Diseases of the genitourinary system are common in both women and men. Unfortunately, such problems are tolerated by the stronger sex much more difficult. After all, in addition to urination disorders, another important factor joins - problems with sexual activity. The latter is especially worrisome for middle-aged men. These symptoms arise due to the anatomical structure of the body. Violations of both functions are often associated with the fact that there is a stone in the ureter in men. The formation of calculi can be observed both due to malnutrition, and for other reasons. This symptom is a sign of urolithiasis. Regardless of the severity of the clinical picture, treatment is necessary, which consists in the removal of stones.
Ureteral stones - what is the disease?
A stone in the ureter in men does not occur on its own and in an instant. Even if the symptoms appeared suddenly, this was preceded by a long-term chronic pathology. The appearance of stones in the ductsindicates the presence of urolithiasis. In this case, the process begins in the kidneys. The stone then enters the ureter. The presence of large stones is very dangerous, as it can lead to injury and rupture of the organ. In addition, stones block the flow of urine. This leads to the development of pain syndrome. Also, a person is disturbed by false urge to urinate. This disease often leads to the development of inflammatory pathologies, injuries. In addition, it is more difficult to treat, because due to the flow of urine, stones constantly migrate through the organ. Most often, stones get stuck in places of anatomical narrowing. These include the border with the bladder and exit from the renal pelvis. Often stones get stuck in the lower part of the body. This occurs in 70% of cases.
Why do ureteral stones appear?
The main reason for the appearance of stones is urolithiasis. It is believed that the female population is more susceptible to it. Nevertheless, the pathology is common among men. The disease is associated with disorders of mineral metabolism in the body. It is also caused by the consumption of certain foods and water. According to statistics, urolithiasis is more common in Asia and the Caucasus. This is associated with the nature of the diet of people living in these areas. This refers to the addiction to spicy and bitter food. In addition, the development of pathology leads to the use of large amounts of s alt, as well as untreated water. A stone in the ureter in men can appear for the following reasons:
- Disorders of phosphorus-calcium metabolism.
- Gout. This pathology is often found in men who abuse alcohol. It is characterized by disorders of purine metabolism and the deposition of uric acid crystals in the joints and kidneys.
- Chronic inflammatory diseases. These include pyelonephritis, urethritis, cystitis.
- Sexual infections. These diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria (chlamydia, ureaplasma, gonococci), which enter the organs in an ascending way. As a result, they lead to inflammation of the bladder and kidneys.
- Congenital developmental anomalies. These include: doubling of the kidneys, diverticula of the ureters, etc.
- Endocrine pathologies leading to metabolic disorders.
- Hereditary predisposition to urolithiasis.
- Injuries to the pelvic organs.
A stone appeared in the ureter: symptoms in men
In most cases, the ingress of a stone or part of it into the ureter is accompanied by a pronounced clinical picture. Especially if the calculus occupies the entire lumen of the organ. Due to severe pain, the patient takes a forced position in bed, tries not to move. Most often, this condition is called an attack of renal colic. It can last for hours or even days. The pain syndrome periodically subsides, then resumes again. How a stone comes out of the ureter in men depends on the size of the stone. If it has a small diameter, then its independent promotion is possible. As a result of urine pressure, small stones can be crushed and passed out. In this case, the attack goes away on its own. If this does not happen, the following symptoms are observed:
- Pain in the lower abdomen on one side, in the lumbar region. Can give to the perineum, genitals. The severity of pain depends on the degree of obturation.
- Urinary retention.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Some patients experience a change in stool pattern: diarrhea or constipation.
- Fever, general weakness.
- False urge to urinate.
- Tension of the muscles of the lower press.
If a stone in the ureter in men does not come out on its own, then the attacks will be repeated. In addition, the constant traumatization of the walls of the organ with a calculus leads to the development of complications. Among them - chronic inflammation of the ureter, edema. With the spread of infection develops pyelonephritis, cystitis, urethritis. Constant urinary retention leads to hydronephrosis. If the disease is not treated, acute or chronic kidney failure develops.
Methods for diagnosing ureterolithiasis
The appearance of stones (ureterolithiasis) can be suspected by symptoms such as attacks of acute pain, urinary retention, tension in the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall. In this case, laboratory and instrumental diagnostics are carried out. In the general analysis of urine, urate- or oxalaturia will be observed. There may also be an admixture of protein, bacteria and an increase in the number of leukocytes. With a chronic process andthe development of renal failure, there will be changes in the biochemical blood test. These include an increase in creatinine levels. With gout, there is an increase in the amount of uric acid in the blood. Instrumental diagnostics include excretory urography and ultrasound of the pelvic organs. Thanks to these methods, you can find out about the localization, number and size of calculi.
Methods of treatment of ureterolithiasis
Ureterolithiasis is a disease in which there is a stone in the ureter in men. How to withdraw a stone? It all depends on its location and size. If the stone does not completely close the lumen of the ureter and can go out on its own, then medication is prescribed. Traditional medicine is also effective. For this purpose, decoctions of diuretic herbs are used. With large sizes of calculi, the ineffectiveness of drug therapy and frequent relapses, surgical intervention is necessary. Urolithiasis is considered a reason for a planned operation. Emergency measures are taken with the development of acute renal failure and traumatization of organs with large stones.
Ureteral stones in men: home treatment
In some cases, it is possible to relieve pain at home. First of all, you need to take an antispasmodic drug. Such medicines include tablets "No-Shpa", "Papaverine". After taking an antispasmodic, the ureter relaxes, which can causethe advancement of the stone and its exit. It is also recommended to take a warm bath for this purpose. Removal of stones from the ureter in men is possible when taking herbal decoctions. They are made from plants such as dill or horsetail. Drinking more fluids is also recommended. In addition, you should follow a diet. Legumes, cabbage, sorrel, nuts and currants should be excluded from the diet.
Drug therapy for ureterolithiasis
Drug treatment is effective for rare attacks of ureterolithiasis and small stones. Spasmolytic drugs and diuretics are used. The latter include medicines "Fitolizin", "Kanefron". These preparations are based on herbs. They have not only a diuretic effect, but are also antiseptic.
Surgical stone removal
Most cases of ureterolithiasis are treated with surgery. Although stones can pass on their own, they still continue to form in the kidneys and bladder. Therefore, new attacks of ureterolithiasis occur. To prevent this from happening, it is recommended to remove large stones in the ureter in men. Surgery is especially necessary if there is a risk of complications. Indications are urinary retention, severe pain syndrome. Emergency surgery is necessary if there is bleeding from the urethra, a drop in blood pressure.
Types of surgical interventions for ureterolithiasis
There are several methods according to which stones are removed from the ureter in men. The operation is performed laparoscopically in most cases. There are the following types of surgical interventions:
- External lithotripsy. This method is used in the presence of small stones. It is based on the action of ultrasonic and magnetic waves. With the help of a device - a lithotripter - the stone is crushed into several small pieces. As a result, the calculus can pass through the ureter and exit on its own.
- Percutaneous nephrolithotomy. This manipulation is carried out under the control of ultrasound. Local anesthesia is required. An incision is made in the lumbar region to install a nephroscope. A thin catheter is used to inject contrast into the urethra. The lithotripter is brought close to the stones, some of the stones are removed using special forceps.
- Ureteroscopy. This method is similar to percutaneous lithotripsy. But it differs in that the manipulation is carried out without an incision. Stones are removed through the opening of the urethra. If they are large, they are pre-crushed.
- Open surgery. It is rarely carried out, only if it is impossible to remove stones in other ways.
Prevention of urolithiasis
To prevent stones from forming, it is necessary to follow a diet and drink as much liquid as possible. Water is recommended to be filtered before drinking. In case of violation of mineral metabolism, consultation of an endocrinologist is required. A disease such as gout serves as a reason for refusing alcoholic beverages.
