The Dangers of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Severe Cases May Lead to Uremia

The prostate is a unique and vital organ in men, playing a significant role in their health. However, many men suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition that can cause substantial harm to the prostate. Often, BPH significantly impacts patients’ lives, yet some fail to take it seriously, unaware of its severe consequences. So, what are the primary dangers of BPH? Let’s explore them below.

1. Hernias and Hemorrhoids
   Clinically, most BPH patients experience difficulty urinating, requiring significant effort to void. Prolonged straining can cause the intestines to protrude from the weakest part of the abdominal wall, leading to increased abdominal pressure and the development of hernias. Additionally, this strain can contribute to the formation of hemorrhoids.
2. Urinary Tract Infections
   BPH often causes urinary flow obstruction, a key prerequisite for urinary tract infections. As a result, men with BPH are more prone to developing such infections.
3. Bladder Stones
   BPH is closely linked to bladder stones. Under normal circumstances, with unobstructed urinary flow, small stones in the bladder are typically expelled through the ureter with urine. However, BPH can impede this process, increasing the likelihood of bladder stones.
4. Kidney Function Damage
   BPH can impair kidney function. When the bladder cannot efficiently expel urine, the kidneys’ urine production cannot be promptly transported through the ureter to the bladder. This can lead to hydronephrosis (kidney swelling), which compresses kidney tissue, impairs renal function, and increases the risk of other kidney-related diseases.
5. Sexual Dysfunction
   BPH may damage the excitability of sexual nerves, leading to symptoms such as premature ejaculation or nocturnal emissions. In severe cases, it can cause erectile dysfunction or even complete loss of sexual function.
6. Uremia
   BPH often compresses the urethra and bladder, forcing patients to exert significant effort to urinate. Over time, this can cause the bladder muscles to thicken. If the bladder pressure is not relieved, residual urine accumulates, leading to oxygen deprivation and reduced blood flow in the bladder muscles. This results in loss of bladder tone, bladder enlargement, and backflow of urine into the ureter and renal pelvis, causing hydronephrosis and, in severe cases, uremia.

In daily life, BPH should be treated promptly due to its significant risks. The above outlines the key dangers associated with BPH, which can lead to various complications and, in severe cases, even uremia.