Urology

Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Treatment in Seomyeon, Busan

BPH treatment relieves urinary symptoms caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia, a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate common in older men (전립선 비대증). In Seomyeon, Busan, urology clinics usually diagnose BPH in one visit with ultrasound and flow tests, start medication the same day, and discuss minimally invasive procedures or surgery if medicines are not enough.

Independent patient guide · Medically informative, not a substitute for a doctor's advice · Last reviewed:

October 2026
Clinic in Seomyeon, Busan

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a gradual, non-cancerous growth of the prostate that becomes increasingly common with age. As the gland enlarges, it can squeeze the urethra and make the bladder work harder. BPH does not turn into prostate cancer, though both can occur in the same man, which is why PSA is checked during assessment.

Symptoms and when to see a doctor

  • Weak or interrupted stream, straining or dribbling
  • Needing to urinate often or urgently
  • Waking several times at night to urinate
  • Feeling the bladder is not empty

Seek urgent care if you cannot pass urine at all, or have fever with urinary symptoms, blood in urine or kidney pain.

What happens at the clinic

  1. Symptom score: the IPSS questionnaire measures severity and bother.
  2. Tests: urinalysis, PSA, transrectal ultrasound to measure prostate volume, flow rate and post-void residual scan.
  3. Diagnosis: the urologist links symptoms to findings and rules out infection, stones or overactive bladder.
  4. Treatment plan: lifestyle advice and medication commonly start the same day.
  5. Review: a follow-up visit assesses improvement and side effects.

Treatment outlook

Mild symptoms may only need lifestyle changes: reducing evening fluids, caffeine and alcohol, and double voiding. Alpha-blockers relax prostate muscle and usually ease flow quickly. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink larger prostates over months. Combination therapy or added bladder medicines suit some men. If medication fails or causes side effects, minimally invasive options such as UroLift or water vapour therapy may help. TURP and laser enucleation (HoLEP) remain the most durable surgical treatments, particularly for large glands.

Risks and side effects

Alpha-blockers can cause dizziness on standing and reduced ejaculate. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can lower libido and affect PSA readings. Surgery may cause retrograde ejaculation, temporary bleeding or urinary irritation, and rarely incontinence or strictures. Untreated severe BPH can lead to retention, infections, stones and kidney damage.

Choosing a clinic for BPH treatment in Seomyeon

  • Ask whether the clinic measures prostate volume by ultrasound, which guides treatment choice.
  • Ask which procedures the urologist performs personally and how they compare for your prostate size.
  • If ejaculation preservation matters to you, raise it before choosing a procedure.
  • Ask about catheter use, hospital stay and the expected recovery after any procedure.
  • Check that the doctor is a board-certified urologist and how follow-ups are scheduled.

Getting to Seomyeon

Regular reviews are part of BPH care. Seomyeon's location on Busan Metro Lines 1 and 2 makes routine visits straightforward from most of the city.

Key facts

  • Treats: weak stream, frequency, urgency, night-time urination, incomplete emptying
  • Diagnosis: symptom score, urine test, PSA, transrectal ultrasound, uroflowmetry, residual urine
  • First-line: alpha-blockers; 5-alpha reductase inhibitors for larger prostates
  • Procedures: UroLift, water vapour therapy, TURP, laser prostatectomy (HoLEP)
  • Medication effect: alpha-blockers often help within days to weeks
  • Follow-up: typically every few months at first, then periodically
  • Urgent: inability to urinate needs immediate care

Frequently asked questions

Is an enlarged prostate dangerous?

BPH itself is benign and not cancer. However, severe untreated obstruction can cause urinary retention, infections, bladder stones and kidney problems, so worsening symptoms should be treated.

How quickly do BPH medicines work?

Alpha-blockers often improve flow within days to a few weeks. Medicines that shrink the prostate take several months to reach full effect.

Does BPH surgery affect sexual function?

Some procedures commonly cause retrograde ejaculation, where semen goes into the bladder. Erectile function is usually preserved. Options like UroLift aim to protect ejaculation; discuss priorities with your urologist.

What is the difference between TURP and HoLEP?

TURP trims prostate tissue from inside the urethra with an electrical loop. HoLEP uses a laser to remove the inner prostate in larger pieces and suits very large glands. Both are established treatments.

Can I reduce BPH symptoms without medicine?

Yes, for mild cases: limit fluids before bed, reduce caffeine and alcohol, avoid constipation and practise double voiding. If symptoms remain bothersome, medication is usually effective.

Medical disclaimer: Seomyeon.Clinic is an independent information directory. Content is for general education and does not replace a consultation with a licensed physician. Suitability, risks, results and costs vary by person and clinic. In an emergency in Korea, call 119.