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Prostate Enlargement Treatment

Prostate enlargement, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects middle-aged and older men. BPH refers to the noncancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland.

This condition can lead to bothersome urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, difficulty starting urination, and a weak urine stream. The prevalence of BPH increases with age, affecting about half of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90% of men over 80.

Contact us if you are experiencing these symptoms to discuss diagnosis and treatment options.

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Understanding Prostate Enlargement

The prostate is a small gland that forms part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body. The prostate produces a fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.

The exact cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Evidence suggests it’s likely linked to changes in male sex hormones as men age.

The severity of symptoms varies, but symptoms may include:

  • frequent urination
  • difficulty starting urination
  • weak or interrupted urine stream
  • the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
  • nocturia (frequent urination at night)

Diagnostic Process of Prostate Enlargement

  • Medical History Review

    The healthcare provider will ask about the patient's symptoms and how long they've been present, along with their medical history, medications, and any surgeries or procedures they've had.

  • Physical Examination

    This typically includes a digital rectal exam (DRE), where the urologist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to examine the size and shape of the prostate.

  • Diagnostic Tests

    These tests help the urologist determine the size of the prostate and rule out other conditions. These include:

  • Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test: This measures the level of PSA, a substance produced by the prostate, in the blood. High levels may suggest BPH, prostate inflammation, or prostate cancer.
  • Urinary Flow Test: This assesses the speed and volume of urination.
  • Ultrasound: This imaging test provides visualisation of the prostate and other parts of the urinary tract.

Treatment Options for Prostate Enlargement

Observation and Lifestyle Changes

These are often enough for men with mild symptoms and may include reducing fluid intake before bedtime, limiting alcohol and caffeine, and doing pelvic floor muscle exercises.

Medication

There are several types of medication used to treat BPH:

  • Alpha Blockers: These drugs relax the prostate and bladder muscles to improve urine flow.
  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors: These reduce the size of the prostate by blocking hormones that cause the prostate to grow.
  • Combination Drug Therapy: Both medications may be taken together for a more effective result.

Minimally Invasive Procedures

Surgical Procedures

Your urologist may recommend surgery for severe cases of BPH. Options include:

  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate: This procedure removes excess prostate tissue that is obstructing the flow of urine from the bladder, using a scope and heated wire.
  • Prostatectomy: It refers to the surgical removal of part or all of the prostate.

Factors for Prostate Enlargement Treatment

  • Symptom Severity: Treatment decisions often depend on how much the symptoms interfere with daily life.
  • Personal Preference: Some men prefer minimally invasive procedures, while others opt for medication or major surgery to avoid long-term medication use.
  • Age and Health: Older men or those with significant health conditions might opt for less invasive treatments.
  • Prostate Size: Men with very large prostates may be more likely to need surgery.

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Dr Lee Fang Jann image

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
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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.

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3 Mount Elizabeth, #11-16 Medical Centre, Singapore 228510
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    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer?
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    Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate. Prostate cancer is a malignant growth within the prostate. They are separate conditions but can cause similar symptoms.

    What are the potential side effects of medication for prostate enlargement?
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    Medication side effects can include dizziness, fatigue, decreased libido or sexual dysfunction. But not everyone experiences these side effects.

    What are the potential risks and complications of surgery?
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    Surgical risks include infection, blood clots, and urinary incontinence. Some men may also experience erectile dysfunction after surgery.

    How long does it take to recover from prostate enlargement surgery?
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    Recovery time can vary, but most men can expect to regain normal urinary function within a few weeks.

    How does the treatment for prostate enlargement affect sexual function?
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    Some treatments can cause sexual side effects, including decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, but these are often manageable.

    Will medication for prostate enlargement interact with other medicines?
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    Some medicines for BPH can interact with other drugs, leading to side effects or reduced effectiveness. Always tell your urologist about all the medications you’re taking.

    Can prostate enlargement reoccur after treatment?
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    BPH can reoccur, mainly if the initial treatment was medication or minimally invasive therapy. Surgical treatment generally offers a more permanent solution.