If you have been facing difficulties passing urine, waking up frequently at night to urinate, or experiencing a weak urine stream, you may have an enlarged prostate. With this, you may ask: what is the best treatment for an enlarged prostate?
This is a common concern among men, especially as they age. In Singapore, modern treatments and experienced specialists are available to help men manage this condition effectively and regain comfort in daily life.
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What Is an Enlarged Prostate and Why Does It Need Treatment?
The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder. As men get older, the prostate can gradually grow larger – a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate.
An enlarged prostate is not cancer, but it can press against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body), leading to symptoms such as:
- Weak or slow urine flow.
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night.
- Difficulty starting urination.
- Feeling that the bladder does not fully empty.
- Sudden urge to urinate.
Specialists at Singapore General Hospital (SGH) estimate that around half of men in their 50s may experience symptoms of prostate enlargement. The risk increases with age, obesity, diabetes, and a family history of prostate problems.
While mild symptoms may only require monitoring, moderate to severe symptoms can affect sleep, confidence, and quality of life – making timely treatment important.
What Is the Best Treatment for Enlarged Prostate?
There is no single treatment that works best for everyone. The best treatment for enlarged prostate depends on how severe your symptoms are, the size of your prostate, your age, and your overall health.
A urologist will usually discuss several treatment options with you, starting from simple lifestyle changes to advanced medical or surgical treatments.
1. Lifestyle Changes and Monitoring
If your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend a “watch and wait” approach. This means making small but meaningful lifestyle adjustments and having regular check-ups to monitor your prostate health.
Some helpful tips include:
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder.
- Avoiding large amounts of fluids before bedtime.
- Maintaining a healthy weight and regular exercise routine.
- Emptying your bladder completely each time you urinate.
This approach helps men who are not severely affected, allowing them to delay or avoid medical treatment until necessary.
2. Medications
When symptoms start to interfere with daily life, medications are often the first step. They can help improve urine flow and relieve discomfort.
Common options include:
- Alpha-blockers – These relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs) – These can shrink the prostate over time, especially in men with larger prostates.
- Combination therapy – Sometimes, both types of medicine are prescribed together for better results.
- Other options – Certain medicines can help men who experience both urinary symptoms and erectile dysfunction.
Medications are generally effective and non-invasive, but they may need to be taken long-term. Some men may also experience mild side-effects such as dizziness or reduced semen volume.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
If medications are not effective or cause unwanted side-effects, minimally invasive treatments may be recommended. These treatments are becoming increasingly popular in Singapore as they can relieve symptoms quickly with shorter recovery times.
Here are some common procedures:
- Prostatic Urethral Lift
This procedure uses small implants to gently lift and hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. It helps improve urine flow without cutting or removing tissue. Most men can return to normal activities within a few days, and it usually preserves sexual function. - Water-Vapour Therapy (Steam Treatment)
This uses controlled bursts of steam to shrink excess prostate tissue. The treated tissue is naturally absorbed by the body, easing pressure on the urethra. Singapore hospitals, including SGH, have introduced this therapy for men seeking a quick, non-surgical option. - Temporary Implantable Nitinol Device (iTind)
A small temporary implant is placed in the prostate to reshape the tissue and improve urine flow. It is removed after about a week and typically does not affect sexual function.
Most of these procedures can be performed as day surgeries under local or light anaesthesia, meaning patients can go home the same day.
4. Surgical Treatments
When the prostate is very large or other treatments do not work, surgery may be the best option.
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP) – The most common surgical procedure, where part of the enlarged tissue is removed using a special instrument inserted through the urethra.
- Laser Surgery – Uses laser energy to remove excess prostate tissue with less bleeding and faster recovery.
- Open or Robotic Prostate Surgery – Reserved for men with very large prostates or complicated cases.
These surgeries are performed by experienced urologists in Singapore and are generally safe and effective, with good long-term outcomes.
How to Decide Which Treatment Is Best
The right treatment depends on:
- The severity of your symptoms.
- The size of your prostate.
- Your age and overall health.
- Your personal preference – for example, if you wish to avoid surgery or long-term medication.
Your urologist will usually start with a consultation that includes:
- A symptom questionnaire.
- A urine flow test.
- A prostate scan or ultrasound.
- A blood test (PSA) to rule out prostate cancer.
With these results, your doctor can recommend the most suitable option tailored to your needs.
Estimated Cost Of Enlarged Prostate Treatment, Singapore
Based on MOH benchmarks (assessed 21 Nov 24), the average historical costs of enlarged prostate treatment in Singapore by minimally invasive surgery (TOSP Code: SH832P) are:
| Setting | Ward Type | Typical Bill | Typical Bill Range | Typical Bill Items | ||
| Operation Fee | Implant Fee1 | Other Fee2 | ||||
| Public Hospitals | Day Surgery (Subsidised) | $5,496 | $3,232 – $6,312 | $1,855 | Not Available | $2,425 |
| Day Surgery (Unsubsidised) | $8,847 | $7,952 – $9,953 | $3,282 | Not Available | $5,551 | |
| Private Hospitals | Day Surgery | $13,495 | $12,056 – $15,919 | $11,777 | Not Available | $1,398 |
| 1 Fee for the medical device(s)/ implants placed inside the body. Applicable only if your procedure requires an implant.2 Includes ward charges, doctor’s daily attendance and consultation fee, consumables, medication, tests, accident & emergency charges etc., where applicable.Note: Figures shown are based on the median fee, i.e., what 50% of patients are charged below. They provide an estimate and may not add up. | ||||||
MOH Historical Benchmark Costs Of Minimally Invasive Enlarged Prostate Treatment. Source: Ministry of Health
The MOH recommended benchmark fees are:
| Type of Fees | Fee Range | |
| Doctor Fees | ||
| Surgeon Fee1 | $3,706 – $4,905 w/GST($3,400 – $4,500 w/o GST) | |
| Anaesthetist Fee | Not Available | |
| Inpatient Doctors’ Attendance Fees2 | $230 – $450 w/GST per day($210 – $420 w/o GST per day) | |
| Hospital Fees | Hospital Fees | Not Available |
| 1 Higher end of surgeon fees may be associated with more complex cases.2 Fee range is for office hours only and does not include the costs of medications, injections, operations, special procedures, investigations (e.g., radiological and laboratory tests). | ||
MOH Recommended Benchmark Fees For Minimally Invasive Enlarged Prostate Treatment. Source: Ministry of Health
When to See a Specialist
You should consider seeing a specialist if you:
- Have trouble starting or maintaining a urine stream.
- Wake up multiple times at night to urinate.
- Experience pain or burning during urination.
- Notice blood in your urine.
- Feel like your bladder never empties completely.
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to complications such as bladder stones, infections, or kidney damage.
Urologists You May Consider
Contact us today for an introduction to a specialist who can assess your symptoms and guide you towards the best treatment options for your prostate health.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is an enlarged prostate the same as prostate cancer?
No. An enlarged prostate (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition. However, because both can cause similar urinary symptoms, your doctor may recommend tests to rule out cancer.
2. Will my symptoms go away on their own?
Mild symptoms may improve with lifestyle changes, but moderate or severe symptoms usually need medical treatment to prevent complications.
3. Are minimally invasive procedures painful?
Most procedures are performed under local or mild anaesthesia. You may feel mild discomfort for a few days, but pain is generally minimal and recovery is quick.
4. Can treatment affect my sexual function?
Modern procedures such as UroLift® and iTind are designed to preserve sexual function. However, some traditional surgeries may cause retrograde ejaculation. Always discuss this with your doctor before deciding.
5. What happens if I do not treat my enlarged prostate?
Untreated BPH can lead to serious issues such as urinary retention (inability to urinate), bladder stones, infections, or kidney damage. Early treatment helps prevent these complications.