Stones: Types of Stones

Kidney stones are formed inside the kidney from when the normal balance of water, salts, minerals, and other substances found in urine changes. How this balance changes determines the type of kidney stone you have. Most kidney stones are calcium-type—they form when the calcium levels in your urine change. Some other types include: Struvite, Uric Acid, and Cystine.

• Bladder stones are similar to kidney stones; however, they are formed inside the bladder. Typically they are caused when urine stagnates in the bladder due to a medical condition, such as, bladder infections, BPH, or others.
• Calcium-Oxalate Stones: These are the most common kidney stones. They can be caused by eating too much calcium or vitamin D, some medicines, genetics and other kidney problems. Talk to your doctor about ways to stop these stones from forming. Do not limit calcium.
• Struvite Stones: These stones affect women more than men. They can grow to be very large and harm the kidneys more than other stones. Having kidney infections often may cause struvite stones.
• Uric Acid Stones: These stones may be caused by eating too much animal protein or by genetics. To stop uric acid stones, try eating less red meat.
• Cystine Stones: These stones are very rare. They are caused by cystinuria, a genetic kidney disease.

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