BPH Treatment in Singapore (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)

If you’re experiencing frequent nighttime urination, weak urine flow, or difficulty starting urination, you may be dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). These symptoms can affect your daily activities and sleep quality.

BPH, commonly known as an enlarged prostate, is a non-cancerous condition that affects men, particularly as they age. While BPH is not life-threatening, its symptoms can progressively worsen without proper management.

Our MOH-accredited urologist in Singapore can help diagnose and treat BPH using evidence-based approaches tailored to each patient’s needs and lifestyle.

Dr. Nor Azhari Bin Mohd Zam

Senior Consultant Urologist

MBBS (NUS)|MRCS (Edin.)|MMed Surgery (NUS)|FAMS (Urology)

Make an Enquiry

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) in Singapore

Causes Symptoms When to See a Doctor Diagnosis Treatment Complications Prevention FAQ Conclusion

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) treatment?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs naturally with age. The prostate, a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder and surrounding the urethra, produces fluid that nourishes and protects sperm. As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra and affect the bladder’s ability to empty completely. BPH is a common condition that may affect men as they age. Despite its prevalence, many men delay seeking care due to embarrassment or the misconception that urinary symptoms are an inevitable part of ageing. For personalised evaluation and management, clinics offering BPH treatment in Singapore can help address symptoms and improve quality of life.

BPH Causes & Risk Factors

Causes

The exact cause of BPH remains unclear, but research points to several contributing factors:

Hormonal changes: Age-related alterations in testosterone and oestrogen balance
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): Accumulation of this hormone derivative in prostate tissue
Cellular changes: Natural ageing process affecting prostate cell growth and death cycles
Genetic factors: Inherited traits influencing prostate growth patterns

Risk Factors

Several factors may increase the likelihood of developing BPH:

Age: Risk may increase with advancing age
Family history: Having a father or brother with BPH may increase risk
Ethnicity: Asian men may experience symptoms at smaller prostate sizes
Obesity: Excess weight may increase BPH risk and symptom severity
Diabetes: Type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance may correlate with BPH development
Heart disease: Cardiovascular conditions may share risk factors with BPH
Sedentary lifestyle: Limited physical activity may contribute to BPH progression
Diet: High red meat consumption and low vegetable intake may increase risk

BPH Signs & Symptoms

Mild Symptoms

Slight delay when starting urination
Occasional need to urinate at night (1-2 times)
Mild reduction in urine stream force
Brief dribbling after urination ends
Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying occasionally

Moderate Symptoms

Frequent urination (every 1-2 hours during the day)
Regular nighttime urination (3-4 times)
Intermittent or weak urine stream
Straining required to urinate
Sudden, urgent need to urinate
Stopping and starting during urination

Severe Symptoms

Very frequent urination affecting daily activities
Multiple nighttime awakenings
Inability to urinate (acute urinary retention)
Blood in urine
Recurrent urinary tract infections
Bladder stones formation
Kidney function deterioration

BPH symptoms may develop gradually over time, with some men initially dismissing mild symptoms as normal ageing. The severity can fluctuate, with periods of improvement followed by worsening, particularly during cold weather or times of stress.

Experiencing these enlarged prostate symptoms?

Consider scheduling a consultation with an MOH-accredited urologist for proper evaluation and assessment.

Book Appointment

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience complete inability to urinate, severe pain in the lower abdomen, blood in your urine, or signs of infection such as fever with urinary symptoms. These may indicate acute urinary retention or complications requiring urgent treatment.

Schedule a consultation if you notice persistent changes in urination patterns, including increased frequency, urgency, weak stream, or nighttime urination disrupting your sleep. Early evaluation is important even for mild symptoms, as treatment may be more effective when initiated early.

During your first consultation, a urologist will conduct a thorough medical history review, focusing on your urinary symptoms, their duration, and impact on daily life. The examination includes a digital rectal exam (DRE) to assess prostate size and texture, along with discussion of appropriate diagnostic tests. This comprehensive evaluation helps determine a suitable treatment approach for your specific situation.

*Individual assessment and treatment recommendations may vary.*

BPH Diagnosis & Testing Methods

Accurate diagnosis of BPH involves several assessment methods to evaluate symptom severity and rule out other conditions. The International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire may help quantify symptoms through standardised questions about urination patterns and quality of life impact. This tool can help track symptom progression and treatment response over time.

Laboratory tests include urinalysis to check for infection or blood, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test to screen for prostate cancer. While PSA levels can be elevated in BPH, your urologist will interpret results considering your age, prostate size, and other factors. Additional blood tests may assess kidney function if obstruction is suspected.

Uroflowmetry measures urine flow rate and volume, providing objective data about obstruction severity. Post-void residual measurement using ultrasound determines how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.

For complex cases, transrectal ultrasound can measure prostate size and identify structural abnormalities. Cystoscopy, involving a thin camera inserted through the urethra, may be recommended to visualise the prostate and bladder directly. These tests aim to provide diagnostic information, though individual experiences may vary.

*Individual results and experiences with diagnostic procedures may vary.*

Treatment Options Overview

Watchful Waiting

For men with mild symptoms that don’t significantly impact quality of life, active surveillance may be appropriate. This approach involves regular monitoring through symptom questionnaires and periodic examinations without immediate treatment. BPH lifestyle modifications including reducing evening fluid intake, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and scheduled voiding can help manage symptoms. Your urologist will establish a monitoring schedule to track any progression.

Alpha Blockers

These medications relax smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, which may improve urine flow. Common options include tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and silodosin, taken once daily. Alpha blockers work relatively quickly and may provide symptom relief, though they don’t reduce prostate size. Side effects may include dizziness, retrograde ejaculation, or nasal congestion, but many men tolerate these medications well.

*Individual results may vary.*

5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors

Finasteride and dutasteride can help shrink the prostate by blocking DHT production, which may reduce gland size over time. These medications work for men with larger prostates and may reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and need for surgery. Treatment requires patience as benefits develop over several months. Some men may experience decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, though these effects are generally reversible upon discontinuation.

*Individual results and timelines may vary.*

Combination Theraphy

Using alpha blockers with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may provide both symptom relief and prostate size reduction. This approach may offer benefits for men with moderate to severe symptoms and enlarged prostates. Your urologist will determine if combination therapy suits your specific condition and monitor for potential drug interactions.

UroLift System

This procedure uses small implants to lift and hold enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra, which may improve flow without cutting or removing tissue. Performed under local anaesthesia, UroLift aims to preserve sexual function whilst providing symptom improvement. Many patients return home the same day and may resume normal activities within days. *Individual results and recovery times may vary.*

Rezum Water Vapour Therapy

Rezum delivers controlled water vapour directly into prostate tissue, causing targeted cell death and subsequent tissue reduction. This office-based procedure uses natural body healing processes to reduce obstruction. Symptom improvement may occur gradually as treated tissue is reabsorbed. *Individual results and timelines may vary.*

Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)

Considered a standard surgical treatment, TURP removes excess prostate tissue using an electrical loop passed through the urethra. This procedure requires spinal or general anaesthesia and typically involves hospitalisation. TURP may provide long-term symptom relief, though recovery takes several weeks.

*Individual results and recovery times may vary.*

Laser Procedures

Holmium laser enucleation (HoLEP) and photoselective vaporisation (PVP) use laser energy to remove or vaporise prostate tissue. These techniques may offer effectiveness similar to TURP with potentially less bleeding and shorter catheterisation time. Laser procedures may suit men taking blood thinners or those with very large prostates. Recovery may be faster than traditional surgery.

*Individual results may vary.*

Prostate Artery Embolisation

This radiological procedure blocks blood flow to specific prostate arteries, which may cause the gland to shrink. Performed through a small catheter inserted via the groin, embolisation avoids surgical risks whilst aiming to preserve sexual function. The procedure takes time with same-day discharge possible. Symptom improvement may develop over several weeks to months.

*Individual results and timelines may vary.*

Every patient’s condition is unique.

Our MOH-accredited urologist will assess your situation and recommend a suitable treatment approach for you.

Schedule Consultation

Complications if Left Untreated

Untreated BPH can lead to acute urinary retention, a sudden inability to urinate requiring emergency catheterisation. This painful condition may affect men with BPH and could require surgical intervention. Chronic retention develops more gradually but can cause bladder damage from constant overstretching.

Recurring urinary tract infections may become more common as residual urine provides a breeding ground for bacteria. These infections can ascend to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis and potential kidney damage. Bladder stones may form in stagnant urine, causing pain, bleeding, and further obstruction.

Long-term bladder outlet obstruction can weaken the bladder muscle, reducing its ability to contract effectively even after obstruction relief. In severe cases, back-pressure on the kidneys may lead to hydronephrosis and progressive kidney failure.

Quality of life may deteriorate significantly, with sleep deprivation from nighttime urination contributing to daytime fatigue, reduced productivity, and increased accident risk.

*Individual outcomes and timelines may vary.*

Prevention

Whilst age-related prostate enlargement cannot be entirely prevented, certain strategies may help reduce BPH risk or slow progression. Regular physical activity, particularly aerobic exercise, may correlate with reduced BPH symptoms. Maintaining healthy weight through balanced diet and exercise may help decrease symptom severity.

Dietary modifications include increasing vegetable consumption, particularly tomatoes rich in lycopene, and reducing red meat intake. Limiting evening fluids, especially alcohol and caffeine, may help manage nighttime symptoms. Some supplements such as saw palmetto and beta-sitosterol may provide modest benefits, though evidence remains inconclusive.

Managing cardiovascular risk factors through blood pressure and diabetes control may help slow BPH progression. Regular prostate screening after the appropriate age, or earlier with a family history, enables early detection and intervention. Avoiding medications that worsen symptoms, such as decongestants and antihistamines, may help maintain urinary function. Pelvic floor exercises may help improve bladder control and reduce urgency symptoms. For professional advice on managing or preventing BPH, consulting a urologist in Singapore ensures appropriate evaluation and tailored recommendations.

*Individual results and responses to lifestyle modifications may vary.*

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BPH the same as prostate cancer?

No, BPH is different from prostate cancer. BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate that doesn’t increase cancer risk. Both conditions can cause similar urinary symptoms and may coexist, but BPH cells are normal prostate cells that have multiplied, whereas cancer involves abnormal cell growth. Having BPH doesn’t mean you’ll develop prostate cancer, though regular screening remains important for early cancer detection.

Can BPH symptoms improve without treatment?

BPH symptoms can fluctuate naturally, and some men experience temporary improvements. Mild symptoms may remain stable for years without significant progression. Lifestyle changes—such as reducing evening fluids and avoiding bladder irritants—can provide relief. Some men with mild symptoms may improve without medical intervention, but regular monitoring is essential to detect any progression that might require care. If symptoms persist or worsen, speak with a urologist about BPH treatment in Singapore.

How long does BPH treatment take to show results?

Treatment timeline varies by approach. Alpha blockers may improve symptoms within several weeks, providing relatively quick relief. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors may require several months for noticeable improvement as they gradually shrink the prostate. Minimally invasive procedures like UroLift may show improvement within several weeks, whilst Rezum therapy may take several weeks to months for benefits. Surgical procedures provide immediate anatomical correction, though complete healing and maximum benefit may take several weeks to months.

*Individual results and timelines may vary.*

Will BPH treatment affect my sexual function?

Treatment effects on sexual function vary significantly. Alpha blockers may cause retrograde ejaculation (semen entering bladder) but rarely affect erection quality. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can reduce libido and cause erectile dysfunction in some men, though effects are usually reversible. UroLift aims to preserve sexual function, making it suitable for sexually active men. Traditional surgery like TURP commonly causes retrograde ejaculation but usually preserves erectile function. Your urologist will discuss sexual function preservation when planning treatment.

Can younger men develop BPH?

Whilst BPH primarily affects older men, younger men can develop the condition. Some younger men may show evidence of BPH, though symptoms are uncommon. Men in their 40s may begin experiencing mild symptoms, particularly those with family history or metabolic conditions. Early-onset BPH may progress, making prompt evaluation important. Young men with urinary symptoms should seek assessment to rule out other conditions.

What happens during a prostate examination?

A digital rectal examination (DRE) involves the urologist inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate’s size, shape, and texture. The examination takes a short time and may cause brief discomfort but shouldn’t be painful. You’ll lie on your side with knees drawn up or stand and lean forward during the exam. The urologist checks for enlargement, nodules, or irregularities that might indicate BPH or other conditions

How often should I follow up after starting BPH treatment?

Initial follow-up may occur several weeks after starting treatment to assess response and adjust medications if needed. Once stable, monitoring may continue every several months with symptom assessment and periodic testing. Men on watchful waiting require regular monitoring to detect progression. After procedures, follow-up schedules vary: minimally invasive procedures may need checks at several weeks and months, whilst post-surgical patients require closer initial monitoring. Long-term annual reviews help ensure continued treatment effectiveness.

Conclusion

BPH is a manageable condition that affects many men as they age, but it doesn’t have to compromise quality of life. From medications to minimally invasive procedures and surgical options, modern urology offers various treatment approaches that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences. Early intervention may help prevent complications and can support better long-term outcomes. Understanding treatment options can help patients make informed decisions about their health in consultation with their urologist.

*Individual results and timelines may vary.*

Take the First Step Towards Better Health

Living with BPH can be challenging, but patients don’t have to face it alone. Our MOH-accredited urologist has experience diagnosing and treating BPH using current evidence-based approaches.

Book Your Consultation Today

Dr. Nor Azhari Bin Mohd Zam

Senior Consultant Urologist

MBBS (NUS)|MRCS (Edin.)|MMed Surgery (NUS)|FAMS (Urology)

With more than 15 years experience as a certified Urologist, Dr Nor Azhari specializes in treating a wide range of kidney, bladder and prostate conditions as well as disorders of the male reproductive organs.

He offers minimally invasive treatment options and provides same-day appointments for convenience.

Skilled urologist and kidney stone surgeon.
Director of Endourology (Urinary stone service) at Singapore General Hospital – 2016 to 2023.
Recognized with the College of Surgeons Gold Medal and Singapore Urological Association Book prize.
Minimally invasive treatment options available (non-invasive and endoscopic/key-hole techniques).

Make an Enquiry

For urgent or same day appointment requests, please call our hotline.

Our Clinic Locations

Asian Healthcare Specialists (Novena)

Mount Elizabeth Novena Specialist Centre
38 Irrawaddy Road
#08-41 Singapore 329563

+65‎ 6334‎‎ 1486

novena@asianhealthcare.com.sg drazhari@asianhealthcare.com.sg

Asian Healthcare Specialists (Alvernia)

Mount Alvernia Hospital
820 Thomson Road Medical Centre Block A #05-03 Singapore 574623

+65 6252 4015

drazhari@asianhealthcare.com.sg