Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Treatment in Bangkok

Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Treatment in Bangkok

Relief from bothersome urinary symptoms — from medication to minimally invasive Rezum water-vapor therapy and proven surgical options — at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Soarawee Weerasopone, MD — Board-Certified Urologist · Research Scholar & Clinical Observer, Scott Department of Urology, Baylor College of Medicine

What Is an Enlarged Prostate (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that becomes increasingly common with age — affecting most men at some point after 50. As the prostate grows, it can press on the urethra and obstruct the flow of urine, producing a cluster of symptoms known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

BPH is 아니 prostate cancer and does not turn into cancer — but its symptoms can significantly affect quality of life and sleep, and if left unmanaged it can occasionally lead to complications such as urinary retention or bladder and kidney problems. Read the complete BPH patient guide →

One caution worth stating early: not every set of these symptoms is caused by the prostate. A bladder that has become underactive, a neurological cause, diabetes, a stricture, or medication side effects can all produce the same picture, which is why the assessment below measures what is actually happening rather than assuming the prostate is to blame.

Common Symptoms (LUTS)

• A weak or slow urinary stream
• Difficulty starting urination, or straining to go
• Frequent urination, especially waking at night (nocturia)
• A sudden, urgent need to urinate
• Feeling that the bladder does not empty completely, or dribbling afterward

When BPH Becomes an Emergency

Being completely unable to pass urine, with a painful, full bladder, is acute urinary retention and needs a hospital the same day — it is relieved by passing a catheter, and delay risks damage to the bladder and kidneys. Also seek prompt care for fever with urinary symptoms, visible blood in the urine with clots, or a sudden marked worsening of your usual pattern. Why acute urinary retention happens, and what is done about it →

One related point men are rarely told: several common over-the-counter medicines, including some cold and allergy remedies, can tip a borderline prostate into retention. If you have BPH, check before taking them — and never stop a prescribed medicine on your own instead.

치료 옵션

Treatment is tailored to your symptoms, prostate size, and priorities — including preserving sexual function — always starting with the least invasive effective option.

1 — Lifestyle & Watchful Waiting

Mild symptoms may be managed with simple adjustments — fluid timing, reducing caffeine and alcohol, and regular monitoring — when they are not yet bothersome enough to warrant medication.

2 — Medication

Alpha-blockers relax the prostate and bladder neck to improve flow, while 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can shrink a larger prostate over time. How dual oral therapy for BPH works → Both classes have effects worth knowing about before starting: alpha-blockers can cause dizziness on standing and changes to ejaculation, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can reduce libido and affect erections in some men, as well as halving the PSA reading, which your doctor must account for. Some men also ask about supplements such as saw palmetto, which we can discuss in context.

3 — Rezum (Water-Vapor Therapy)

A minimally invasive, in-office procedure that uses targeted steam to shrink excess prostate tissue — relieving symptoms while preserving erectile and ejaculatory function, with no major surgery. It is worth knowing that the benefit builds over roughly three months as the treated tissue is reabsorbed, and that a catheter is usually needed for a few days afterwards. Learn how Rezum water-vapor therapy works →

4 — TURP & Surgical Treatment

Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) remains a proven, highly effective option for men whose symptoms are not controlled by medication or a minimally invasive procedure. The right operation is chosen to match your prostate size, symptoms, and goals. The trade-off to understand before consenting is ejaculation: after TURP, semen commonly passes backwards into the bladder at orgasm rather than outwards, because the operation opens the bladder neck. Erections and the sensation of orgasm are generally preserved, but fertility is affected — which is exactly why the function-preserving options above are considered first for men to whom this matters. How TURP compares with laser enucleation →

5 — HoLEP: When It Is the Better Option

Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) uses a laser to remove obstructing tissue through the natural urinary passage, and is a durable, size-independent choice for very large prostates. HoLEP is not currently performed at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters — where it is genuinely the best option for you, Dr. Soarawee will explain why and arrange referral to a center that offers it. Learn about HoLEP laser surgery →

Browse all men’s health patient guides →

자주 묻는 질문 (FAQ)

Q1: What are the symptoms of an enlarged prostate?

Typical symptoms include a weak stream, difficulty starting urination, frequent urination (especially at night), urgency, and a feeling of incomplete emptying. These are known as lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and often develop gradually with age. They are not always caused by the prostate, which is why assessment measures bladder function rather than assuming.

Q2: Does an enlarged prostate mean I have cancer?

No. BPH is a benign (non-cancerous) enlargement and does not turn into cancer. However, because prostate cancer can cause similar symptoms, evaluation usually includes a PSA test and examination to rule it out.

Q3: What is Rezum, and how is it different from surgery?

Rezum is a minimally invasive, in-office treatment that uses targeted water vapor (steam) to shrink excess prostate tissue. Compared with traditional surgery, it typically preserves erectile and ejaculatory function and has a quicker, gentler recovery. The benefit builds over about three months, and a catheter is usually needed for a few days afterwards.

Q4: Will BPH treatment affect my sexual function?

It depends on the treatment. After TURP, retrograde ejaculation — semen passing backwards into the bladder — is common, and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can reduce libido or affect erections in some men. Function-preserving options such as Rezum are designed to minimize this. As a sexual medicine specialist, Dr. Soarawee selects treatment with your sexual function in mind, and it is worth raising fertility explicitly if it matters to you.

Q5: When does an enlarged prostate need surgery?

Surgery or a procedure is considered when symptoms are not controlled by medication, or when BPH causes complications such as urinary retention, recurrent infections, bladder stones, or kidney effects. The choice of procedure depends on prostate size and your goals.

Q6: Is HoLEP available at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters?

No. HoLEP is not currently performed at Bangkok Hospital Headquarters. It is an excellent option for very large prostates, and where it is genuinely the best choice for you, Dr. Soarawee will explain why and arrange referral to a center that offers it.

Q7: When is an enlarged prostate an emergency?

Being completely unable to pass urine, with a painful and full bladder, is acute urinary retention and needs same-day hospital care so a catheter can be passed; delay risks bladder and kidney damage. Fever with urinary symptoms, or visible blood in the urine with clots, also needs prompt assessment. Some over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines can trigger retention in men with BPH, so check before taking them.

Q8: Can I have a telemedicine consultation about my prostate symptoms?

Yes, through Bangkok Hospital. Telemedicine is available for patients who cannot attend in person, including international patients, and is arranged in advance by email to the Urology department at bhquro@bdms.co.th. Samitivej Sriracha is in-person only. The flow test, residual measurement and examination that guide treatment are done in person.

상담 예약하기

Get a clear diagnosis and a treatment plan that fits your symptoms and lifestyle.

Bangkok Hospital Telemedicine is available for patients who cannot attend in person, including international patients — arrange it in advance by email to the Urology department at bhquro@bdms.co.th. Samitivej Sriracha is in-person only.

This page is provided for patient education only and is not medical advice. It does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Complete inability to pass urine is a medical emergency and needs same-day hospital care. Dr. Soarawee does not provide medical assessment, advice, diagnosis or prescriptions through personal messaging channels, direct messages or social media.