Does prostate enlargement cause kidney failure?

I am 53 years old and have an enlarged prostate. I would like to ask if this disease can cause kidney failure? (Trong Tu, Hai Duong)

Reply:

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located between the bladder and the penis, responsible for producing an alkaline fluid to protect sperm after ejaculation. It doubles in size during puberty and continues to grow throughout adulthood, but at a much slower rate.

The urethra carries urine out of the body, running through the prostate. If the prostate grows too large, it can press on the urethra and obstruct the flow of urine, causing difficulty urinating, weak urine stream, incomplete emptying of the bladder, and sometimes urinary retention. It can also cause frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia. Other problems that can affect urine flow include urinary stones, blood clots, and prostate cancer.

Prostate enlargement can cause kidney failure if left untreated. Photo: Freepik — Prostate enlargement can cause kidney failure if left untreated. Photo: *Freepik*

Any factor that affects the excretion of urine from the body can potentially damage the kidneys, even leading to kidney failure. Although an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), rarely leads to kidney failure, it is still possible. Other causes of kidney failure include: diabetes, infections, side effects of certain medications, high blood pressure, severe dehydration, kidney injury, etc.

There are five stages of kidney failure, and people with end-stage kidney failure need regular dialysis or a kidney transplant. Some severe cases of BPH can also cause other complications, such as bladder damage, infections, and kidney damage.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a health problem that affects more than 50% of men over the age of 60 and more than 80% of those over the age of 80. Men with BPH tend to notice changes in their urination habits and often wake up several times during the night to urinate. This symptom is called nocturia.

Therefore, when noticing any unusual signs of urination habits such as: unable to urinate, blood in urine, painful urination..., the patient should see a doctor. People diagnosed with BPH should be checked regularly. To prevent kidney damage, as well as early detection of cancer, patients need to follow the doctor's treatment plan such as taking medication and changing lifestyle. Severe cases may require surgery. Early medical treatment of BPH when symptoms appear will improve quality of life, reduce the rate of surgery. Patients should closely monitor and follow the treatment plan to reduce the risk of complications.

Master, Doctor Cao Vinh Duy
Center of Urology - Nephrology, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City

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