How Are Urinary Stones in Men Treated?
Feb 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Fujun
Introduction
How to Treat Urinary Stones in Men: Men with urinary stones must undergo either ultrasound or CT imaging to accurately determine the stone’s location, number, size, and whether complications such as hydronephrosis or ureteral dilation are present. Only with this information can an optimal treatment plan be formulated. For stones smaller than 0.5 cm, increased fluid intake is recommended—specifically, drinking more than 1,500 mL of water per day—along with pharmacological stone-expelling therapy.
Calculi (stones) are solid masses that can form in various parts of the human body; urinary calculi (urinary stones) are a classic example. Small stones often cause no obvious symptoms and are frequently discovered incidentally during routine physical examinations. However, larger stones may lead to symptoms such as dysuria (painful or difficult urination) and pain. So, how are urinary stones treated in men? Let’s explore this together.
How Are Urinary Stones Treated in Men?
Men with suspected urinary stones must undergo ultrasound or CT imaging to confirm the stone’s location, number, size, and whether complications such as hydronephrosis or ureteral dilation are present—essential information for determining the optimal treatment plan. For stones smaller than 0.5 cm, increased fluid intake is recommended—ideally over 1,500 mL per day—along with pharmacologic stone-expulsion therapy (e.g., Urolithin or Nephrolithin). Regular physical activity, especially jumping exercises, may also facilitate spontaneous stone passage. For stones measuring between 0.5 cm and 1.2 cm, extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) may be attempted to fragment the stone, allowing gradual elimination from the body.
For stones larger than 1.2 cm—particularly those lodged in the distal ureter for an extended period and associated with hydronephrosis—ureteroscopic holmium laser lithotripsy is a viable option. Larger stones located in the proximal ureter may require either percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) or flexible ureteroscopy. Similarly, large renal stones are typically managed with PCNL.
What Are the Potential Hazards of Urinary Stones?
1. Urinary Tract Obstruction: In early-stage urethral stones in men, small stones may migrate within the urethra, causing mechanical injury. Larger stones, however, may obstruct the urethral meatus, impeding normal urine outflow. Prolonged pressure on the urinary tract mucosa can lead to epithelial sloughing and tissue ulceration—compromising health and potentially increasing cancer risk, thereby threatening male patients’ lives.
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): Untreated urethral stones predispose individuals to UTIs. Mechanical irritation and friction caused by the stone in the urethra may trigger infection of the urinary tract or hydronephrosis; if progression continues, pyonephrosis may develop. Severe UTIs can even progress to sepsis, endangering both health and life. Patients must therefore recognize the seriousness of urethral stones and seek timely, evidence-based, standardized treatment.
3. Tissue Damage: Large stones or those with irregular, rough surfaces may cause trauma to adjacent organs as they move through the urinary tract—for instance, damaging the renal pelvis or ureteral mucosa. Such injuries may result in bleeding, erosion, and ulceration, and—in severe cases—impaired renal function. Chronic mucosal irritation by stones may even promote malignant transformation; thus, this risk warrants close attention.
We hope the above information is helpful to you.
