Table of contents

• BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) at a Glance
• What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
• Who Is a Good Candidate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
• How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Performed?
• Why Visit Korea for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
• Key Information for International Patients
• Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy?
• How Much Does Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Cost in Korea?
• BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) From Start to Finish
• Alternatives to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
• How Can I Prepare for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
• Aftercare Advice

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Last updated: September 2026

BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) at a Glance

• Treatment pathway — BPH is not one operation: management ranges from observation and medication to UroLift, Rezūm, TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, or simple prostatectomy, selected by prostate anatomy, obstruction severity, complications, and sexual priorities.
• Who benefits most — Procedural treatment is most relevant for bothersome weak flow, hesitancy, incomplete emptying, urgency, or nocturia when medication fails or is unacceptable, or when retention, recurrent infections, stones, bleeding, kidney impairment, or bladder damage occurs.
• Korea cost — Quoted BPH treatment costs in Korea are about ₩6,000,000–₩20,000,000 (approximately US$4,400–US$14,800), with the final price driven mainly by the chosen technique, device, testing, anesthesia, catheter care, and hospital stay.
• Recovery and results — After TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, or similar transurethral surgery, burning, urgency, pink urine, and small clots may last days to weeks; urine flow can improve early, but durable symptom assessment usually takes weeks to a few months.
• Ejaculation tradeoff — TURP and HoLEP provide substantial obstruction relief but commonly cause retrograde ejaculation or markedly reduced visible semen; UroLift, Rezūm, and selected Aquablation cases may better preserve ejaculation but require anatomy-specific selection and can have different retreatment expectations.
• Travel planning — International patients should allow about 10–14 days in Korea after tissue-removing transurethral treatment for catheter removal, a successful voiding trial, early bleeding or infection review, and individualized flight clearance; office or day-case options may require 3–5 days.
• Korea-specific evidence — A Korean insurance-database study of 58,346 TURP and HoLEP procedures from 2011–2017 recorded lower reoperation after HoLEP than TURP over roughly four years (1.27% vs 4.50%), but the observational data do not prove one technique or hospital is best for every patient.

What Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is noncancerous prostate enlargement managed through observation, medication, minimally invasive treatments, or surgery rather than one single procedure. Treatment aims to improve troublesome urination, restore bladder emptying, and prevent complications such as urinary retention or recurrent infections. BPH care ranges from non-surgical management to minimally invasive and surgical procedures, depending on symptoms, prostate anatomy, and treatment goals.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

• Bothersome obstruction symptoms — Candidates have weak stream, hesitancy, straining, intermittency, incomplete emptying, recurrent urgency, frequency, or night-time urination that affects daily life and is judged to be related to prostate enlargement or obstruction.
• Medication failure or preference for a procedure — Intervention becomes relevant when alpha blockers, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, or combination treatment is ineffective, poorly tolerated, or no longer acceptable.
• Complications of obstruction — Recurrent urinary retention, urinary infections, bladder stones, recurrent visible blood in urine, kidney impairment, or bladder damage require urologic assessment and often make procedural treatment more important.
• Mild, uncomplicated symptoms — Men with tolerable symptoms, satisfactory bladder emptying, and no complications can choose observation with periodic reassessment rather than immediate medication or surgery.

Active urinary infection must be treated before elective invasive treatment. Visible blood in urine, an abnormal rectal examination, concerning PSA changes, unexplained weight loss, or bone pain need a cancer or bladder-disease work-up before BPH treatment; an enlarged prostate does not rule out another diagnosis. Urethral stricture, prior prostate or urethral surgery, pelvic radiation, neurologic bladder dysfunction, and weak bladder contractility can alter the diagnosis and technique choice, sometimes requiring cystoscopy or pressure-flow urodynamic testing. In younger men with longstanding voiding difficulty, primary bladder-neck obstruction or dysfunctional voiding can resemble BPH, so treatment should not be selected from symptoms alone.

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How Is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Performed?

BPH is a treatment pathway, not one operation. The right option depends on prostate size and shape, including a median lobe; residual urine and flow; retention history; sexual priorities; bleeding and anesthesia risk; and whether symptoms arise from true benign prostatic obstruction rather than bladder dysfunction.

• Observation and targeted lifestyle measures — Appropriate for mild symptoms without complications. Timed or double voiding, constipation treatment, reviewing aggravating medicines with the prescriber, and addressing excess evening fluid, caffeine, alcohol, sleep apnea, diabetes, or nocturnal polyuria can reduce symptoms but do not remove prostate tissue.
• Medication — Alpha-1 blockers such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, doxazosin, and terazosin relax the prostate and bladder neck, often with a relatively quick response. Dizziness, low blood pressure on standing, and ejaculatory change are relevant risks. Finasteride or dutasteride can shrink appropriately enlarged prostates and reduce progression risk, but full benefit can take up to 6 months and sexual adverse effects can occur. Tadalafil is an option for selected men with both LUTS and erectile dysfunction.
• TURP or laser vaporization — Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) cuts obstructing tissue with a resectoscope passed through the urethra. GreenLight and other laser vaporization approaches vaporize tissue instead. These methods provide substantial obstruction relief, but differ in bleeding profile, tissue available for pathology, catheter duration, prostate-size suitability, and ejaculatory effects.
• Laser enucleation — Holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) separates the obstructing adenoma from the prostate capsule; the tissue is morcellated and can be examined by pathology. Thulium laser enucleation is related. Enucleation suits a broad range of gland sizes, including large prostates, but is technically demanding and commonly results in retrograde ejaculation or little visible semen.
• Robotic waterjet ablation — Aquablation uses image guidance and a robotically controlled high-pressure waterjet to remove planned tissue. A small matched Korean comparison found improvement after both Aquablation and HoLEP, with better ejaculation preservation after Aquablation and larger maximum-flow and PSA changes after HoLEP; its short follow-up and 34 matched pairs do not establish a universal winner.
• Ejaculation-preserving minimally invasive options — UroLift mechanically retracts prostate tissue, while Rezūm uses water vapor to ablate tissue gradually. Both require anatomy-based selection: prostate volume, median lobe, retention history, and local availability matter. Thermal treatment has a slower symptom timeline as tissue is absorbed, and retreatment expectations differ from resection or enucleation.
• Simple prostatectomy — Open, laparoscopic, or robotic simple prostatectomy removes the obstructing inner portion of a very large prostate through the abdomen. It is not radical prostatectomy for cancer and has a longer recovery and travel restriction period than transurethral treatment.

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Why Visit Korea for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Korea has an established domestic framework for BPH diagnosis, medicines, and surgical care through a national evidence-based guideline developed by the Korean Urological Association. Published national and multicenter research provides useful context for TURP and HoLEP, but it does not prove that one Korean hospital, technique, or destination is best for every patient.

• National TURP and HoLEP data — A Korean insurance-database cohort of 58,346 procedures performed from 2011 to 2017 reported reoperation more often after TURP than HoLEP over roughly four years of mean follow-up (4.50% versus 1.27%), while surgery for stress incontinence was recorded more often after HoLEP (0.31% versus 0.10%). This was an observational claims analysis, so patient selection, anatomy, coding, and practice differences limit direct causal comparisons.
• Documented HoLEP experience — Historical Korean national data showed HoLEP volume rising from 278 operations in 2010 to 3,805 in 2017. A separate retrospective common-data-model study across six Korean hospitals also reported lower pooled reoperation and transfusion rates for HoLEP than TURP; neither source is a current cross-hospital outcome registry.
• Some modern device availability — Korean reports document UroLift use and institutional introduction of Rezūm and Aquablation. These reports show facility-level availability, not nationwide access, current eligibility, or equivalent operator experience; confirm the exact device, anesthetic pathway, and surgeon experience directly in writing.
• Accredited-hospital directory — The official Medical Korea directory lists accredited hospitals for international care. Accreditation alone does not confirm BPH services, a particular device, English-language urology coordination, emergency coverage, or overseas follow-up.

Travel note: No current public Korea-wide registry was identified that compares all BPH techniques, complications, retreatment, and international-patient outcomes across hospitals. Ask for a treatment-specific plan rather than relying on country-level claims.

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Key Information for International Patients

• Minimum stay — Plan about 3–5 days for diagnostic assessment or an office/day-case minimally invasive treatment. For TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, or another tissue-removing transurethral operation, allow 10–14 days so catheter removal, a successful voiding trial, early bleeding or infection review, and travel clearance occur locally.
• Repeat visits — Medication response is commonly reviewed at about 4–12 weeks. After surgery, follow-up timing for symptom score, uroflowmetry, post-void residual, urinalysis, and PSA must be individualized; arrange a urologist at home before travel.
• Flight timing — Do not book a fixed return flight before the urologist confirms the plan. One travel-after-surgery guide lists at least 7 days after TURP, while also requiring airline confirmation; long-haul clearance depends on urine bleeding, catheter status, voiding result, anesthesia recovery, infection, clot risk, and the surgeon’s assessment. Open or robotic simple prostatectomy requires a longer interval.
• Recovery and itinerary — Burning, urgency, frequent urination, small clots, and intermittent pink or red urine can persist for days to weeks after transurethral surgery. Keep the post-treatment itinerary local and flexible rather than scheduling long tours, hiking, luggage handling, or domestic flights.
• Discharge support — Arrange a companion after sedation, general anesthesia, or spinal anesthesia. Do not drive, use public transport alone while sedated, operate machinery, sign important documents, or carry luggage for at least 24 hours; use a taxi or private transfer and nearby accommodation.
• Remote follow-up — Before departure, obtain an English discharge summary with diagnosis, prostate size and anatomy, procedure/device, anesthesia, pathology if tissue was removed, catheter details, medicines and restart dates, complications, and direct contact details.

Travel note: A catheter, inability to pass urine after removal, fever, or worsening bleeding are reasons to remain accessible to the treating hospital, not to board a long-haul flight.

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Which Are the Best Clinics in Korea for Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy?

Listed below are some of the best clinics in Korea for benign prostatic hypertrophy.

1. Stantop Urology & Andrology

At StanTop Urology & Andrology Clinic, you can undergo a prostate one-day check-up and discuss BPH treatment options ranging from medication to minimally invasive procedures or surgery, based on your symptoms and evaluation.

• URL: Stantop Urology & Andrology Website
• Location: Seoul
• BPH evaluation and treatment:
  • One-day prostate check-up includes PSA testing and a digital rectal examination.
  • BPH care may include medication, minimally invasive procedures, or surgery to help relieve enlarged-prostate symptoms.
• Privacy and clinic experience:
  • Separate consultation and treatment rooms are available for men and women.
  • The clinic reports more than 100,000 consultations and 40,000 surgeries performed.

2. TrueMan Medical Center - Myeongdong

At TrueMan Medical Center - Myeongdong, you can receive an individualized BPH treatment plan that starts with prescription medication for prostate size and urinary symptoms and may include TURP for more severe symptoms.

• URL: TrueMan Medical Center - Myeongdong Website
• Location: Seoul
• BPH treatment options:
  • Medication therapy is customized to your individual needs and condition, with the aim of reducing prostate size and easing urinary symptoms.
  • Minimally invasive surgical treatment includes transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for severe BPH symptoms.
• Care setting: BPH services are provided in a private, professional environment.

3. Superman Urology Clinic

At Superman Urology Clinic, you can be assessed with urological testing and discuss prostate surgery techniques intended to remove or shrink the prostate when treating BPH.

• URL: Superman Urology Clinic Website
• Location: Seoul
• Diagnostic assessment:
  • Ultrasound can create images of the kidneys, bladder, and other urological organs.
  • Cystoscopy examines the bladder and urethra with a thin camera-equipped tube inserted through the urethra.
  • Urodynamic testing assesses how your bladder and urethra store and release urine.
• Prostate treatment: Prostate surgery options include techniques to remove or shrink the prostate gland for BPH.

How Much Does Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Cost in Korea?

BPH treatment in Korea is quoted at ₩6,000,000–₩20,000,000 (approximately US$4,400–US$14,800). Individual quotes vary because BPH is a treatment pathway rather than one single procedure.

Procedure Price	Korean Won (₩)	USD ($)
Low Price	₩6,000,000	$4,400
High Price	₩20,000,000	$14,800

Exchange rate as of 2026-09-06: 1 KRW = 0.000741 USD.

What Affects the Price?

• Treatment method and device — Medication, UroLift, Rezūm, TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, and simple prostatectomy use materially different clinical resources. Tissue-removing transurethral operations generally require an operating room, general or spinal anesthesia, endoscopic equipment, catheterization, and sometimes bladder irrigation, while device-based minimally invasive options use their own dedicated implants or ablation systems.
• Prostate size and anatomy — A large prostate, obstructing median lobe, or anatomy complicated by prior urethral/prostate surgery, urethral stricture, or bladder dysfunction can require more extensive assessment and a different technique. Large-gland treatment may involve longer endoscopic enucleation or, in selected cases, an abdominal simple prostatectomy with greater operative and facility requirements.
• Diagnostic clarification before treatment — Symptoms may arise from obstruction, overactive or weak bladder function, infection, stricture, neurologic disease, or cancer rather than prostate enlargement alone. Urinalysis/culture, PSA assessment, uroflowmetry, post-void residual measurement, imaging, cystoscopy, or pressure-flow urodynamics add clinical work when needed to establish the appropriate treatment.
• Catheter, anesthesia, and early postoperative care — TURP, HoLEP, Aquablation, and other tissue-removing procedures commonly require anesthesia, a Foley catheter, and monitoring until urine drainage and a voiding trial are satisfactory. Bleeding, clot risk, infection review, or catheter removal needs can extend the immediate care pathway compared with an office or day-case treatment.

Cost tip: Request an itemized quote that states what is included, particularly the selected technique or device, diagnostic testing, anesthesia, operating or procedure-room use, catheter-related care, hospital stay if required, pathology when tissue is removed, medicines, and scheduled follow-up.

The US$4,400–US$14,800 conversion is approximate, based on an exchange rate of 0.000741 on 2026-09-06. Check the conversion again when budgeting.

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BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy) From Start to Finish

1. Pre-travel consultation — Send an English symptom history, IPSS questionnaire if available, voiding diary, medication and allergy list, anticoagulant history, PSA trend, urine results, imaging, uroflowmetry, post-void residual, and prior cystoscopy, biopsy, or pathology reports. Confirm whether virtual or English-language consultation is available.
2. Treatment planning and travel coordination — The urology team reviews whether symptoms suggest obstruction, overactive bladder, nocturnal polyuria, infection, stricture, neurologic disease, or weak bladder muscle. Discuss sexual priorities, especially the risk of retrograde ejaculation, anticipated catheter and hospital time, and an open-ended return-flight plan.
3. In-person assessment — The urologist takes a focused history and performs examination, often including a digital rectal examination. Typical tests include urinalysis with or without culture, PSA when appropriate, kidney function tests, uroflowmetry, bladder residual ultrasound, and prostate imaging for size and median-lobe anatomy.
4. Selective diagnostic clarification — Cystoscopy can identify urethral narrowing, stones, tumors, and obstructing anatomy. Pressure-flow urodynamics are used selectively when bladder contractility, neurologic dysfunction, or the presence of true obstruction is uncertain.
5. Shared treatment decision and pre-anesthetic review — The team compares observation, medicines, UroLift, Rezūm, TURP, laser vaporization, HoLEP, Aquablation, or simple prostatectomy. For invasive treatment, urine testing, blood count, renal/electrolyte tests, and age- or health-dependent ECG or other assessment are commonly completed. Anesthesia and the prescribing clinician create a written anticoagulant/antiplatelet plan.
6. Treatment day — Most tissue-removing procedures are performed through the urethra, without an external incision, under general or spinal anesthesia. TURP resects tissue; HoLEP enucleates and morcellates tissue; Aquablation removes a preplanned tissue area with waterjet technology. A Foley catheter, sometimes with continuous bladder irrigation, drains urine and helps prevent clot blockage.
7. Discharge and local recovery — Discharge follows stable vital signs, controlled pain and nausea, safe mobility, acceptable urine color, and either a successful voiding trial or a clear catheter-removal plan. Some patients leave temporarily with a catheter and return after several days for removal.
8. Overseas follow-up — Keep direct contact details for the Korean team and schedule follow-up with a local urologist. Report retention, fever, increasing bleeding, catheter blockage, chest symptoms, or leg swelling urgently rather than waiting for a routine remote appointment.

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Alternatives to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

The main tradeoff is between durability and recovery. Tissue-removing surgery generally produces more immediate and substantial relief of proven obstruction but has anesthesia, bleeding, catheter, and ejaculation consequences; less invasive options can offer a shorter initial recovery or better ejaculation preservation in selected anatomy, with different symptom timelines and retreatment expectations.

Medication management

• Best suited to — Men with uncomplicated symptoms who prefer to avoid or defer a procedure.
• Tradeoff — Alpha blockers act relatively quickly but do not remove tissue; finasteride and dutasteride need months to work and can cause sexual adverse effects. Medication does not correct complications that require obstruction relief.

Aquablation

• What it does — Uses image-guided, robotically controlled waterjet removal of planned prostate tissue.
• Tradeoff — A potential surgical option for anatomy-appropriate patients who place high value on ejaculation preservation, but bleeding management, gland anatomy, device availability, and the limited comparative evidence still require individualized discussion.

Rezūm

• What it does — Delivers water vapor to ablate obstructing tissue, which is absorbed gradually.
• Tradeoff — Less invasive than tissue-removing surgery and often considered when preserving ejaculation and avoiding major anesthesia are priorities. Symptom improvement is not immediate, catheter needs can occur, and eligibility depends on gland size, median lobe, and retention history.

UroLift

• What it does — Places implants that retract obstructing prostate tissue and open the prostatic urethra.
• Tradeoff — Provides a mechanical, non-tissue-removing approach with ejaculation preservation as a key discussion point. It is not suitable for every prostate size or median-lobe anatomy, and retreatment considerations differ from HoLEP or TURP.

HoLEP or TURP

• What they do — Remove obstructing tissue endoscopically; HoLEP enucleates tissue with laser, while TURP resects it.
• Tradeoff — Often stronger options for established obstruction, retention, or larger glands, with tissue available for pathology. Retrograde ejaculation or marked reduction in visible semen is common, and recovery includes temporary bleeding and urinary irritation.

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How Can I Prepare for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

• Send complete records early — Provide PSA history, urine testing, imaging, prior catheterization or surgery details, IPSS and voiding diary where available, and every medicine and allergy. Report visible blood, fever, worsening pain, or inability to urinate promptly.
• Create a written blood-thinner plan — List warfarin, apixaban (Eliquis), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), dabigatran, clopidogrel (Plavix), aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and other NSAIDs. Do not stop, bridge, or restart anticoagulants or antiplatelets independently; the urologist, anesthetic team, and original prescriber must set the plan.
• Disclose supplements and injections — Report fish oil/omega-3, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, garlic, turmeric/curcumin, St John’s wort, testosterone or other hormone injections, GLP-1 medicines, and bodybuilding or sexual-performance products. These can affect bleeding, blood pressure, anesthesia, or drug metabolism.
• Clear infection first — Complete requested urinalysis or culture before invasive treatment. Tell the clinic about burning, fever, recent antibiotics, a catheter problem, or a recent urinary infection; elective intervention is delayed until active infection is appropriately treated.
• Follow fasting instructions exactly — Use the hospital’s anesthesia-specific fasting schedule, not a generic online rule. Ask how to take diabetes, blood-pressure, prostate, and other routine medicines on the morning of treatment.
• Reduce anesthesia and healing risks — Stop smoking or vaping as early as possible, disclose recreational drug use, and avoid alcohol as instructed by the anesthesia team. Manage diabetes, heart, lung, kidney, and blood-pressure conditions before elective surgery.
• Plan practical recovery — Bring medicines in original labeled containers, enough supply for the stay plus contingency, loose clothing, a thermometer, and a local emergency contact. Book elevator-access accommodation close to the hospital and arrange a companion and private transfer after anesthesia.

Travel note: Keep return flights changeable. Catheter removal, the voiding trial, urine color, bleeding, and infection assessment—not a planned holiday date—determine fitness to fly.

Confirm the treating clinic’s individualized medication, fasting, admission, catheter, and travel requirements; those instructions take precedence over general guidance.

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Aftercare Advice

Protect the healing urinary tract and act early if urine flow, bleeding, or systemic symptoms worsen.

• Hydration and bowel care — Drink the amount advised by the team; some TURP pathways use roughly 2 L daily when heart or kidney disease does not require fluid restriction. Prevent constipation and straining with the clinician-approved plan.
• Activity and sexual restrictions — Start gentle walking soon after surgery to reduce clot and chest-complication risk. Avoid strenuous exercise for at least 2 weeks after TURP and avoid heavy lifting, cycling, and strenuous activity for about 4 weeks unless the urologist gives different instructions. Resume sex only when cleared.
• Expected urinary recovery — Burning, urgency, frequency, fatigue, pink or red urine, small clots, and temporary leakage can occur after transurethral treatment. Bleeding can briefly increase around days 7–10 as the internal healing surface sheds. Flow can improve early, while bladder irritation and pre-existing bladder dysfunction can take weeks to months to settle.
• Catheter and medicines — Follow the written catheter-care and removal plan exactly. Take antibiotics, pain relief, alpha blockers, or other prescribed medicines as directed, and follow the written date for restarting anticoagulants or antiplatelets.
• Urgent warning signs — Seek urgent care for inability to urinate, thick blood or clots blocking urine flow, steadily worsening bleeding, fever or chills, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, foul-smelling urine with systemic illness, persistent vomiting, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or one-sided leg swelling.
• Result review — Durable symptom assessment usually takes weeks to a few months. Persistent urgency or nocturia does not automatically mean the operation failed, because overactive or weak bladder function can coexist with obstruction.

Follow the treating doctor’s instructions over general advice and contact the clinic promptly when something appears wrong.