Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological condition that can significantly diminish quality of life in middle-aged and older men. As the prostate gradually enlarges and compresses the urethra, it causes a variety of urinary symptoms including frequent urination, urgency, and nocturia, which can lead to poor sleep, daily inconvenience, and psychological stress.
Many patients delay seeking treatment, dismissing symptoms as a natural part of aging. However, leaving BPH untreated can lead to serious complications. Chronic bladder compression can reduce detrusor contractility, causing persistent residual urine and incomplete bladder emptying. If this continues, the bladder wall thickens and overall bladder function deteriorates — and critically, even after surgical removal of the enlarged tissue, bladder function may not fully recover.
Severe BPH can also cause urine to back up into the kidneys, risking pyelonephritis and progressive renal function decline that may lead to chronic kidney failure. Persistent residual urine also creates a breeding ground for bacteria, increasing the risk of recurrent urinary tract infections, cystitis, and acute urinary retention.
Treatment options now range from medications for mild symptoms to surgical interventions including HoLEP, Rezūm steam therapy, UroLift, and Aquablation — selected based on the patient's condition and prostate size. Dr. Kim Tae-heon of Goldman Urology Seoul Station advised: 'BPH does not improve on its own. Middle-aged men should take prostate health seriously and start early treatment to protect bladder and kidney function.'