An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition that affects men as they age. It can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated. In this guide, we’ll discuss the basics of this ailment and the long-term outlook for those who undergo treatment. We’ll also answer common questions about enlarged prostate treatment in Singapore.

What is an Enlarged Prostate and What Causes It?

An enlarged prostate is a condition that affects men as they age. It is caused by an overgrowth of prostate cells in the gland. This causes the prostate to become enlarged, which can lead to various symptoms. The most common symptom is difficulty urinating, as the enlarged prostate can put pressure on the urethra and make it difficult to urinate. Other symptoms include:

1. A frequent need to urinate
2. A weak urine stream
3. Difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine.
4. Dribbling or leaking urine
5. A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
6. Waking up multiple times a night to urinate.

(https://www.gleneagles.com.sg/health-plus/article/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia)

The exact cause of an enlarged prostate is not known, but it is thought to be related to hormonal changes that occur with age. It is a common ailment of men in their later years and it is related to the changes in hormones which cause the prostate gland to grow [1].

When to Seek Professional Help for an Enlarged Prostate

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it is important to see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will be able to help you determine the best treatment option for your particular situation. They may recommend lifestyle changes, medications, or other treatments to reduce the size of the prostate and improve the flow of urine.

What to Expect During an Enlarged Prostate Evaluation & Diagnosis

When you visit a doctor for an enlarged prostate evaluation, they will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam to check for any signs of an enlarged prostate. Your doctor may also order tests, such as a urine test, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, or an imaging test, such as an ultrasound or a CT scan. A biopsy may occasionally be required if the imaging test shows any suspicious nodules.

Tips for Managing an Enlarged Prostate

In addition to medications, there are several lifestyle changes that can help manage an enlarged prostate. These include:

1. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol
2. Quitting smoking
3. Exercising regularly
4. Maintaining a healthy weight
5. It is also important to drink plenty of fluids

The Different Types of Enlarged Prostate Treatments

There are a variety of treatments available for an enlarged prostate. The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the symptoms and the underlying cause. Treatment options include medications, lifestyle changes, minimally invasive procedures, and surgery [1].

1.Medications are the most common treatment for an enlarged prostate and are usually the first line of treatment. These medications can help reduce the size of the prostate, reduce the symptoms, and improve the flow of urine. Common medications used to treat an enlarged prostate include alpha-blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, and antimuscarinics [2].

2.Minimally invasive procedures are also used to treat an enlarged prostate. Prostate Artery Embolisation is a minimally invasive procedure that blocks arteries that make the prostate shrink. In this procedure, an incision or puncture is made in the groin. A catheter is inserted, and then tiny particles are injected into the catheter. This way, the urethra becomes less congested and the prostate shrinks.

(http://bocaradiology.com/men/pae.html)

3.Surgery is usually the last resort for an enlarged prostate, and there are several different types of surgery available. One type of surgery used to treat an enlarged prostate is transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). This procedure involves removing part of the prostate through the urethra. Other types of surgery include open prostatectomy and laser prostatectomy.

(https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/turp)

What to Do After an Enlarged Prostate Treatment

Once you have completed your treatment for an enlarged prostate, it is important to take steps to maintain a healthy prostate. This includes following your doctor’s instructions, taking medications as prescribed, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, quitting smoking, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight. It is also important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that your treatment is working.

The side effects of enlarged prostate treatments vary depending on the type of treatment. Common side effects of medications include dizziness and abnormal ejaculation. Side effects of minimally invasive procedures and surgery may include pain, bleeding, and infection. It is important to talk to your doctor if you experience any side effects [3].

How to Prepare for Enlarged Prostate Treatment

Before beginning treatment for an enlarged prostate, it is important to prepare. This includes talking to your doctor about any medications you are taking, quitting smoking, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. It is also essential to follow your doctor’s instructions and ask any questions you may have about the treatment. Of particular importance is to inform your doctor if you are on any blood-thinning medications, as this may need to be discontinued during and after the surgery to prevent excessive blood loss.

Expectations and Maintenance After Enlarged Prostate Treatment

After an enlarged prostate treatment, it is important to take steps to maintain a healthy prostate. This includes following your doctor’s instructions in preparing for your overall lifestyle.  It may be wise to keep a list of previous medications, medical tests, and other pertinent information.

Minimally invasive procedures offer a quick return to daily activities, minimal discomfort, and same-day discharge from the facility. On the other hand, open surgery methods usually require patients to be confined in the facility for proper monitoring. It is also important to follow up with your doctor regularly to ensure that your treatment is working.

Understanding the Long-Term Outlook for Enlarged Prostate Treatment

The long-term outlook for enlarged prostate treatment depends on the type of treatment. Medications can help reduce the symptoms and improve the flow of urine but may not be effective in all cases. Minimally invasive procedures and surgery can be more effective but may come with risks and side effects. Following up with your doctor regularly is important to ensure your treatment is working. Regular check-ups may be needed to monitor the recovery progress.

FAQs

References

[1] https://www.sgvascularctr.com/service/enlarged-prostate/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2213889/

[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7225336/

Dr Chen Min Qi profile

Dr. Chen Min Qi is a fellowship-trained Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon who graduated from the National University of Singapore in 2005. He subsequently completed his basic and advanced training in General and Vascular Surgery while obtaining the Member of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (MRCSed) qualification in 2010, and the Master of Medicine (General Surgery) qualification in 2015. Dr Chen was subsequently successful at the fellowship exams obtaining the Fellow of Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh (FRCSed) qualification in 2016.

Upon completion of his advanced surgical training, Dr Chen Min Qi joined the newly opened Ng Teng Fong General Hospital (NTFGH) as a specialist in the Vascular Surgery division. In 2018, Dr Chen was awarded the Health Manpower Development Plan (HMDP) grant from MOH to undergo further subspeciality Vascular training at the internationally renowned St Mary’s Hospital in London, United Kingdom. There Dr Chen gained further experience in surgeries on complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, redo open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms following failed EVAR surgeries as well as carotid endarterectomy surgery and lower limb revascularization surgeries.

Upon his return in 2020, Dr Chen Min Qi joined the newly formed Woodlands Health as head of their Vascular service, before joining his current practice at the Vascular and Interventional Centre in January 2023.