Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) — also known as enlarged prostate — is one of the most common urological conditions in men, especially after age 40. As the prostate enlarges, it begins to press on the urethra, causing urinary symptoms that can significantly affect daily life, sleep quality, sexual function, and overall wellbeing.
Bangkok is a leading destination for BPH diagnosis and treatment thanks to skilled urologists, modern diagnostic technologies, and access to advanced minimally invasive procedures such as Rezum, UroLift, TURP, and HoLEP.
This guide explains what BPH is, why it develops, what symptoms to look for, and the most effective treatment options.
What Is BPH (Enlarged Prostate)?
BPH is a non-cancerous increase in prostate size that occurs naturally as men age. Although it is not prostate cancer, BPH can cause uncomfortable and sometimes serious urinary symptoms.
Why it happens:
Hormonal changes (testosterone & DHT)
Age-related prostate cell growth
Genetic predisposition
Chronic inflammation
Most men develop some degree of BPH by age 50–60.
Common Symptoms of BPH
Men may experience:
Urinary Symptoms
Frequent urination
Urgent need to urinate
Weak urine stream
Difficulty starting urination
Dribbling after finishing
Feeling of incomplete emptying
Nocturia (waking at night to urinate)
Sexual Symptoms
Reduced ejaculation force
Erectile difficulties (in some cases)
Complications (if untreated)
Frequent urinary tract infections
Bladder stones
Kidney damage
Acute urinary retention
Early evaluation prevents complications.
How BPH Is Diagnosed
A urologist may perform:
Physical examination
Digital rectal exam (DRE)
Prostate ultrasound
Uroflowmetry (strength of urine stream)
Post-void residual test
PSA blood test
Cystoscopy (if needed)
These tests determine severity and best treatment.
Treatment Options for BPH
Treatment depends on severity, prostate size, symptoms, and lifestyle.
1. Lifestyle Modifications
Reduce caffeine & alcohol
Avoid drinking late at night
Double-voiding technique
Weight loss if overweight
Works for mild symptoms.
2. Medications
Alpha-blockers
(e.g., Tamsulosin)
Relax prostate muscles
Improve urine flow
5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
(e.g., Finasteride, Dutasteride)
Shrink prostate over time
Combination therapy
Useful for moderate–severe cases.
3. Minimally Invasive Procedures
Ideal for men wanting fast recovery and minimal downtime.
Rezum (Steam Therapy)
Uses water vapor to shrink prostate tissue
Outpatient procedure
UroLift System
Small implants pull prostate tissue away from urethra
Preserves ejaculation and sexual function
Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE)
Blocks blood flow to prostate to reduce size
4. Surgical Procedures
For severe BPH or very large prostates.
TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate)
Gold standard for surgical treatment.
HoLEP (Laser Enucleation)
Laser removes excess prostate tissue. Used for large prostates.
Open or Robotic Simple Prostatectomy
For extremely large glands (>100g)
Which Treatment Is Best for Men?
Depends on:
Severity of symptoms
Prostate size
Age and sexual activity
Preference for minimally invasive options
Existing health conditions
A urology consultation ensures accurate treatment planning.
Recovery Timeline
Varies by treatment:
Medications:
Improvement in 1–4 weeks.
Rezum / UroLift:
Back to normal activities in a few days.
TURP:
1–2 weeks downtime, full recovery in 4 weeks.
HoLEP:
Most men recover within 1 week.
Expected Results
Men typically experience:
Stronger urine flow
Fewer night-time bathroom trips
Less urgency
Improved emptying
Better sleep and comfort
Quality of life improves dramatically after proper treatment.
Risks & Safety Considerations
Possible risks include:
Temporary burning sensation
Retrograde ejaculation (with some surgeries)
Bleeding
Urinary retention (temporary)
Minimally invasive treatments have significantly lower risks than surgery.
Why Men Choose Bangkok for BPH Treatment
Experienced urologists
Advanced imaging & diagnostic tools
Access to modern procedures (Rezum, UroLift, HoLEP)
Lower cost than Western countries
Fast appointments and discreet environment
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is BPH cancer?
No — but symptoms overlap, so evaluation is important.
Do medications reverse BPH?
Some shrink the prostate; others relax muscles.
What is the best treatment?
Depends on severity, age, and prostate size.
Is surgery always required?
No — many men respond to medications or minimally invasive treatments.
How long does recovery take?
Usually 1 day to 4 weeks depending on treatment.
Key Takeaways
BPH is extremely common and treatable.
Symptoms include weak flow, urgency, nighttime urination.
Treatment ranges from medications to advanced minimally invasive options.
Bangkok offers world-class BPH care with male-focused urologists.
Menscape provides discreet, tailored prostate evaluation and treatment plans.
📩 Experiencing urinary symptoms? Book a private urology consultation at Menscape Bangkok.
