issue when they grow large enough to block the flow of urine from the kidney to the bladder. Kidney stones, often discovered incidentally, can be a source of bacteria, causing recurrent urinary tract infections.

Symptoms of kidney stones include intractable nausea, vomiting, pain, or fever. Common types of kidney stones are calcium stones and uric acid stones. Another type, struvite stones, are caused by urinary tract infections and consist of magnesium ammonium phosphate.

For those diagnosed with a kidney stone, prompt evaluation and treatment are essential. In some cases, emergency treatment may be necessary for severe symptoms.

For more information, visit Harvard Health, Mayo Clinic Health System, and Harvard Health for detailed discussions on UTIs and bladder problems. For insights into kidney stones, refer to the Department of Urology, Harvard Health, Division of Urologic Surgery, and the University of Rochester Medical Center.