Does BPH Increase the Risk of Kidney Failure or Severe UTIs?

If there are elderly men in the family, chances are that they have heard such a conversation: "Dad, why did you get up again at night?" "Why do you want to go to the toilet again after just using it?" What lies behind this is probably what many people consider "normal" aging—an enlarged prostate, which is medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Many friends have asked me, "I heard that if benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) persists for a long time, it can lead to kidney failure and cause frequent urinary tract infections?" Every time I encounter such questions, I always want to explain clearly to everyone: BPH is benign in itself. It doesn't mean that once you have it, you will definitely end up with kidney failure. 

However, if you ignore the problem and let it develop unchecked, those worrying serious consequences could very well occur.

Today, let's talk about whether BPH eventually leads to kidney failure or severe urinary tract infections, and also discuss the prevention methods.

What Exactly Is BPH?

The prostate is a unique "little organ" in men, located in the pelvis and right at the "throat" of the urethra. Originally, it is a helpful organ that secretes prostate fluid and enhances the vitality of sperm.

However, after the age of 50, under the continuous stimulation of androgens, the gland is prone to "gain weight"—that is, benign prostatic hyperplasia, commonly known as prostate enlargement.

The crux of the problem is not the "gaining weight" itself, but the fact that its location is too awkward. The enlarged prostate is like a small balloon blown up in the middle of the urethra, squeezing the urethra on one side and pressing against the bladder neck on the other. 

The urethra becomes narrower, and the urine flow becomes less smooth; the bladder is constantly being pushed against, making it prone to sensitivity. This is the source of all the troubles: the obstruction of the urine flow.

Does BPH Really Cause Kidney Failure?

BPH may lead to kidney failure, but it is not inevitable. It is mainly the result of "chronic neglect." The specific process is actually quite straightforward. Let's go through it step by step:

Difficulty in urination and impact on bladder function: 

Due to the narrowing of the urethra, the bladder has to exert great force to expel urine. This is fine for a short period, but if this "overload" continues for a long time, the muscles of the bladder will gradually lose their elasticity and become less powerful. 

Eventually, the problem of "not being able to fully empty the bladder" will occur, which is medically referred to as residual urine.

Urine reflux, affecting the kidneys: 

There is always urine remaining in the bladder, causing increased pressure. Normally, urine flows from the kidneys to the bladder. Now, the bladder pressure is too high, causing the urine to "flow back"—that is, urine reflux. The refluxing urine accumulates in the kidneys, resulting in hydronephrosis.

Accumulation of prolonged hydrops, leading to a decline in kidney function:

The kidneys act as the "filters" of the body. When they are constantly soaked in hydrops, their filtering capacity gradually deteriorates. It starts with a decrease in function and eventually progresses to severe impairment, possibly even developing into kidney failure.

Note: This process is not accomplished overnight and may take several years. As long as intervention is carried out at any point during the process, it can break this chain and prevent reaching the stage of kidney failure altogether.

Why Does BPH Increase the Risk of Severe Urinary Tract Infections?

The probability of BPH causing severe urinary tract infections is much higher than that of kidney failure, and it is also more likely to go unnoticed. The reasons are as follows:

It is prone to bacterial growth: 

Under normal circumstances, urine can flush out the bacteria in the urethra. However, for patients with BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), their urination is not smooth, and there is always some urine remaining in the bladder. As a result, bacteria will multiply in the residual urine and gradually cause an infection.

The infection can easily "escalate": 

Initially, it might only be urethritis or cystitis, with symptoms such as frequent urination, urgent urination, and pain during urination. If left untreated, the infection will travel up through the urine and affect the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis. At this stage, it becomes more serious, and symptoms such as fever, back pain, and even systemic effects may occur.

Difficult to be completely cured: 

Since the "root cause" of BPH has not been addressed, even if this infection is cured this time, it will recur in the future. The repeated inflammatory stimulation will further damage the functions of the bladder and kidneys, creating a vicious cycle.

Which BPH Patients Are More Likely to Encounter These Problems?

Not all BPH patients need to worry about these serious consequences. The following groups have a higher risk and require more attention:

For men over 50 years old, especially those over 70: 

The older one gets, the more severe the prostate enlargement may be, and their physical functions may decline accordingly. They may also have a slower perception of symptoms.

People with bad lifestyle habits: 

Those who frequently hold their urine, remain sedentary for long periods, and frequently consume alcohol and spicy food. Holding urine directly increases the pressure on the bladder. Alcohol and spicy foods can stimulate the prostate to become congested, making the problem of urinary tract obstruction even more severe.

People with underlying conditions: 

Those who have hypertension or diabetes at the same time. These underlying conditions can affect the functions of blood vessels and nerves, making the bladder and kidneys less resilient and more prone to problems.

People with a family history: 

If either the father or a brother has experienced severe complications related to BPH, they should also be more vigilant.

How to Avoid These Serious Consequences Caused by BPH

In response to the fact that BPH may eventually lead to kidney failure or severe urinary tract infections, early detection and intervention are necessary. Specifically, it can be divided into the following aspects:

Start by learning to self-examine: Pay attention to your body's signals. If you experience frequent urination, increased nocturia, a thinner urine stream, prolonged urination time, or a feeling of not having fully emptied your bladder after urination, these are early signs of BPH. Don't just consider it as "normal aging"; go to the hospital for a check-up immediately.

Regular health check-ups: For men over 50, it is recommended to have a prostate ultrasound and PSA test (prostate-specific antigen) once a year. The ultrasound can assess the size of the prostate and check for any residual urine, while the PSA test can preliminarily determine whether it is benign or malignant. It doesn't cost much, but it can help detect problems early.

Adjust lifestyle: This is the most fundamental and effective preventive measure. Don't hold your urine; urinate whenever you have it. Reduce alcohol consumption and spicy food intake, especially strong alcohol and spicy dishes like hot pot. 

Engage in moderate exercise such as brisk walking or swimming, which can improve blood circulation in the pelvic area. Avoid drinking water 1-2 hours before bedtime to reduce the frequency of nocturnal urination.

Follow the doctor's advice for treatment: If BPH has been diagnosed, undergo active treatment. In the early stage, symptoms can be alleviated, and the size of the prostate can be reduced through medication; among them, the traditional Chinese medicine "Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill" is also a commonly used treatment option for regulation.

It comes from Dr. Li's clinic and can have the effects of diuresis and promoting urination, as well as anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The Diuretic and Anti-inflammatory Pill is quite effective in alleviating urinary frequency, urgency, and other urinary tract irritation symptoms caused by BPH and in preventing urinary tract infections.

If the medication doesn't work and there is a clear obstruction or a risk of complications, the doctor will recommend minimally invasive surgery. The current surgeries have smaller incisions and quicker recovery, so there is no need to worry too much.

Clarifying a misconception: Is there any connection between BPH and prostate cancer?

Many people tend to confuse the two. However, there is no need to panic excessively: BPH is benign and has no direct causal relationship with prostate cancer. 

However, the symptoms of the two are quite similar; both may present with problems such as difficulty in urination and hematuria. Therefore, professional examinations must be conducted to distinguish them. This is why it is important to have regular PSA tests.

Conclusion

BPH itself is not terrifying. What is terrifying is to ignore it. Renal failure and severe urinary tract infections are not inevitable consequences of BPH; rather, they are "aftereffects" resulting from long-term neglect and lack of intervention.

For middle-aged and elderly men in the family, paying close attention to their urination habits and reminding them to have regular check-ups is of utmost importance. After all, early attention can reduce risks.