What are the risks of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Aug 27, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Cao Zhiqiang

Introduction

Under normal circumstances, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common urinary system disease in middle-aged and elderly men, mainly poses risks such as impaired urination, urinary tract infections, increased risk of bladder stones, kidney function damage, and reduced quality of life. Patients are advised to maintain regular作息 (作息 translates to作息 habits or daily routines), avoid prolonged sitting, and engage in appropriate mild physical activity.

Generally, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common urological condition in middle-aged and elderly men, poses several main health risks including impaired urination, increased risk of urinary tract infections, bladder stone formation, kidney function damage, and reduced quality of life. A detailed explanation is as follows:

1. Impaired Urination Function: BPH can compress the urethra, causing narrowing of the urethral passage and resulting in difficulty urinating. In the early stages, patients may experience a weak urine stream and prolonged urination time. As the condition progresses, symptoms such as interrupted urine flow and a sensation of incomplete emptying may gradually appear.

2. Increased Risk of Urinary Tract Infections: Due to impaired urination caused by BPH, urine may remain in the bladder, creating a favorable environment for bacterial growth and increasing the likelihood of urinary tract infections. Patients may experience symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and painful urination.

3. Increased Risk of Bladder Stones: Long-term incomplete bladder emptying leads to excessive residual urine in the bladder, allowing minerals in the urine to deposit and gradually form bladder stones. These stones can irritate the bladder mucosa, causing symptoms such as lower abdominal pain and hematuria (blood in the urine).

4. Kidney Function Damage: Severe BPH can cause persistent elevation of bladder pressure, which may be transmitted backward to the kidneys, impairing their normal excretory function and preventing urine from being expelled from the body effectively, potentially leading to hydronephrosis.

5. Reduced Quality of Life: Symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia (frequent nighttime urination) caused by BPH can severely disrupt patients' sleep quality, leading to fatigue and poor concentration during the day. Additionally, difficulty in urination may restrict patients' outdoor activities, affecting their social interactions and daily life.

Patients are advised to maintain a regular routine, avoid prolonged sitting, and engage in appropriate mild physical activity. In addition, regular urological examinations at a hospital are recommended to monitor disease progression and allow timely intervention when appropriate.

View All

How much does prostate enlargement surgery cost approximately?

In general, the reference price for prostate enlargement surgery ranges from 8,000 to 30,000 yuan per procedure. Improvement is usually observed within 2 to 4 weeks after surgery, and full recovery typically takes 1 to 3 months. However, the exact cost may vary depending on factors such as the type of surgery, anesthesia method, preoperative examination items, postoperative care plan, and regional price differences. This procedure should be performed at a正规 hospital.

View Full Answer

What is the cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and what should be done?

In general, benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate enlargement) may be caused by factors such as aging, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic prostatitis, bladder neck obstruction, urethral stricture, and other related conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a physician's guidance through general management, medication, or surgical treatment. In daily life, maintaining a regular作息 (routine作息 should be translated as作息 here, but since it's repeated, it might be better to use "routine" or "daily schedule") routine and avoiding staying up late are advised.

View Full Answer

What does it mean to have prostate enlargement with calcification, and what should be done?

In general, prostate enlargement with calcification may be caused by factors such as aging, metabolic abnormalities, chronic prostatitis, prostatic fluid retention, urethral obstruction, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical attention, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general management, medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches. In daily life, maintaining a regular作息 (作息 should be translated as "routine" or "daily regimen") and avoiding late nights are advised.

View Full Answer

What is the best treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

Generally speaking, there is no definitive "best treatment for prostate enlargement." Prostate enlargement may result from various factors including aging, unhealthy lifestyle habits, chronic prostatitis, bladder neck obstruction, urethral stricture, and others. It is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through general treatments, medication, surgery, or other appropriate methods.