Over time, the bladder works harder against the blockage, becoming thicker and more irritable, which can worsen symptoms.
Are you noticing changes in your urinary habits?
Getting up multiple times during the night? Rushing to the bathroom during the day? Experiencing a weak stream or feeling like your bladder never quite empties?
These symptoms are extremely common—and they may be due to a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.
What is BPH?
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs naturally with age.
Around 50% of men in their 50s experience symptoms
This rises to 70–80% of men in their 70s and 80s
The prostate typically starts at about the size of a walnut (~30–35cc), but in some men, it can grow significantly larger and begin to obstruct urine flow.
When Does BPH Become a Bigger Problem?
While many men have mild symptoms, others develop what we call “massive BPH.”
This is usually defined as:
A prostate larger than 100cc (or grams)
Roughly 3–4 times the normal size
At this stage, symptoms can become more severe and may include:
Weak or slow urinary stream
Stop-start flow
Feeling of incomplete emptying
Increased urgency and frequency
Night-time urination (nocturia)
Over time, the bladder works harder against the blockage, becoming thicker and more irritable, which can worsen symptoms.
Treatment Options: What Are Your Choices?
Management depends on symptom severity and prostate size. Options include:
Observation (“watchful waiting”) – for mild symptoms
Medications – to relax or shrink the prostate
Minimally invasive procedures – such as laser treatments
Surgery – for more severe or large-volume cases
For men with very large prostates, one of the most effective options is:
Robotic Simple Prostatectomy: A Definitive Solution
A robotic simple prostatectomy is a minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery used to treat large benign prostate enlargement.
What does the procedure involve?
Performed using robotic-assisted technology
Typically involves ~6 small incisions in the abdomen
Removes the overgrown inner portion of the prostate (not the whole gland)
Leaves the outer capsule intact
Importantly, this is not cancer surgery (unlike a radical prostatectomy).
A Key Advantage: Creating a New Urinary Channel
One of the unique benefits of this procedure is that it allows the surgeon to:
Reconstruct a new urethra (urinary channel)
Reduce irritation commonly seen with other procedures
This often translates to a smoother recovery, particularly in terms of bladder symptoms.
What to Expect After Surgery
Hospital Stay & Recovery
Hospital stay: 1–2 nights
Discharged with a catheter
Catheter removed after ~7 days
Urinary Improvement
Strong improvement in flow
Relief of obstruction is typically immediate and significant
Bladder Symptoms
Urgency and frequency may take 2–3 months to settle
This reflects recovery of the bladder after long-term strain
What About Sexual Function?
This is an important topic for many men.
Retrograde ejaculation (dry orgasm) is expected
Erectile function is usually preserved
Risk of weaker erections is low (~5% or less)
Is This a Permanent Solution?
For men with large prostates, robotic simple prostatectomy is considered a highly definitive treatment, with a low likelihood of needing further procedures in the future.
Final Thoughts
If you’re experiencing urinary symptoms that are affecting your quality of life, you’re not alone—and effective treatments are available.
The key is early assessment and tailored management, particularly before bladder changes become more difficult to reverse.
If you’d like to better understand your symptoms or explore treatment options, speak with your urologist or contact our clinic.
Your prostate health matters—and help is available.