Symptoms of BPH
As the prostate enlarges with age, it can press on the urethra and affect urine flow. Common 'lower urinary tract symptoms' include:
- Weak or interrupted urine stream, and straining to start
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Urgency and a feeling of incomplete emptying
BPH is benign (not cancer), but symptoms should be assessed to exclude other causes and prevent complications like urinary retention.
Treatment Options
- Lifestyle & monitoring: For mild symptoms — fluid timing, reducing caffeine/alcohol.
- Medication: Alpha-blockers relax the prostate/bladder neck; 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors shrink the prostate over months; sometimes combined.
- Minimally invasive (UroLift, Rezum): UroLift implants hold the prostate open; Rezum uses water-vapour (steam) to shrink tissue — both preserve sexual function in many men and have quick recovery.
- Surgery (TURP, laser enucleation/HoLEP, GreenLight): For larger prostates or when other treatments fail.
Recovery
- UroLift / Rezum: Day or short procedures; a temporary catheter may be needed; symptoms improve over weeks.
- TURP / laser surgery: Short hospital stay; reliable, long-lasting symptom relief; some temporary urinary symptoms during healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
See who practises in this field: subspecialty focus, credentials and clinic websites, checked against public records.
Browse urologists →Medication is an ongoing monthly cost. UroLift and Rezum typically cost roughly S$8,000–S$16,000+ privately; TURP or laser surgery is similar to higher. Subsidised rates apply at public hospitals. These are medically necessary and Medisave-claimable, often Shield-covered.
No. BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate. However, because both can cause urinary symptoms, a urologist will assess and, where appropriate, check for prostate cancer (PSA test, examination) as part of the evaluation.
Medications and surgery can affect ejaculation or erections in some men. Minimally invasive options like UroLift and Rezum are designed to preserve sexual function in many cases. Discuss the trade-offs with your urologist.
Yes. Procedures for BPH (UroLift, Rezum, TURP, laser surgery) are medically necessary and Medisave-claimable up to limits, often with Integrated Shield Plan coverage. Confirm with the clinic.
General information only — not medical advice. Always verify a doctor’s SMC registration and discuss your individual circumstances with a qualified specialist.