Long-Term Effects of Untreated BPH on Kidney Function

Uncle William has been experiencing frequent nocturia and difficulty in urination recently, but he always excuses himself by saying, "Many men suffer from this as they age." This is very likely to be benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If left untreated for a long time, it can gradually damage the kidneys and cause serious consequences.

Many middle-aged and elderly men, like Uncle William, ignore the signals of BPH. Now, let's talk about the long-term impact of untreated BPH on kidney function and provide scientific solutions to help you maintain the health of your urinary system.

What Is BPH?

"BPH" stands for "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia," which means it is non-cancerous and does not undergo malignant transformation. However, "benign" does not imply that it is harmless. The prostate is shaped like a "donut," with the central hole being the urethra. 

After the age of 50 for men, the prostate tends to enlarge and compress the urethra, causing the bladder to "overwork" and have difficulty urinating. This is the starting point of the problem.

Long-term Effects of BPH on Kidney Function

Although the kidneys and the prostate are located separately, the urinary system is a completely connected system. Urinary tract obstruction can lead to a series of damages, specifically in the following aspects:

There is a problem with the bladder:

When the urethra is blocked by proliferating tissues, the bladder needs to contract excessively to urinate. This leads to the thickening and stiffness of the bladder wall muscles and a decline in its contraction function over time, resulting in "residual urine." 

In advanced BPH patients, the residual urine volume often exceeds 200 ml, equivalent to about half a bottle of mineral water.

"Backflow" of urine damages the kidneys:

As the residual urine accumulates more and more, the pressure in the bladder suddenly rises, and the urine will flow back through the ureters into the kidneys, causing the renal pelvis to expand and form "hydronephrosis." This is the critical turning point where BPH damages the kidneys.

The kidneys gradually decline in function:

The kidneys are sophisticated "blood filters." Dilation of the renal pelvis directly damages its filtering function. Bacteria in the urine can also cause pyelonephritis. If this persists for more than six months, the kidney tissue gradually deteriorates and may develop into kidney failure. In severe cases, lifelong dialysis may be required.

A 53-year-old grandfather suffered from BPH for five years. Initially, he experienced frequent nocturia, but later developed symptoms such as lower back pain and leg swelling. By the time of diagnosis, he had already developed uremia. This case clearly shows that the "benign" label of BPH is by no means an excuse for delaying treatment.

Pitfall Guide: These Misconceptions Worsen the Condition

Misconception 1: Pursuing "cure" while neglecting long-term management

BPH is a chronic disease that progresses with age, similar to hypertension. It requires long-term management. The core function of the medication is to control the proliferation and reduce residual urine, rather than achieving a "one-time cure." 

Many people stop taking the medication once their symptoms are relieved, leading to a recurrence of the condition. This is the most common mistake.

Misconception 2: Fear of surgery, silently enduring missed opportunities

Nowadays, minimally invasive surgeries such as transurethral resection of the prostate have become very mature. The incision is small, and the recovery is fast, and patients can be discharged from the hospital within 3-5 days after the surgery. 

For patients who are ineffective with medication, have excessive residual urine, or have already developed hydronephrosis, timely surgery is the key to protecting the kidneys. Silent suffering will only delay the treatment.

Misconception 3: Relying on medication while neglecting lifestyle adjustments

Staying in the toilet for too long causes the bladder to remain constantly filled. Alcohol and caffeine can cause swelling in the urethra, and prolonged sitting can aggravate the congestion of the prostate. 

These habits can counteract the effects of the medication. Treating BPH requires a combined approach of medication and lifestyle adjustments.

Misconception 4: An increase in PSA indicates cancer, causing unnecessary panic.

An increase in PSA is not exclusive to cancer; it can also be caused by BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostatitis. At this point, a rectal examination and ultrasound are necessary for diagnosis. Blindly avoiding treatment will delay the progress of the disease.

Protection Plan: Four Steps to Avoid Kidney Damage

Step 1: Identify the signs and seek medical attention promptly. If nocturia occurs more than twice a night, the urine stream becomes thinner and intermittent. If there is frequent urination, urgency, incontinence, or if the urine is cloudy and contains blood, these symptoms require immediate consultation with a urologist.

Step 2: Regular screening, early prevention, and treatment. For men over 50, it is recommended to undergo PSA testing and rectal examination every year; for those with a family history or experiencing urinary discomfort, the frequency can be shortened to once every six months. 

Early screening can detect asymptomatic BPH, which is the most cost-effective way to protect the kidneys.

Step 3: Adjust habits and take medication. Reduce the intake of alcohol, strong tea, and coffee. Avoid holding urine. Get up and move around for 5-10 minutes every 1 hour of sitting. Eat more fruits and vegetables to keep the bowels regular.

Drug therapy can be achieved by taking the traditional Chinese medicine "Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill." Developed by Dr. Li's clinic, it is effective in alleviating symptoms of frequent urination and urgent urination, as well as reducing urethral irritation. 

Moreover, it contains over 50 kinds of natural Chinese medicinal herbs, with mild stimulation and minimal side effects. However, it is essential to follow the doctor's instructions when using it.

Step 4: Follow the doctor's advice for treatment and undergo regular check-ups. After a diagnosis, you must take the prescribed medication on time and in the correct dosage; do not stop taking the medication without consulting the doctor. 

If the conditions are suitable for surgery, proceed with the treatment immediately. Every 3 to 6 months, assess your condition through ultrasound and residual urine tests to facilitate the doctor's adjustment of the treatment plan.

Conclusion

BPH is the "invisible killer" for middle-aged and elderly men. Although it is not fatal, it will gradually erode the urinary and kidney functions. The key to defeating it lies in "paying attention"—valuing early signs, regular screenings, and scientific treatment.

Please remind the elders in your family to avoid such minor issues as improper urination. Health is no trivial matter. Early detection and intervention can enable them to enjoy their later years safely and avoid the risk of kidney damage.