Are Urinary Stones And Prostate Stones The Same?

Every year, more than half a million people are facing trouble due to stone formations in the body. There are various factors that contribute to the formation of stones. Most of us know about the formation of stones in the urinary tract (it may be in the kidneys, ureter  or bladder) but  very few know about the stone formation in the prostate gland of men. Though they both sound similar, there are differences between urinary stones and prostate stones which we should know.

Understanding the Differences between Urinary Stones and Prostate Stone

Urinary Stone vs Prostate Stone

• Typically urinary stones form in the kidney and may move to ureter or bladder. Depending upon the stone's location, it is called kidney stone, bladder stone or ureteral stone. Urinary stones can form in both men and women. But, men are more prone to urinary stones than women.
• Prostatic stones form in the prostate (men's reproductive organ which mainly affects middle-aged and old men.

How the stones are formed?

• Stones in the urinary tract are formed when the urine contains more chemicals such as calcium, oxalate and uric acid. When these minerals and acid salts remain in the urinary tract, it starts forming hard masses (stones).
• When the prostate secretions remain in the gland, it thickens and combines with proteinaceous substances and forms stones.

Understand your risks to prevent the formation of stones

• Urinary stones are common among people who have a family
• History of stone formation. People who don't drink enough water a day are also at the risk of having urinary stones. These stones are common in people who are obese. Eating a diet which is high in animal source protein, sodium and sugar are also at the increased risk of developing these painful stones.
•  Prostate stones usually occur in men above 50 years of age and they mainly affect men with an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, and chronic prostatitis.

    Warning signs of urinary or prostate stones

• Kidney  Stones usually cause dull back pain or may remain asymptomatic until it beomes large . Ureteric stones  can cause  severe pain in lower back, loin pain and difficulty in passing  urine and pain spreading to private parts.
•  Prostate stones rarely show any symptom. In some men, it causes pain in the penis and creates trouble while urinating.

    Treatments that may help you

• Tiny kidney stones can be flushed out by drinking plenty of water or with the help of some medications. In case of large kidney stones,endoscopic surgery is necessary.
• Sometimes, small prostatic stones pass out on their own while urinating. But in patients with large and multiple stones  endoscopic laser prostate surgery (Holep) surgery is required.

Visit ANANDAN’S URO-ANDROLOGY Clinc located in Chennai for the best andrologist in Chennai.

Visit Us: urologistindia.com

Blog Reviewed By: Dr N Anandan

Mail Us: drnanandan@gmail.com 

Book an appointment: urologistindia.com/book-appointment