An enlarged prostate, medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition affecting men as they age. While it is not cancerous, an enlarged prostate can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms and impact the quality of life. In Singapore, where the population is aging, the prevalence of BPH is increasing, making awareness, early detection, and treatment crucial. In this guide, we will cover essential information on enlarged prostate in Singapore, including statistics, causes, symptoms, screening, treatments, and associated costs.
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Enlarged Prostate Singapore Statistics
In Singapore, BPH is increasingly common among men aged 50 and above. According to SingHealth, “BPH becomes more common as men get older, with the prevalence reaching 8% at age 40, 50% at age 60, and 80% by age 90”.
In addition, it is estimated that while most men with BPH may not require medical attention for the condition, about 10% of men experiencing BPH may need to undergo some form of treatment for the condition.
As the population in Singapore continues to age, the number of men affected by BPH is expected to rise, highlighting the importance of early screening and treatment.
Causes Of Enlarged Prostate & Risk Factors
The exact cause of an enlarged prostate is not fully understood, but several factors contribute to its development:
1. Age
BPH is rare in younger men but becomes increasingly common after 40 years old.
2. Hormonal Changes
Changes in testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels contribute to prostate growth.
3. Family History
Men with a family history of BPH have a higher risk of developing the condition.
4. Lifestyle & Diet
A high-fat diet, lack of exercise, and obesity may increase the risk of prostate enlargement.
5. Underlying Health Conditions
Men with diabetes, heart disease, and hypertension have a higher likelihood of developing BPH.
Symptoms Of Enlarged Prostate
BPH symptoms range from mild to severe, significantly affecting daily life. Common symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
- Weak urine stream or difficulty starting urination
- Incomplete bladder emptying
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Pain or discomfort while urinating (less common)
If left untreated, BPH can lead to bladder infections, kidney problems, and urinary retention (inability to urinate).
Screening & Prevention
There are 2 tests for prostate health that are often included in general health screening packages – a prostate ultrasound, and a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. A prostate ultrasound is used to check the size and shape of the prostate gland and nearby structures. It can help to discover conditions such as enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. The Prostate-Specific Antigen test measures the level of PSA in the blood. It is a tumour marker test that can aid in the early detection of prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels may also be caused by inflammation of the prostate.
Prostate ultrasound and PSA tests are recommended for men over the age of 50, especially those with a family history of prostate conditions.
Prevention Tips:
- Maintain a healthy diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Exercise regularly to manage weight and hormone levels.
- Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake to prevent bladder irritation.
- Stay hydrated but avoid excessive fluid intake before bedtime.
Enlarged Prostate Treatments
Treatment and management of enlarged prostate depends on the severity of symptoms and the size of the prostate. Options include:
- Lifestyle Changes
- Reduce fluid intake, especially before bedtime.
- Limit caffeine and alcohol.
- Regular exercise.
- Medications
- Alpha-Blockers: Relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, making it easier to urinate. However, while they provide symptomatic relief, they do not reduce the size of the prostate.
- 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: Shrink the prostate by reducing the level of the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hormone in the body. DHT plays a significant role in prostate development, and controlling DHT levels can reduce the size of an enlarged prostate.
- Minimally Invasive Procedures
- Convective Water Vapour Thermal Therapy: This treatment is aimed at improving urine flow. Using steam injections, targeted prostate cells are killed. This reduces the size of the prostate and alleviates the symptoms of BPH.
- Prostatic Urethral Lift: Small implants are placed in the body to hold the enlarged prostate tissue away from the urethra. This opens up the urethra and urine flow is improved.
- Surgical Options
- Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): This is the most common and effective surgical treatment for enlarged prostate, in particular, when they are large and highly obstructing prostates. This treatment involves the surgical removal of part of the prostate, thereby relieving the blockage of the urethra.
- Laser Therapy: This treatment uses laser to remove excess prostate tissue.
- Simple Prostatectomy: This is a surgical procedure used to treat prostates that are severely enlarged, and when other treatments are unsuitable or have already been tried without success. This treatment involves surgically removing the inside part of the prostate gland.
Costs Of Enlarged Prostate Treatment
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. | ||||||
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). | ||
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Managing an enlarged prostate in Singapore is easier with timely diagnosis and proper treatment. Whether you need screening, medication, or advanced treatment, consult a urologist today to take control of your health! If you are experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate in Singapore, do not wait for complications to arise. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your quality of life.
Book a consultation with a urologist today! Contact us via the button below to schedule an appointment with a trusted specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is An Enlarged Prostate The Same As Prostate Cancer?
No, BPH is a non-cancerous condition. However, prostate cancer can present similar symptoms, so medical screening is essential.
2. Can BPH Be Cured Without Surgery?
Yes, many cases can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes. Surgery is only recommended for severe cases.
3. Will An Enlarged Prostate Affect My Sexual Health?
BPH itself does not cause erectile dysfunction, but some medications for BPH may have side effects on sexual function.
4. What Foods Should I Avoid If I Have An Enlarged Prostate?
Avoid processed foods, red meat, excessive dairy, caffeine, and alcohol as they may worsen symptoms.
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This article is informative only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.