Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), also known as prostate gland enlargement, is a common condition among men, especially those over 50. This non-cancerous condition can disrupt urinary health and lead to serious complications if left untreated. Learn everything about BPH, including its symptoms, diagnosis, and the most effective treatment options.
Dr Jay Lim
MBBS (Syd), MRCS (Edin), MRCS (Glasg), MMed (NUS), FAMS (Urology)
Dr Lim Kheng Sit (Jay) is a prostate specialist in Singapore with expertise in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) treatment. With over a decade of experience across public and private healthcare systems, Dr Lim brings both technical training and a patient-centred approach to enlarged prostate assessment and management, from initial evaluation to procedure care and follow up.
When intervention becomes necessary, Dr Lim is trained in a range of enlarged prostate treatment options, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery. He is committed to addressing BPH symptoms with reduced impact on recovery and quality of life.
The prostate gland is a key part of the male reproductive system, located just below the bladder. As men age, the prostate can enlarge, a condition known as BPH. While BPH is benign and not linked to prostate cancer, it can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms by compressing the urethra.
Men with BPH may experience a range of symptoms, including:
Men with BPH may experience a range of symptoms, including:
If symptoms worsen, it can lead to acute urinary retention, which is a medical emergency.
Early detection of BPH allows for more effective management. Common diagnostic methods include:
A doctor reviews symptoms and performs a digital rectal exam to assess prostate size. A bladder ultrasound is usually performed to measure the size of the prostate. A PSA is also performed to ensure the prostate is free from cancer in the same setting.
Patients track urination patterns over 72 hours, including fluid intake and nocturnal voiding may be required.
Advanced testing to evaluate bladder function and urine flow.
If you think you may be presenting symptoms of BPH, schedule a consult as soon as possible.
Managing BPH involves lifestyle adjustments, medications, or surgical procedures depending on the severity of symptoms.
Ignoring BPH symptoms can lead to severe complications like bladder damage and kidney issues. Early intervention through lifestyle changes or medical procedures can restore urinary health and improve overall well-being. Nocturia is a significant risk factors for fall in the elderly. Tripping on furniture in a dark room can be catastrophic especially if blood thinning medications. Improving the overall sleep quality also improve quality of life for the elderly.
Led by an experienced urologist, our clinic focuses on conditions affecting the prostate, kidney, bladder, and male reproductive conditions, ensuring patients receive targeted, specialist care.
Patients get access to timely consultations to address urgent or discomforting urological symptoms, reducing delays in diagnosis and treatment.
Most of our procedures are claimable by integrated shield and corporate insurance plans, making treatment more accessible and providing greater peace of mind.
Sensitive conditions are discussed in a discreet and comfortable environment, allowing patients to feel at ease and supported by a smooth care experience.
Our friendly team at Urocare is looking forward to serving you.
For urgent enquiries and appointment requests, please call the clinic directly.
Most men would experience issues of poor flow, frequency, dribbling or painful urination (dysuria) after the age of 50 as the prostate grows and blocks the outlet of the bladder. As the saying goes, 50% by 50 years, 60% by 60 years, 80% by years. If we live long enough, we will be affected by it.
No. The prostate grows bigger as we age. Its growth may slow with medication, but it will not shrink without treatment.
Slowly but surely, BPH causes bladder stress and kidney damage if left unchecked. The most common and reliable symptom is the number of night voids. If you are waking up to go to the toilet more than once at night, you are most likely suffering from BPH.
Traditional BPH surgery, like TURP, is only reserved for older gentlemen above the age of 60. This is because the prostate is usually significantly enlarged and requires a lot of prostate tissue to be removed. When you have a TURP, you will experience retrograde ejaculation or dry ejaculation. Therefore, TURP is not recommended for men who still wish to have children.
Modern-day techniques like minimally invasive surgical technique (MIST) for the prostate are more suitable for men above the age of 40 who experience BPH issues, but are still sexually active. MIST preserves the ejaculatory function by around 70%.
TURP is the longest-lasting solution for BPH. It is the gold standard treatment for BPH. It can last for more than 10 years if performed well.
However, as the prostate is continuously growing and men are living longer than before, it is not uncommon for a repeat TURP to be performed 20-30 years after the first surgery.
MIST procedures are day procedures, meaning there is no overnight stay involved and the patient goes home after a short period of monitoring.
For TURP, most people go home after 1-2 nights in the hospital. The urine flow is restored immediately for most patients with years of urination issues resolved overnight.
Yes, BPH treatment is covered by MediShield and insurance in Singapore depending on the level of coverage that you have.
In most cases, a referral is not required. If in doubt, do make a consultation to find out more and prevent BPH from becoming a silent medical condition in your life.
In many cases, surgery is not required. Lifestyle changes are the first step to improving your prostate health. Surgery is only performed as a last resort and is never the first step in our practice.
