Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Korea

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Korea


Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a very common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that affects many aging men in Korea. This condition often leads to bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), significantly impacting quality of life. Korean urology clinics offer a full spectrum of diagnostic evaluations and advanced treatment options for BPH, ranging from medical management to minimally invasive procedures and surgery, aiming to effectively relieve symptoms and improve urine flow.


Symptoms & Impact of BPH in Korea

As men age, the prostate gland can grow, pressing on the urethra and causing various urinary issues. In Korea, awareness and effective management of BPH are critical due to its high prevalence.

Common symptoms of BPH include:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
  • Urgency to urinate
  • Weak or intermittent urine stream
  • Difficulty starting urination (hesitancy)
  • Straining to urinate
  • Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
  • Dribbling at the end of urination

If left untreated, BPH can lead to complications such as urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and kidney damage.


Common Treatments for BPH in Korea

Korean medical professionals offer a tailored approach to BPH treatment, considering symptom severity, prostate size, and patient preferences.

  • Watchful Waiting: For men with mild symptoms that do not significantly affect their quality of life, regular monitoring may be recommended.
  • Medication Therapy: Often the first-line treatment for moderate to severe symptoms.
  • Alpha Blockers: Relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urine flow (e.g., tamsulosin, silodosin).
  • 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitors (5-ARIs): Reduce the size of the enlarged prostate by blocking the production of certain hormones (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride). These work more slowly but can be very effective for larger prostates.
  • Combination Therapy: Using both an alpha blocker and a 5-ARI for more pronounced symptom relief or larger prostates.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedures (MIPs): These are less invasive than traditional surgery and offer quicker recovery.
  • UroLift (Prostatic Urethral Lift): Involves placing implants to hold open the enlarged prostate tissue.
  • Rezum (Water Vapor Thermal Therapy): Uses steam to destroy excess prostate tissue.
  • Transurethral Microwave Thermotherapy (TUMT): Uses microwave heat to destroy prostate tissue.
  • Surgical Procedures: For severe symptoms or when other treatments are ineffective.
  • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): The gold standard surgical treatment, where excess prostate tissue is removed.
  • Laser Prostatectomy: Using various lasers (e.g., GreenLight laser, HoLEP) to vaporize or remove prostate tissue, often with less bleeding and faster recovery than traditional TURP.


Korean Medical Practices & Guidelines

Korean urologists adhere to well-established national and international guidelines for diagnosing and managing BPH.

  • Comprehensive Diagnostic Workup: Includes patient history, physical exam, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), urinalysis, PSA test, and often urine flow studies or prostate ultrasound.
  • Personalized Treatment Plan: Treatment decisions are made collaboratively with the patient, weighing the benefits and risks of each option.
  • Emphasis on Symptom Relief: The primary goal is to alleviate bothersome urinary symptoms and prevent complications.
  • Advanced Technology: Korean clinics are at the forefront of adopting new minimally invasive and laser technologies for BPH treatment.


Key Takeaways for BPH Management in Korea

To summarize the essential points about Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Korea:

  • Common & Treatable: A highly prevalent condition with effective management options.
  • Diverse Treatments: Ranging from medication to advanced minimally invasive and surgical procedures.
  • Personalized Care: Treatment plans are tailored to individual patient needs and symptom severity.
  • Advanced Medical Facilities: Korean urology offers cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic technologies.

We hope this guide provides valuable insight into Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Korea. Always consult a qualified medical professional for personalized advice and diagnosis.