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Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Treatment in Singapore

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Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Treatment in Singapore
Enlarged Prostate (BPH)
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system that surrounds the urethra and produces seminal fluid. As men age, the prostate gland tends to enlarge, leading to various urinary symptoms. Depending on the severity, an enlarged prostate is typically treated with medication or surgical intervention.
Dr Michael Wong

Dr Michael Wong, Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist

FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh), M Med (Surgery), MBBS (Singapore)

Doctor explaining an enlarged prostate using a model

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous swelling that can potentially grow to the size of a tennis ball and exerting pressure on the urethra. BPH is a urinary condition that commonly affects men over the age of 50 in Singapore.

What Are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?

The symptoms of an enlarged prostate are typically mild at first, but they can worsen over time without treatment. Some common symptoms include:

Dribbling at the end of urination

Difficulty starting urination

Straining to urinate

A feeling of not fully emptying the bladder

Repeatedly urinating at night (nocturia)

Urinary incontinence

Presence of blood in the urine (haematuria)

Discomfort or pain during urination

If you experience pain while urinating or your urine contains blood, please schedule a consultation with a urologist immediately.
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Doctor discussing health issues to patient

Risk Factors for Prostate Enlargement

The underlying cause for prostate gland enlargement remains unclear, although several factors may contribute to this condition, such as:

Older age, commonly seen in men over the age of 50

A family history of prostate issues

Hormonal changes, particularly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

Certain medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or erectile dysfunction

Being overweight and leading a sedentary lifestyle

Possible Complications of An Enlarged Prostate

If prostate enlargement is at an advanced stage, several complications may occur, including:

Acute Urinary Retention

This refers to the sudden obstruction of the urethra, which causes severe discomfort and the inability to urinate.

Urinary Tract Infections

This happens when urine is trapped inside the bladder for a long time, allowing bacteria to grow within the urinary tract.

Bladder Stones

These hard lumps form after recurrent UTIs, leading to bladder infection, haematuria, and obstructed urine flow.

Kidney Damage

If the prostate obstructs the opening of the bladder, urine may back up into the kidneys, causing swelling and permanent kidney damage or failure.
An early diagnosis enables your urologist to develop a tailored treatment plan to prevent these complications and restore quality of life.
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How is Prostate Enlargement Diagnosed?

A doctor typically detects an enlarged prostate based on a patient's medical history and physical examination. Diagnostic tests may include:

Digital Rectal Examination

The doctor will gently insert their gloved finger inside the rectum and palpate the posterior wall of the prostate gland to assess its size and any abnormalities.

Urine Flow Test (Uroflowmetry)

A patient will be asked to urinate in a container connected to a machine that measures the speed of the urine stream and the amount of urine passed.

Post-Void Residual Volume Test

This uses an ultrasound to check if the bladder empties fully and if any urine remains after urination.

Urinalysis

A urine sample is collected and examined to look for signs of infection, blood, bladder cancer, or other factors that may indicate potential causes of an enlarged prostate.

Cystoscopy

A lighted scope is inserted into the urethra to allow the doctor to inspect the inside of the prostate and bladder.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

While primarily used to screen for prostate cancer, this blood test measures whether the PSA is abnormally high, indicating prostatic hyperplasia or prostate inflammation.

Treatments for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Patients with mild symptoms may not require any treatment. The doctor may recommend only monitoring the condition over regular visits. Sometimes, the doctor will check the severity of BPH and the patient's symptoms to decide if medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery is required.
Stethoscope urine bladder

Medications

A doctor typically prescribes medications as the first line of treatment to help manage symptoms. These include:

  • Alpha-blockers

    - These medications improve urinary flow by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder.

  • 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

    - These drugs inhibit the production of dihydrotestosterone to help shrink excess prostate tissue and relieve symptoms.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

If medication does not relieve the patient's symptoms, the doctor may consider minimally invasive techniques, such as:

  • Water Vapour Therapy

    - This procedure involves inserting sterile water vapour using a cystoscope into the prostate gland to ablate (remove) excess prostate tissue.

  • Prostatic Urethral Lift (PUL)

    - This treatment involves placing small, permanent implants to lift and hold the prostate lobes apart and widen the urethra passage for improved urine flow.

  • Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT)

    - This technique employs microwave heating to destroy prostate tissue allowing urine to pass through.

Surgical Procedures

In severe cases, the doctor may perform a surgical procedure to remove excess prostate tissues.

  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

    - This surgery involves inserting a resectoscope with a wire loop through the urethra to remove the obstructing prostate tissue in small sections.

  • Laser Prostatectomy

    - This procedure uses high-powered laser energy, delivered through a thin cystoscope tube, to destroy overgrown prostatic tissue.

  • Transurethral Incision of the Prostate

    - Unlike TURP, this procedure does not remove the prostate tissue. Instead, a small incision is made in the prostate and bladder neck to minimise pressure on the urethra and allow easier urine passage.

FAQs About Enlarged Prostate

Will BPH impact my daily life?

BPH can affect a man's quality of life if left untreated. Symptoms like frequent urination, nocturia, and trouble emptying the bladder can disrupt sleep patterns, reduce work productivity, and limit social activities.

Is drinking lots of water enough to prevent prostate enlargement?

While maintaining hydration is essential for overall well-being, drinking plenty of water alone is insufficient to prevent or treat BPH. Managing this condition effectively requires both proper medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

Is BPH the same as prostate cancer?

BPH and prostate cancer are not the same. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, whereas prostate cancer occurs when malignant cells proliferate uncontrollably within the prostate tissue.

Our Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Specialist

Dr Michael Wong

Medical Director & Senior Consultant Urologist
FAMS (Urology), FICS (USA), FRCS (Edinburgh),
M Med (Surgery), MBBS (S’pore)

Dr Michael Wong is the medical director and senior consultant urologist at the International Urology, Fertility and Gynaecology Centre, Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre. He has completed specialised training in urology, fertility and minimally invasive surgery at established centres in the USA. His background in minimally invasive and endourological techniques supports the treatment of enlarged prostate (BPH) tailored to the patient’s condition.

Dr Wong is the only urologist from ASEAN elected to the Board of Directors of the Endourological Society and World Congress of Endourology, recognising his global leadership in endourology. He is also the only Asian urologist appointed Co-Chairman of the WHO's International Consultation on Stone Diseases, where he helps set worldwide guidelines for kidney stone management.

Urologist Singapore - Dr Michael Wong

Let us help you

Restore your urological health.

Make an appointment with Dr Michael Wong to receive a tailored, supportive and targeted care plan.

Office Location

3 Mount Elizabeth Road, #10-09,
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre,
Singapore 228510

Contact Number

Tel
: (65) 6838 1212
Tel
: (65) 6838 1218
Fax : (65) 6838 1216
24-hour
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: (65) 6535 8833

Email Address

email@drmichaelwong.com
nurse@drmichaelwong.com
contact@drjulianah.com
nurse@drjulianah.com

Opening Hours

Mon-Fri

:

9:00am - 1:00pm
2:00pm - 5:00pm

Sat

:

9:00am - 12:00pm

Sun/PH

:

Closed

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