Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate — is one of the most common conditions affecting men as they age, and treatment today ranges from medication to same-day minimally invasive procedures. At Gangnam St. Mary's Urology Clinic, international patients can complete evaluation and, in many cases, treatment within a single trip to Seoul.
This guide walks through what BPH is, how it's diagnosed, and the full range of treatment options available — so you know what to expect before you travel.
What Is BPH?
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can press on the urethra, causing symptoms such as a weak urine stream, frequent nighttime urination, a sense of incomplete emptying, or difficulty starting urination.
It becomes more common with age and is not, by itself, a sign of prostate cancer — though the two can produce similar symptoms, which is why an accurate workup matters.
How Is BPH Diagnosed at Our Clinic?
Evaluation typically includes a symptom history review, uroflowmetry (urine flow testing), and ultrasound to assess prostate size and anatomy, including whether middle lobe enlargement is present. A PSA blood test is often included as part of a standard workup; note that normal PSA ranges are age-adjusted rather than a single fixed cutoff, so results are interpreted in that context.
If findings suggest a need for further imaging such as MRI, or a biopsy, we coordinate referral to a partner specialist — these are not performed on-site at our clinic.
Treatment Options, From Medication to Procedures
Most patients begin with medication, and a meaningful number are well managed this way long-term. When medication is no longer effective, causes side effects that are hard to tolerate, or a patient prefers a one-time treatment over daily medication, minimally invasive procedures become the next step to consider.
| Option | Approach | Typical Fit |
|---|---|---|
| Medication | Alpha-blockers and/or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors | Mild-to-moderate symptoms, first-line treatment |
| UroLift® | Mechanical implants lift tissue away from the urethra; no tissue removed | No significant middle lobe enlargement; fast recovery preferred |
| Rezūm | Steam-based tissue reduction, absorbed gradually | Middle lobe enlargement present; broader size range |
| TURP | Surgical resection under general or spinal anesthesia | Larger prostates or when other options are not suitable |
A prostate volume around 80g is often used as a general guideline when considering surgical options such as TURP, though this is not an absolute cutoff — anatomy and symptom severity are considered together, not size alone.
Which Option Fits Your Case?
There isn't a single "best" treatment for BPH — the right option depends on prostate anatomy, symptom severity, and what matters most to you, whether that's speed of recovery, avoiding surgery, or preserving sexual function.
Middle lobe enlargement in particular is often the deciding factor between UroLift® and Rezūm. A dedicated comparison of these two procedures is available if you're weighing them directly.
What to Expect as an International Patient
Most evaluations and same-day procedures can be completed within a single visit to Seoul. English consultations are available, no referral is required, and our team can review your test results and history before you travel to give you a preliminary sense of direction.
Depending on the treatment, a short follow-up period in Seoul (commonly 7–10 days) is recommended before flying home.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have BPH, or if it's something else?
Symptoms alone can't reliably distinguish BPH from other conditions, including prostate cancer, which is why a proper evaluation — uroflowmetry, ultrasound, and PSA testing — is recommended rather than self-diagnosis based on symptoms.
Do I need surgery, or can medication be enough?
Many patients are well managed with medication alone. Procedures are typically considered when medication isn't effective enough, side effects make long-term use difficult, or a patient prefers a one-time treatment.
Can I get a recommendation before I book travel to Korea?
We can offer a preliminary direction based on your symptoms, test results, and medical history. A confirmed treatment plan is finalized after an in-person evaluation.
How long do I need to stay in Seoul for treatment?
This depends on the treatment chosen. Same-day procedures such as UroLift® or Rezūm typically involve a short follow-up period in Seoul before travel home, usually 7–10 days.
Is Dr. Sung's team experienced with international patients?
Dr. Sung Jae-woo is a licensed urologist certified by the Korean Urological Association (KUA) and an active member of the American Urological Association (AUA), and our clinic regularly evaluates and treats international patients with English-language consultation support.
Consultation for International Patients
If you're experiencing urinary symptoms and want to understand your treatment options before traveling to Seoul, we recommend a pre-visit consultation.
Please share:
- Current symptoms and how long you've had them
- Recent test results (PSA, uroflowmetry, ultrasound if available)
- Current medications and relevant medical history
Our team typically responds within one business day.
※ Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. A comprehensive in-person evaluation is required to determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition. Individual results and recovery timelines may vary. UroLift® is a registered trademark of Teleflex.