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Gleneagles Medical Centre,
258499, Singapore

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Email    : info@tanurology.com.sg

Benign Prostate Enlargement

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What Is a Benign Prostate Enlargement?

Benign prostate enlargement (BPE) refers to the increase in the size of the prostate gland, a walnut-shaped organ located below the bladder that surrounds the urethra. This growth is often caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which refers to the overgrowth of non-cancerous prostate cells. As the name suggests, BPE is not cancer and does not raise your risk of prostate cancer.

Why Does Prostate Enlargement Occur with Age?

It isn't yet clear why prostate enlargement happens as men get older, but it may be related to hormonal changes associated with age.

What Causes Prostate Enlargement?

The actual cause of prostate enlargement is not fully understood. Aside from hormonal changes and age, several factors can contribute to the enlargement of the prostate. These include:

  • Genetic Predisposition – Men with a family history of BPH are at higher risk of developing the condition.
  • Ageing – The risk of having BPH increases for men aged 40 and older.
  • Chronic Inflammation – Prolonged inflammation within the prostate gland can lead to an enlarged
  • Lifestyle Factors – Obesity, poor diet, smoking, and lack of physical activity may contribute to poor prostate health, potentially leading to prostate enlargement.
Enlarged Prostate for Aging Men

What are the Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate?

An enlarged prostate occurs when the prostate gland increases in size, often due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—a non-cancerous overgrowth of prostate cells. This enlargement can compress the urethra, disrupting normal urination. Common symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

  • Difficulty starting to pee
  • Leakage of urine
  • Weak or intermittent urine stream
  • A sensation of not fully emptying the bladder
  • More frequent need to urinate
  • Sudden urges to urinate
  • Frequently waking at night to urinate

If you are experiencing these symptoms, consult a urologist for diagnosis and treatment options.

While urinary symptoms of an enlarged prostate tend to be more common with age, they should not be accepted as a normal part of life.

Consult a urologist for relief of these discomforts.

What Can Be Done for an Enlarged Prostate?

Diagnosis

Before any treatment is recommended, different tests are conducted to confirm if an enlarged prostate is responsible for your urinary symptoms as opposed to another cause such as infection or bladder/prostate cancer. These tests also allow us to assess the severity of the problem to help direct the most appropriate treatment. This may include:

  • A questionnaire to assess your symptoms (IPSS score)
  • A diary to record your fluid intake and urine output
  • Urine tests to rule out any infection
  • PSA blood test to check for prostate cancer
  • Blood test to check kidney function
  • Urine flow test and postvoid residual measurement
  • Ultrasound imaging of the prostate, bladder and kidneys

In some cases, a cystoscopy may be recommended to examine the prostate and bladder directly, to rule out other potential causes for your symptoms.

Severe urinary obstruction can lead to complications such as urinary retention, urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and even kidney failure.

Timely treatment can save you from further discomfort.

Treatment Options for Benign Prostate Enlargement

There are several options for prostate enlargement treatment, including prescription medications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgeries. Lifestyle adjustments may be recommended to provide relief for mild symptoms without complications. However, medications or surgical interventions may be necessary for more severe cases.

How You Can Manage BPH

For men with mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend the following lifestyle changes:

  • Engage in exercises to strengthen pelvic floor muscles and improve urinary control.
  • Limit fluid intake, especially before going out or before bedtime.
  • Reduce intake of coffee, tea and alcohol

Medications

For men with more significant symptoms, doctors may prescribe medication. There are two main types of medication:

  • Alpha-blockers: Medications that quickly relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, relieving the obstruction.
  • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5-ARIs): Medications that inhibit prostate growth and induces its shrinkage. They take longer to work (six months to a year) but can be combined with alpha-blockers for faster relief. 5-ARIs are also prescribed for male pattern baldness and have the potential to promote hair growth.
While both types of medications can be effective, each comes with its own side effects and needs to be taken on a long-term basis to effectively manage an enlarged prostate.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Treatments (MIST)

Our clinic in Singapore offers three minimally invasive surgical treatments (MIST) for enlarged prostate, effectively relieving symptoms while preserving sexual function. These include:

The Urolift system involves permanently implanting small devices that lift and hold the obstructing prostate tissue, thereby widening the urethral passage. This allows for a faster flow and a decrease in BPH symptoms.

The procedure is typically performed as a day surgery, taking approximately 5-10 minutes to complete under local anaesthesia and sedation. Following the procedure, symptoms are quickly resolved, and patients can typically resume their normal activities by the next day.

The choice of MIST needs to be personalised based on specific characteristics of your prostate like its size and configuration. Consult an experienced urologist for a detailed assessment.

Surgical Procedures

If your prostate is too large or if you are affected by complications such as urinary retention, bladder stones, or blocked kidneys, you may require surgery instead.

TURP is the standard surgical treatment for BPH (enlarged prostate) and has been widely used for over 40 years. During the procedure, a resectoscope is inserted through the urethra to visualise and trim the excess tissue. Thereafter, a urinary catheter is inserted for 1-2 days. The surgery is typically performed under general or spinal anaesthesia with a hospital stay of 1-3 days.

Meet Our BPH Specialist in Singapore

Prostate Cancer Doctor - Dr Lincoln Tan
Dr Lincoln Tan
Consultant Urologist
MBBS, MRCS(EDIN), MMED(SURG), FRCS(UROL) (RCPSG), FAMS(UROL)

Dr Lincoln Tan is a consultant urologist and accredited robotic surgeon at Mount Elizabeth Hospital. He specialises in the treatment of prostate conditions, including prostate enlargement. With extensive experience in managing prostate health, he focuses on advanced diagnostic techniques, particularly for prostate cancer. Known for his compassionate care, Dr Tan prioritises understanding and addressing his patients' concerns, ensuring optimal treatment outcomes.

Your Prostate Health is Our Priority

Location

6 Napier Road #05-03,
Gleneagles Medical Centre,
258499, Singapore

Contact Us

Phone    : +65 6732 6503
Email    : info@tanurology.com.sg