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How can prostate enlargement lead to bladder infections or kidney damage?

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varicocele — reproductive system disease Varicocele, enlargement of the veins of the spermatic cord, is a cause of infertility in men.

Prostate enlargement, often referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia, can lead to serious complications by obstructing the urethra, which the prostate gland surrounds.21

Bladder Infections

As the prostate enlarges, it compresses the urethra, causing progressive obstruction of urine flow. This often results in the bladder never being completely emptied. The remaining stagnant urine creates an environment where bacteria can thrive, frequently leading to infections. Additionally, the bladder walls may stretch and thicken in an attempt to overcome this obstruction, further complicating bladder function.12

Kidney Damage

When urine is unable to exit the bladder normally, it can back up into the ureters and kidneys, a condition known as urinary tract obstruction. This backup causes the renal pelvis and calyces to become distended, which can destroy functional kidney tissue. The resulting pressure on renal arteries interferes with blood flow, accelerating tissue degeneration and the replacement of healthy structures with fibrous scar tissue. If left untreated, this progressive damage can lead to kidney failure and uremia.21