Patient/caregiver was instructed upon complications of BPH as follows:
Increased risk for UTI:
- Backing-up of urine in the bladder is a very favorable factor for bacterial growth, which results in increased risk for bladder infection.
- The infection in the bladder can slowly ascend up along the ureters to the kidneys.
- This ascending urinary infection can lead to increased risk for renal infection (pyelonephritis).
Stone formation:
- Backing-up of urine in the bladder and kidney can lead to increased risk for stone formation, which can result in excruciating pain in the lower abdomen.
- Bladder stones and renal stones can obstruct the urine flow further, adding more to the pressure in the urinary system and furthering risk for urinary tract infections.
Increased risk for catheterization:
- Progressively increasing difficulty or inability to void can increase risk for catheterization to help urination. Frequent catheterization, inherently by itself is a significant risk factor for presentation with UTIs, which can complicate the outcome for individuals with BPH.
