What happens if you leave enlarged prostate?

Left untreated, an enlarged prostate can cause a sudden inability to urinate, urinary tract infections, and damage to the bladder or kidneys. An enlarged prostate that is not treated can cause worsening of urinary symptoms and significant discomfort for the patient. Allowing bladder effects to begin to occur can also lead to urinary tract infections, urinary incontinence, blood in the urine, formation of stones in the bladder and kidneys, kidney failure, and ultimately a complete inability to urinate, making it necessary to place a catheter in the bladder. Over time, as the prostate gets larger and symptoms become more predominant, it's very important for men to seek the help of a urologist.

Chronic urine retention is usually painless. However, urine pressure can slowly stretch the bladder muscle and weaken it. This can cause urine to remain in the bladder when you urinate. If you don't empty your bladder completely, you may get a urinary infection, you may need to urinate more often, you may have urine leaking at night, or your bladder stones may hurt.

You may also see some blood in your urine. Chronic urine retention can damage the bladder and kidneys if left untreated. Dr. Andrew Doe, a board-certified radiologist, understands the frustration caused by the symptoms of an enlarged prostate and the risks that come with untreated BPH.

There is also some research that suggests that you may be at greater risk of developing an enlarged prostate if your father or brother has one. Take a moment to learn what you need to know about prostate enlargement and if it's dangerous to your health. Some studies show that obese men and those with diabetes may be more likely to develop an enlarged prostate. You may not have all of these symptoms, and some men with an enlarged prostate don't have any symptoms at all.

Christopher Runz, from UM Shore Regional Health, talks about ways to recognize the disturbing symptoms of an enlarged prostate and what you can do to alleviate them. Prostate enlargement affects half of men ages 51 to 60, according to the Urology Care Foundation, and the risk increases as you age.