{"id":2503,"date":"2026-03-10T11:23:38","date_gmt":"2026-03-10T11:23:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/?p=2503"},"modified":"2026-10-13T16:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T16:10:11","slug":"can-you-live-with-one-kidney","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/","title":{"rendered":"Living with One Kidney: Life Expectancy, Health Risks, and Precautions"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Living with a single kidney is medically possible, and most individuals can maintain a normal life with an appropriate lifestyle. A single kidney undertakes the filtering function needed by the body on its own, enabling the removal of waste products and the maintenance of fluid balance.<\/p>\n<p>Life expectancy and quality factors with a single kidney are directly related to regular health check-ups and monitoring of kidney functions. Maintaining balanced blood pressure, controlling protein consumption, and avoiding nephrotoxic substances provide long-term protection.<\/p>\n<p>Whether sports can be practiced with a single kidney is evaluated depending on the individual&#8217;s general health condition, and most mild-to-moderate physical activities are considered safe. Avoiding high-trauma contact sports is recommended to protect the remaining kidney.<\/p>\n<p>The approach to nutrition with a single kidney includes a balanced and low-sodium diet plan. Adequate fluid intake, avoiding excessive protein consumption, and maintaining healthy weight control play an important role in sustaining kidney functions.<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_89 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #ffffff;color:#ffffff\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#What_Is_the_First_Symptom_of_Kidney_Failure\" >What Is the First Symptom of Kidney Failure?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#Habits_and_Diseases_That_Damage_the_Kidneys\" >Habits and Diseases That Damage the Kidneys<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#The_Effect_of_Prostate_Problems_on_the_Kidneys_in_Men\" >The Effect of Prostate Problems on the Kidneys in Men<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#Do_Kidney_Stones_Damage_the_Kidneys\" >Do Kidney Stones Damage the Kidneys?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#How_Are_Kidney_Stones_Passed\" >How Are Kidney Stones Passed?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/can-you-live-with-one-kidney\/#Is_There_a_Risk_of_Kidney_Damage_After_Ureteroscopy_or_Stone_Surgery\" >Is There a Risk of Kidney Damage After Ureteroscopy or Stone Surgery?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Is_the_First_Symptom_of_Kidney_Failure\"><\/span>What Is the First Symptom of Kidney Failure?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kidney failure is often a disease that begins silently. In its early stages, no obvious complaints affecting daily life usually appear. However, when observed carefully, some small changes, especially related to urination, may indicate that the kidney has started to struggle.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most common early signs is a change in the amount of urine. While a person normally urinates regularly and sufficiently during the day, urine output may gradually decrease in the early stages of kidney failure. Some patients, on the contrary, notice that they frequently wake up at night to urinate. Although this condition is often associated with aging, it is actually one of the first warning signs that the kidney\u2019s filtering capacity is decreasing.<\/p>\n<p>The presence of blood in the urine is also a condition encountered in the early stage of kidney failure. Sometimes it may be too little to be noticed with the naked eye and can only be detected through urine analysis. This finding, which develops due to urological problems such as stones, tumors, or infections, is an early indicator that kidney functions are beginning to deteriorate.<\/p>\n<p>Recurring urinary tract infections are also an important factor threatening kidney health. An infection that starts in the bladder can spread upward to the kidneys and lead to a condition called pyelonephritis. People who frequently experience fever, flank pain, and burning during urination have a higher risk of kidney failure.<\/p>\n<p>In some patients, the first symptom is pain. Especially blockage of the urinary tract leading from the kidney to the bladder due to stones or prostate enlargement causes increased pressure in the kidney. This pressure is felt as pain in the lower back or flank area. Although many patients confuse this pain with muscle pain, it is actually a signal that the kidney is under strain and beginning to suffer damage.<\/p>\n<p>Kidney failure often starts insidiously, but small clues related to urination are important for early diagnosis. When changes in urine color, decrease in amount, recurring infections, or lower back pain are noticed, consulting a urology specialist without delay is the most accurate way to prevent the progression of the disease.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Habits_and_Diseases_That_Damage_the_Kidneys\"><\/span>Habits and Diseases That Damage the Kidneys<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The kidneys are among the most important filtering organs of the body. They filter the blood and remove waste substances through urine, regulate water and mineral balance, and also secrete hormones that control blood pressure and blood production. However, some diseases and daily habits can seriously damage the kidneys and eventually cause them to lose their functions. Knowing these factors and taking precautions is vitally important, especially for individuals living with a single kidney.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>High blood pressure and diabetes:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The most common causes of chronic kidney failure are hypertension and diabetes. High blood pressure strains the kidney vessels and gradually impairs their functions. Diabetes damages the kidney\u2019s filtering system due to high blood sugar levels. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood pressure and keeping blood sugar under control are very important.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Excessive salt and protein consumption:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Excessive salt intake in daily life puts strain on the kidneys and also leads to hypertension. High-protein diets similarly force the kidneys to work harder. Especially people living with a single kidney should pay attention to their salt and protein intake.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Excessive use of painkillers:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Long-term and unconscious use of painkillers (NSAID group medications) is one of the most common habits that damage the kidneys. These medications can reduce kidney blood flow and cause permanent tissue damage. People with a single kidney should use such medications only under medical supervision.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Smoking and alcohol:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Smoking narrows the kidney vessels, causing the kidneys to receive insufficient blood. Alcohol disrupts the body\u2019s fluid balance and negatively affects kidney functions in the long term. Therefore, both habits should be avoided.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Urinary tract infections:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Frequently recurring infections can cause permanent damage when they spread to the kidneys. Infections seen especially in men together with prostate problems can damage the kidneys more rapidly.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Genetic and congenital diseases:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Genetic disorders such as polycystic kidney disease can cause cyst formation in the kidneys and eventually lead to organ failure. In addition, congenital narrowings in the urinary tract may also prevent the kidneys from functioning properly.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Not drinking enough water:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Low water consumption causes urine to become concentrated and leads to stone formation. In the long term, the kidneys\u2019 filtering capacity decreases. Drinking at least 2\u20132.5 liters of water per day is a simple but effective method for protecting kidney health.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Effect_of_Prostate_Problems_on_the_Kidneys_in_Men\"><\/span>The Effect of Prostate Problems on the Kidneys in Men<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The prostate is a gland located just below the bladder in men and surrounds the urinary tract. Normally, it does not obstruct urine flow, but as age advances, it may enlarge and narrow the urinary tract. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In addition, problems such as prostate cancer or prostatitis can also affect the urinary tract and indirectly threaten kidney health.<\/p>\n<p>The effect of prostate enlargement on the kidneys mainly occurs by obstructing urine flow. When the urinary tract narrows, the bladder cannot empty completely, urine accumulates in the bladder, and over time flows back into the kidneys. This condition is called hydronephrosis. If this condition continues for a long time, it causes the kidney to remain under pressure, damages its tissue, and leads to loss of function. While this risk may be somewhat balanced in people with two kidneys, it poses a much greater danger especially for men living with a single kidney.<\/p>\n<p>Prostate cancer can similarly damage the kidneys indirectly. Obstruction of the urinary tract by the tumor, difficulty in urine outflow, and metastasis affecting the urinary system can seriously threaten kidney health. In patients diagnosed at an early stage, these risks are minimal, but in late-diagnosed cancer cases, even kidney failure may occur.<\/p>\n<p>Prostatitis, when caused by infection, progresses together with bacteria that can reach the kidneys. In this case, the infection may spread to the kidneys and lead to a condition called pyelonephritis. Frequently recurring infections may cause permanent damage to kidney tissue.<\/p>\n<p>To protect themselves from these risks, men are recommended to undergo regular urological examinations after certain ages. In men over the age of 50, prostate check-ups, urine tests, ultrasound, and, if necessary, PSA (prostate-specific antigen) measurements are important for early diagnosis.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_Kidney_Stones_Damage_the_Kidneys\"><\/span>Do Kidney Stones Damage the Kidneys?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Kidney stones form when minerals in the urine crystallize. While small stones are often passed unnoticed through urine, large stones can seriously damage the kidneys and urinary tract. The damage caused by stones is not limited to obstruction alone; the type, size, location, and recurrence frequency of the stone also directly affect kidney health.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Damage According to the Type of Stone: Calcium stones are the most common type and generally form due to concentrated urine. Uric acid stones occur especially in patients with gout or people who consume excessive protein. Cystine stones, although rare, develop due to genetic predisposition and may cause more damage to the kidneys because they are very hard. The chemical structure of the stone determines the treatment process and the potential damage it may cause to the kidneys.<\/li>\n<li>Damage According to the Location of the Stone: When the stone remains inside the kidney, it may constantly irritate the tissue and cause small bleedings. A stone lodged in the ureter (urinary canal) obstructs urine flow and causes swelling in the kidney (hydronephrosis). Stones close to the bladder generally cause less damage to the kidneys, while stones blocking the kidney outlet are riskier in terms of loss of function.<\/li>\n<li>Recurring Stone Formation: In some individuals, stone formation is not a one-time event. Recurring stones wear down kidney tissue over the years. Infection, bleeding, or obstruction that may develop during each stone formation can gradually reduce kidney function. Therefore, stone disease should be considered a chronic condition, and preventive measures should be taken.<\/li>\n<li>Functional Damage: Kidney stones may reduce the kidney\u2019s filtering capacity and lead to changes in blood values. Elevated creatinine and urea levels may indicate that the kidneys are not functioning adequately. Long-term presence of stones increases the risk of irreversible kidney failure.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Are_Kidney_Stones_Passed\"><\/span>How Are Kidney Stones Passed?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The methods used in the treatment of kidney stones vary depending on the size, location, hardness of the stone, and the patient\u2019s general health condition. The goal is to eliminate the stone and remove the obstruction in the urinary tract. Today, open surgeries have almost been abandoned and replaced by minimally invasive, less traumatic methods.<\/p>\n<p>In small stones, natural passage may often be attempted with medication support. Medications that relax the urinary tract, abundant fluid intake, and painkillers are used while waiting for the stone to pass spontaneously. However, this method is effective only for stones of certain sizes. Intervention is necessary for larger stones.<\/p>\n<p>One of the most commonly used treatments is ESWL (extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy). In this method, high-energy sound waves sent from outside the body are focused on the stone and break it into small pieces. The fragments are then excreted through urine. It is especially effective for stones smaller than 2 centimeters. However, it may not always be successful if the stone is very hard or if anatomical obstacles exist.<\/p>\n<p>URS (ureteroscopy) and RIRC (retrograde intrarenal surgery) are endoscopic stone treatments performed through the urinary tract. With a thin camera called a ureteroscope, the kidney is reached through the urinary canal. The stone is directly visualized and broken into small pieces using laser energy. These fragments are either removed during the procedure or passed through urine. URS is more effective for ureteral stones, while RIRC is more effective for stones inside the kidney. The most important advantage of these methods is that they do not require incisions and have high success rates.<\/p>\n<p>For larger stones, PNL (percutaneous nephrolithotomy) is preferred. The kidney is reached through a small entry opened in the back region, and the stone is fragmented and removed. It is considered the gold standard treatment for stones larger than 2 centimeters or stones completely filling the kidney.<\/p>\n<p>Open and laparoscopic surgery are currently applied only in cases where other methods are insufficient or when another pathology accompanies the stone. Thanks to modern techniques, these surgeries are needed much less frequently.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_There_a_Risk_of_Kidney_Damage_After_Ureteroscopy_or_Stone_Surgery\"><\/span>Is There a Risk of Kidney Damage After Ureteroscopy or Stone Surgery?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Endoscopic or surgical methods used in kidney stone treatment raise the question in many patients\u2019 minds: \u201cWill my kidney be damaged?\u201d This concern is understandable because the kidneys are sensitive organs and every intervention requires caution. However, thanks to modern techniques used today, these fears are largely unfounded.<\/p>\n<p>The risk of kidney damage after ureteroscopy and stone surgeries is not as high as commonly believed. On the contrary, these procedures aim to protect kidney health by relieving the kidney from the pressure, infection, and obstruction caused by the stone. When stones remain in the kidney for a long time, they lead to loss of function. Therefore, the possibility of kidney damage when no intervention is performed is much greater compared to having surgery.<\/p>\n<p>Some rare conditions may occur after surgery. For example, temporary irritation in the urinary canal, flank pain lasting a few days, or mild blood in the urine may occur. These usually resolve on their own and do not cause permanent kidney damage. The risk of infection can also be easily controlled with antibiotic treatment. In other words, possible minor complications are temporary and do not threaten the long-term health of the kidneys.<\/p>\n<p>In addition, patients are kept under close follow-up after surgery. Drinking plenty of water in the first days, attending regular follow-up examinations, and complying with the doctor\u2019s recommendations ensure that the kidney functions healthily. When necessary, short-term stent applications also help protect the kidney.<\/p>\n<p>As a result, the risk of permanent kidney damage after ureteroscopy and stone surgeries is extremely low. Today, these procedures are safely performed by experienced hands. The real risk is leaving kidney stones untreated. Because the greatest damage to the kidney is caused not by surgery, but by long-term stone obstruction and infection.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Living with a single kidney is medically possible, and most individuals can maintain a normal life with an appropriate lifestyle. A single kidney undertakes the filtering function needed by the body on its own, enabling the removal of waste products and the maintenance of fluid balance. Life expectancy and quality factors with a single kidney [&#8230;]\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2502,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[12],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2503"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5155,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2503\/revisions\/5155"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2502"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/berkanresorlu.com.tr\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}