Prostate Health & Urological Care in Singapore

BPH is non-cancerous prostate enlargement, a common prostate condition affecting ageing men. The prostate gradually increases in size, potentially compressing the urethra and affecting urine flow. This condition develops slowly over the years and varies significantly in severity.

Prostatitis involves inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, affecting men of all ages. Four distinct types exist: acute bacterial, chronic bacterial, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis. Each type requires different diagnostic approaches and treatment strategies.

Prostate cancer develops when cells in the prostate gland grow uncontrollably. This is a known cancer that can affect men, and it typically progresses slowly but can be aggressive in some cases. Early-stage prostate cancer often presents with no symptoms, making regular screening important for men at risk.

Prostate stones (prostatic calculi) are small calcifications within the prostate gland. While often asymptomatic, they can contribute to inflammation, infection, or urinary symptoms when present in large numbers or specific locations.

• Slight increase in urination frequency, especially at night
• Occasional hesitancy when starting urination
• Mild decrease in urine stream strength
• Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
• Occasional urgency to urinate
• Minor discomfort in the pelvic region

• Frequent nighttime urination
• Noticeably weak or interrupted urine stream
• Straining is required to urinate
• Dribbling after urination
• Persistent urgency with occasional leakage
• Discomfort during or after ejaculation
• Lower back or pelvic pain

• Complete inability to urinate (acute urinary retention)
• Blood in urine or semen
• Severe pelvic, back, or bone pain
• Recurrent urinary tract infections
• Kidney dysfunction from obstruction
• Erectile dysfunction
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

For mild symptoms or slow-growing conditions, careful monitoring without immediate treatment may be appropriate. Regular check-ups track progression, with intervention initiated when necessary. This approach avoids treatment side effects whilst ensuring timely action if conditions worsen.

Finasteride and dutasteride may help shrink the prostate by blocking hormone conversion. These medications work gradually, particularly for larger prostates. Combination with alpha blockers may provide symptom relief. Sexual side effects can occur in some patients.

Bacterial prostatitis requires targeted antibiotic therapy. Fluoroquinolones are commonly used, though antibiotic selection depends on culture results. Anti-inflammatory medications may help manage pain and reduce inflammation in various prostate conditions.

*This treatment is administered as part of a comprehensive plan supervised by a healthcare professional.*

Transurethral microwave thermotherapy (TUMT) uses controlled heat to reduce prostate tissue. Prostatic urethral lift (UroLift) mechanically opens the urethra without tissue removal. Water vapour thermal therapy (Rezum) uses steam to ablate excess prostate tissue. These office-based or day-surgery procedures may offer symptom relief with recovery times that can vary.

TURP is an established surgical treatment for BPH. Using a resectoscope inserted through the urethra, excess prostate tissue is removed to help restore urine flow. Hospital stay typically involves catheter management before discharge. Symptom improvement can occur.

Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation (PVP) may offer outcomes with reduced bleeding risk compared to TURP. These techniques suit patients on blood thinners or with large prostates. Recovery times can vary.

For localised prostate cancer, complete prostate removal may be considered. Robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy offers precision with smaller incisions and may result in less blood loss compared to open surgery. Nerve-sparing techniques aim to preserve function when oncologically appropriate.

External beam radiation or brachytherapy (radioactive seed implantation) treats prostate cancer whilst preserving the gland. Modern techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy aim to minimise damage to surrounding tissues. Treatment may span several sessions for external radiation or a single procedure for brachytherapy.

Androgen deprivation therapy reduces testosterone levels, which may slow prostate cancer growth. Used alone for advanced cancer or combined with radiation for high-risk disease. Side effects may include hot flashes, decreased libido, and bone density changes requiring careful monitoring.