Enlarged Prostate (BPH) in Singapore: Regain Urinary Control
Tailored treatment plan for weak urine flow, urinary urgency and nighttime urination caused by BPH.
Frequent urination disrupting your sleep? Struggling with a weak urine stream or difficulty emptying your bladder? An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common age-related condition that can significantly affect urinary function and quality of life.
Many men experience urinary symptoms gradually over time and may assume these changes are a normal part of ageing. However, persistent symptoms can interfere with sleep, daily activities, travel and confidence. Assessment by our specialist can help determine the cause of symptoms and whether treatment may be beneficial.
At URODOC, patients receive personalised evaluation and treatment for enlarged prostate in Singapore using evidence-based approaches tailored to symptom severity, prostate size and lifestyle needs.
What is an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)?
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As men age, the prostate may gradually increase in size.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) refers to a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that may obstruct urine flow and cause urinary symptoms. Although BPH is not prostate cancer, the enlarged gland can compress the urethra and affect normal bladder emptying. Symptoms often develop gradually and may worsen over time if left untreated.
Prostate enlargement becomes increasingly common with age, particularly in men over 50 years old.
Enlarged Prostate Symptoms
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate are usually grouped into two main categories: voiding symptoms and storage symptoms.
Voiding Symptoms
Voiding symptoms occur when urine flow becomes obstructed by the enlarged prostate.
Common symptoms include:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty starting urination
- Interrupted urine flow
- Dribbling after urination
- Straining to urinate
- Incomplete bladder emptying
Some men may notice that urination takes longer than before or that they need to return to the toilet shortly after finishing.
Storage Symptoms
Storage symptoms include bladder irritation and reduced bladder capacity.
Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
- Increased daytime urinary frequency
- Sudden urge to urinate
Nocturia is often one of the most disruptive symptoms, affecting sleep quality and overall wellbeing. Symptoms often worsen over time if untreated. Although mild symptoms may initially be manageable, progressive obstruction can eventually affect bladder function and quality of life.
When to Seek Treatment for BPH?
Not all men with BPH require immediate treatment. However, medical evaluation is important when symptoms become persistent, bothersome or associated with complications.
You may benefit from our specialist assessment if you experience:
- Disrupted sleep from frequent urination
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Sudden inability to urinate (urinary retention)
- Blood in the urine
- Recurrent urinary tract infections
- Bladder discomfort or pressure
- Worsening urinary symptoms despite lifestyle changes
Acute urinary retention is a medical condition where a person is unable to pass urine despite a full bladder. This may cause significant discomfort and may require urgent treatment. Early assessment also helps exclude other causes of urinary symptoms, including infections, bladder disorders or prostate cancer.
What Causes Prostate Enlargement?
The exact cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood, but it is closely linked to ageing and hormonal changes.
Age-Related Hormonal Changes
As men age, changes in hormone balance may stimulate prostate growth. Testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate tissue enlargement over time. The prostate may continue to enlarge gradually throughout adulthood.
Risk Factors
Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate:
- Age over 50
- Family history of BPH
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Sedentary lifestyle
- Cardiovascular disease
Although BPH is common, symptom severity varies significantly between individuals. Some men with larger prostates experience minimal symptoms, while others with smaller prostates may develop substantial urinary difficulties.
How is BPH Diagnosed?
Many men assume urinary symptoms such as weak urine flow, frequent urination or waking at night to urinate are simply part of ageing and may delay seeking medical attention. At URODOC, consultations are conducted in a professional, confidential setting where patients can comfortably discuss urinary symptoms, sleep disruption, bladder concerns and treatment options with our experienced urologist.
Dr Lee Fang Jann is a BPH specialist with expertise in prostate enlargement management and minimally invasive urological procedures. During the consultation, Dr Lee takes time to understand each patient’s symptoms, medical history, lifestyle concerns and treatment goals before recommending an appropriate treatment approach.
Diagnosis usually begins with a consultation and physical examination by our specialist.
Physical Examination (DRE)
A digital rectal examination (DRE) allows our specialist to assess the size, shape and consistency of the prostate.
This examination may help identify:
- Prostate enlargement
- Areas of firmness or irregularity
- Possible bladder outlet obstruction
- Findings that may require further evaluation
PSA Blood Test
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be performed to assess prostate health. PSA levels can be elevated in several conditions, including BPH, inflammation or prostate cancer.
PSA results are interpreted alongside:
- Urinary symptoms
- Age
- Prostate size
- Examination findings
- Medical history
Ultrasound
Ultrasound imaging may be used to evaluate:
- Prostate size
- Residual urine volume
- Bladder changes
- Kidney function
Imaging helps assess how significantly the enlarged prostate is affecting bladder emptying and urinary function, particularly when procedural treatment is being considered.
Uroflowmetry
Uroflowmetry measures urine flow rate during urination and helps assess the degree of urinary obstruction caused by prostate enlargement. Reduced flow rates may suggest more significant narrowing of the urinary channel.
IPSS Score
The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) is a questionnaire commonly used to assess symptom severity and monitor treatment response over time.
Symptoms are typically categorised as:
- Mild
- Moderate
- Severe
The IPSS also helps evaluate how urinary symptoms are affecting sleep, daily comfort and overall quality of life.
Treatment Options
Several prostate enlargement treatment options for BPH in Singapore are available depending on symptom severity, prostate size, overall health and patient preferences.
Lifestyle Changes and Medication
Mild symptoms may initially be managed with conservative measures.
Fluid Management
Lifestyle modifications may include:
- Reducing evening fluid intake
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol
- Timed voiding strategies
- Weight management
These measures may help reduce urinary frequency and nocturia.
Alpha Blockers
Alpha blockers relax muscles around the prostate and bladder neck to improve urine flow.
These medications may help relieve symptoms relatively quickly.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
These medications work by reducing the size of the prostate over time through hormonal effects.
They may be considered in men with larger prostates or progressive symptoms.
Medication may help control symptoms, although some patients eventually require procedural treatment if symptoms worsen.
Minimally Invasive Treatments
Minimally invasive procedures have become increasingly popular for men seeking effective symptom relief with shorter recovery times.
UroLift
UroLift is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small implants to hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, helping to improve urine flow without removing prostate tissue.
During the procedure:
- Small implants are inserted into the prostate
- Enlarged tissue is lifted away from the urethra
- The urinary channel is widened to reduce obstruction
Benefits include:
- No tissue removal
- Faster recovery
- Preservation of sexual function in many patients
- Short hospital stay
- Reduced downtime
- Improvement in urinary symptoms and flow
UroLift may be suitable for selected men with moderate urinary symptoms and specific prostate anatomy.
Rezum
Rezum uses controlled water vapour therapy to reduce excess prostate tissue, causing urinary obstruction.
During the procedure:
- Steam is delivered into the enlarged prostate tissue
- Treated tissue gradually shrinks over time
- Urine flow improves as obstruction decreases
Benefits include:
- Minimally invasive treatment approach
- Faster recovery
- Reduced need for long-term medication
- Preservation of erectile function in many cases
- Preservation of ejaculatory function in selected patients
- Day procedure treatment in selected cases
Symptom improvement may continue progressively over several weeks following treatment.
iTind
iTind (Temporarily Implanted Nitinol Device) is a minimally invasive treatment designed to relieve urinary obstruction by reshaping the prostate and bladder neck without removing tissue. The device is temporarily placed within the prostate and is removed after several days.
During the procedure:
- A temporary device is placed within the prostate
- Gentle pressure reshapes the urinary channel
- The device is removed after the treatment period
- Urine flow improves as obstruction is reduced
Benefits include:
- Minimally invasive treatment approach
- No permanent implant
- No tissue removal
- Short recovery period
- Preservation of sexual function in many patients
- Day procedure treatment in selected cases
iTind may be considered for selected men with mild to moderate urinary symptoms who are seeking an alternative to medication or more invasive surgery.
Prolieve
Prolieve is a minimally invasive treatment that combines controlled heat therapy with balloon dilation to relieve urinary obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate. The treatment is designed to reduce prostate tissue while improving urine flow.
During the procedure:
- A specialised catheter is inserted through the urethra
- Heat energy is delivered to the enlarged prostate tissue
- Balloon dilation helps widen the urinary channel
- Obstruction is reduced to improve urinary flow
Benefits include:
- Minimally invasive treatment approach
- Day procedure treatment in selected cases
- Reduced need for surgery in selected patients
- Improvement in urinary symptoms and bladder emptying
- Short recovery period
- Can be performed under local anaesthesia in selected patients
Prolieve may be suitable for selected patients seeking a less invasive treatment option for BPH, depending on prostate size, urinary symptoms, and individual clinical factors.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be recommended for men with severe symptoms, urinary retention, recurrent infections, bladder changes or larger prostates causing significant urinary obstruction.
TURP
TURP (Transurethral Resection of the Prostate) remains one of the established surgical treatments for BPH and urinary obstruction caused by prostate enlargement.
During the procedure:
- Instruments are inserted through the urethra
- Obstructing prostate tissue is removed
- The urinary channel is widened to improve urine flow
Benefits include:
- Significant symptom improvement
- Stronger urine flow
- Improved bladder emptying
- Reduced urinary frequency and urgency
- Long track record of clinical use
TURP is commonly recommended for moderate to severe urinary obstruction.
HoLEP
HoLEP (Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate) uses laser technology to remove enlarged prostate tissue causing urinary obstruction.
During the procedure:
- Laser energy is used to separate enlarged prostate tissue
- Obstructing tissue is removed through the urethra
- The urinary channel is widened to improve flow
Benefits include:
- Effective treatment for larger prostates
- Durable long-term outcomes
- Reduced bleeding risk
- Effective removal of obstructing tissue
- Shorter catheter duration in selected patients
HoLEP is increasingly used for larger glands where more extensive tissue removal is required.
Greenlight Laser
Greenlight laser therapy uses laser energy to vaporise enlarged prostate tissue obstructing urine flow.
During the procedure:
- Laser energy is directed at the excess prostate tissue
- Obstructing tissue is vaporised
- The urinary channel is widened to improve urine flow
Benefits include:
- Reduced bleeding
- Shorter hospital stay
- Faster catheter removal in selected patients
- Minimally invasive treatment approach
- Improvement in urinary symptoms and flow
Suitability depends on prostate size, symptom severity and individual clinical factors.
Which BPH Treatment is Right for You?
Treatment selection depends on several factors, including symptom severity, prostate size, general health and personal preferences.
| Treatment | Suitable For | Recovery | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medication | Mild symptoms | Immediate | Non-invasive |
| UroLift | Moderate symptoms | Fast | Preserves function |
| Rezum | Moderate symptoms | Fast | Minimally invasive |
| TURP | Severe symptoms | Moderate | Highly effective |
| HoLEP | Large prostate | Moderate | Durable results |
Our specialist helps determine which treatment option best aligns with your symptom severity, recovery expectations and long-term goals.
Cost of Enlarged Prostate Treatment
The enlarged prostate treatment cost in Singapore varies depending on the type of treatment performed and individual clinical requirements.
Factors influencing cost may include:
- Procedure type
- Hospital or clinic facility fees
- Complexity of treatment
- Anaesthesia requirements
- Length of hospital stay
- Specialist experience
- Follow-up care
The estimated enlarged prostate treatment cost depends on the treatment approach recommended, prostate size, procedural complexity, surgical facility and individual urinary symptoms or treatment goals.
Coverage and claim eligibility may vary depending on the type of BPH treatment, such as medication, TURP, HoLEP, UroLift, Rezum or laser procedures, as well as whether treatment is performed in a clinic or hospital setting. During the consultation, our specialist can advise on suitable treatment options, expected recovery, estimated costs and potential financing considerations based on the patient’s symptoms, prostate size and treatment goals.
A consultation at URODOC allows patients to better understand the available treatment options and associated costs before proceeding with treatment.
Recovery After BPH Treatment
Recovery after BPH treatment varies depending on the type of procedure performed, the size of the prostate and the patient’s overall health and healing response.
Typical recovery milestones may include:
- First few days: Mild urinary discomfort, temporary burning during urination, urinary frequency or small amounts of blood in the urine may occur during the early recovery phase. Some patients may also experience temporary fatigue or mild pelvic discomfort following treatment.
- 1–2 weeks: Many patients can return to office-based work and light daily activities during this period, depending on the treatment performed and overall comfort levels. Urinary symptoms often begin improving gradually, although temporary urgency or frequency may still occur in some patients.
- Around 3–4 weeks: Recovery continues progressing and many patients can gradually resume exercise and heavier physical activities after our specialist review.
- Around 4–6 weeks: Recovery is generally more complete, and urinary symptoms usually continue stabilising. Patients undergoing procedures such as TURP, HoLEP or Rezum may continue noticing gradual improvement in urinary flow and quality of life over time.
Medication Recovery
Patients treated with medication generally resume normal activities immediately, although symptom improvement timelines vary.
Some medications begin improving urine flow within days, while others require several months for maximal effect.
Minimally Invasive Procedure Recovery
Procedures such as UroLift and Rezum typically involve relatively short recovery periods.
Common temporary symptoms may include:
- Mild burning during urination
- Increased urinary frequency
- Temporary urgency
- Small amounts of blood in urine
Most patients return to light activities relatively quickly.
Surgical Recovery
Recovery after BPH surgery in Singapore, such as TURP or HoLEP, may involve:
- Temporary catheter placement
- Mild urinary discomfort
- Temporary urinary frequency or urgency
Recovery timelines vary, but many patients resume normal activities within several weeks, depending on the procedure performed.
Sexual Function Concerns
Many men are concerned about how BPH treatment may affect sexual function.
Different treatments carry different risks regarding:
- Ejaculatory changes
- Erectile function
- Retrograde ejaculation
Minimally invasive procedures may preserve sexual function in selected patients, although suitability varies individually.
Our specialist consultation at URODOC can help clarify expected outcomes and treatment-specific considerations.
Effectiveness of BPH Treatments
Most modern prostate enlargement treatment options provide significant symptom improvement when appropriately selected.
Symptom Improvement
Many patients experience:
- Stronger urine flow
- Reduced urinary frequency
- Improved bladder emptying
- Better sleep quality
- Reduced urgency
Long-Term Outcomes
Surgical procedures such as TURP and HoLEP are associated with durable long-term symptom relief for many patients.
Minimally invasive procedures may also provide effective symptom improvement with shorter recovery times in suitable individuals.
Recurrence Rates
Recurrence risk depends on:
- Treatment type
- Prostate size
- Age
- Ongoing prostate growth
Some patients may eventually require additional treatment over time, particularly with less invasive approaches.
Why Choose Our Prostate Specialist?
At URODOC, patients seeking treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia in Singapore receive confidential and personalised care focused on improving urinary function, comfort and quality of life.
Dr Lee Fang Jann is a urologist and renal transplant surgeon with broad-based expertise in the management of urological disorders, including BPH, urinary symptoms and minimally invasive prostate enlargement treatments. He has a particular interest in modern surgical and minimally invasive approaches for enlarged prostate management.
Dr Lee received training in minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robotic surgical techniques in the United States, France and India. He is also a Fellow of the International College of Robotic Surgeons.
Patients benefit from:
- Experienced urology care for enlarged prostate and urinary symptoms
- Personalised treatment recommendations based on prostate size, symptom severity and lifestyle needs
- Access to modern treatment options, including medication, minimally invasive therapy and surgery
- Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation to assess urinary obstruction and bladder function
- Evidence-based treatment planning focused on symptom relief and long-term urinary outcomes
- Professional and confidential consultations in a patient-centred environment
- Clear guidance regarding recovery expectations, potential side effects and follow-up care
Get Expert Treatment for Enlarged Prostate
Frequent urination, disrupted sleep, weak urine flow, and difficulty emptying the bladder can gradually affect daily comfort, confidence, work productivity and overall quality of life. Seeking early assessment for enlarged prostate symptoms allows appropriate evaluation and discussion of treatment options before symptoms become more severe or complications develop.
At URODOC, patients receive personalised evaluation and treatment for enlarged prostate conditions using modern diagnostic techniques and evidence-based medical, minimally invasive, and surgical treatment approaches tailored to individual symptoms and lifestyle needs.
Dr Lee Fang Jann 
Dr Lee is a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon with a broad-based expertise of all urological disorders
He has subspecialty focus on men’s health and male infertility, and special interest in minimally invasive prostate enlargement therapy and kidney stone treatment. Dr Lee has received numerous awards for service excellence such as the Service With A Heart Award (2006-2008, 2011) and the Singapore Health Quality Service Award (2016).
- Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (Singapore)
- Membership of The Royal College of Surgeons (Edin)
- Master of Medicine (Surgery) (Singapore)
- Fellowship of the Academy of Medicine (Urology)
- Clinical fellowship at Oxford Transplant Centre in the UK
Prior to entering private practice, Dr Lee served in the public sector for 16 years at SGH, where he initiated dedicated clinics evaluating and treating patients with complex men’s health and fertility issues. He also led the Renal Transplant Program and laparoscopic donor nephrectomy service as Surgical Director.
Apart from clinical work, Dr Lee is active in academia and believes in the importance of grooming the next generation of doctor. He was Senior Clinical Lecturer at NUS’ Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and currently, Adjunct Assistant Professor at the Duke-NUS Medical School. Dr Lee is also regularly invited to share his experiences locally and regionally through lectures, workshops and surgical demonstrations.
Our Clinic Locations
Farrer Park Medical Centre, #08-05
1 Farrer Park Station Rd, Singapore 217562
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am to 12:30pm
3 Mount Elizabeth, #11-16 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
Mon – Fri: 8:30am to 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am to 12:30pm
Frequently Asked Questions About BPH
Is an enlarged prostate dangerous?
An enlarged prostate is not cancerous, but untreated BPH may lead to complications such as urinary retention, bladder stones, infections or kidney problems in some patients.
Can BPH be cured without surgery?
Mild to moderate symptoms may sometimes be managed with lifestyle changes and medication. However, some patients eventually require procedural treatment if symptoms progress.
What is the best treatment for an enlarged prostate?
The most appropriate treatment depends on prostate size, symptom severity, age and personal preferences. Options range from medication to minimally invasive procedures and surgery.
How much does BPH treatment cost?
The cost varies depending on the treatment type, facility and complexity of care. MediSave and insurance coverage may apply for selected treatments.
Does BPH affect sexual function?
BPH itself may affect quality of life and sexual wellbeing indirectly through sleep disruption and urinary symptoms. Some treatments may also affect ejaculation or erectile function, depending on the procedure performed.
How long does recovery take after prostate surgery?
Recovery timelines vary by procedure. Minimally invasive treatments may involve shorter recovery periods, while surgical procedures such as TURP or HoLEP generally require several weeks for full recovery.