General
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Cross Street Medical Clinic offers screening tests and treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (i.e., prostate enlargement). Speak to our doctors today about what you may need. We ensure patient privacy and confidentiality for all discussions, tests and treatments.
What is benign prostatic enlargement (BPH)
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also called prostate gland enlargement, is a non-cancerous increase in the size of the prostate gland.
Most men have progressive prostate growth throughout life.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia does not increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
How do we develop BPH
The underlying mechanism involves the prostate pressing on the urethra, thereby making it difficult to pass urine out of the bladder.
The cause is prostate enlargement is not fully understood. It is likely to be due to sex hormonal changes with age.
BPH may occur without symptoms. However, BPH symptoms may occur from age 40, with approximately 33% of men having moderate to severe symptoms by age 60 and about 50% having symptoms by age 80.
Risk factors include:
• Family history of BPH
• Obesity
• Type 2 diabetes
• Not enough exercise (i.e., sedentary lifestyle)
How can we tell that we may have BPH
Symptoms may vary, but tend to worsen gradually over time.
Symptoms include:
• Frequent urination, including frequent urination at night
• Urgent need to urinate or involuntary urination
• Difficulty starting urination
• Weak urinary stream or a stream that stops and starts
• Sensation of incomplete emptying• Dribbling at the end of urination
• Straining to urinate or inability to urinate, or loss of bladder control
• Complications can include urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and chronic kidney problems
Testing for BPH
Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and physical examination and digital prostate examination.
In addition, laboratory tests include:
• Urine tests (UFEME +/- cultures)
• Blood tests (Prostate specific antigen, U/E)
If your condition is more complex, you may need referral to a Urologist for further investigations.
Cross Street Medical offers all relevant tests for BPH. Our doctors have the expertise to diagnose and treat BPH. Speak to our doctors about what you may need.
What is the treatment for BPH
Treatment options include the following:
• Lifestyle changes – weight loss, exercise, and decreasing caffeine intake
• Oral medication – alpha blockers or 5α-reductase inhibitors
• Minimally invasive or surgical therapy (e.g., TURP)
Cross Street Medical offers medical treatment for BPH. Speak to our doctors about what you may need.
For more information on surgical treatment options, please visit the links below:
https://www.nuh.com.sg/usc/patients-and-vistiors/diseases-and-conditions/prostate/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia-bph.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/benign-prostatic-hyperplasia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20370093
How do we control or reduce symptoms
• Don’t drink anything for an hour or two before bedtime
• Limit caffeine and alcohol intake
• Limit decongestants or antihistamines use
• Go when you first feel the urge
• Try to urinate at regular times — such as every four to six hours during the day — to “retrain” the bladder (bladder training)
• Reduce weight
• Stay active
• Urinate — and then urinate again a few moments later (known as double voiding)