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Prostatitis in Singapore

Living with prostatitis can significantly impact your daily life, causing discomfort, pain, and affecting your overall well-being. This inflammatory condition of the prostate gland affects men of all ages and can manifest in various forms, from acute bacterial infections to chronic pelvic pain syndromes. At our urology clinic, we understand the physical and emotional toll prostatitis can take. Dr Tan Teck Wei provides comprehensive evaluation and personalised treatment plans to help you manage your symptoms effectively and improve your quality of life.

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Dr Tan Teck Wei

MBBS|DFD (CAW)|MRCS|MMed (Surgery)|FAMS (Urology)

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Types Symptoms When to see a Urologist Diagnosis Treatment Benefits Risks Cost FAQ
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Types
Symptoms
When to see a Urologist
Diagnosis
Treatment
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Risks
Cost
FAQ

What is Prostatitis?

Prostatitis refers to inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, a walnut-sized organ located below the bladder that produces seminal fluid. This condition encompasses four distinct categories, each requiring different treatment approaches.

The prostate gland can become inflamed due to bacterial infections, immune system responses, or nerve damage in the pelvic area. Symptoms typically include pelvic pain, urinary difficulties, and sometimes sexual dysfunction. Unlike prostate enlargement (BPH) or prostate cancer, prostatitis often affects younger men and can occur at any age after puberty.

The condition affects approximately 10-15% of men at some point in their lives. While acute bacterial prostatitis can be effectively treated with antibiotics, chronic forms may require multi-modal treatment approaches. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for preventing complications and improving long-term outcomes.

Types of Prostatitis

Acute bacterial prostatitis

This is caused by bacteria entering the prostate and causing infection. This results in sudden symptoms including fever, chills, pelvic pain, and other urinary symptoms such as painful urination and difficulty urinating.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis

This is a persistent bacteria infection of the prostate that never seems to completely go away, or keeps recurring. Symptoms are usually milder than acute bacterial prostatitis but often keeps coming back.

Chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome

This is the most common type of prostatitis and the cause is often not known. There is no detectable bacterial infection. However, possible contributing factors include previous prostate infection, nerve irritation, autoimmune issues, and pelvic floor muscle damage. Symptoms include pain in the pelvis or perineal or genital area, painful or difficult urination, and pain with ejaculation.

Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis

This results in no symptoms and is usually incidentally picked up during tests for other conditions. This type of prostatitis usually does not require treatment.

Signs and Symptoms of Prostatitis

Pain

Pain can occur anywhere from the lower abdomen and back, to the testicles, penis and perineum

Urinary Issues
  • Painful urination
  • Difficulty with starting or maintaining urination
  • Frequent need to urinate
  • Urgent need to urinate that cannot be deferred
  • Waking at night to urinate (nocturia)
  • Cloudy urine
  • Blood in urine
Sexual Problems
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Reduction in sex drive or erectile dysfunction
Systemic Symptoms
  • Fever and chills (for acute bacterial prostatitis)

When to See a Urologist

Immediate medical attention is necessary if you experience fever and chills, together with difficulty urinating and pelvic pain. These symptoms may indicate acute bacterial prostatitis which often requires early treatment.

You should consult a urologist if you notice persistent pain in the lower abdomen, pelvis, penis or testicles, especially if they are accompanied by urinary or sexual problems. These can be due to chronic prostatitis and early treatment can bring relief by controlling symptoms, and reduce the risk of relapse.

Diagnostic Investigations

  • Medical history

    A thorough evaluation of the symptoms, dietary and lifestyle habits, and relevant medical history helps differentiate the type of prostatitis.

  • Digital rectal examination

    The doctor inserts a gloved finger to assess the prostate size, consistency and to check for tenderness. This quick examination helps detect acute prostatitis, and rules out other issues such as suspicious lumps (nodules) in the prostate.

  • Urine tests

    Urine tests are done to check for infection and blood in the urine. Results are usually available within 48 to 72 hours.

  • Blood tests

    Blood tests may be done to check for infection and rule out prostate cancer (prostate specific antigen or PSA test).

  • Prostatic fluid test

    The doctor may gently massage the prostate during a digital rectal examination. This releases prostate fluid into the urethra. A urine sample is then collected after the massage to check for infection in the prostatic fluid.

  • Bedside ultrasound scan

    A bedside ultrasound scan can be done to check for any abnormalities in the kidneys and bladder. It can also be used to evaluate the prostate size, and to check for the presence of abscess in the prostate.

Treatment Techniques & Approaches

Antibiotic Therapy

For bacterial prostatitis, targeted antibiotic treatment remains the primary approach. Dr Tan selects antibiotics based on culture results and the ability to penetrate prostate tissue effectively. Treatment duration varies from 2 to 4 weeks for acute cases to 6 to 12 weeks for chronic bacterial prostatitis.

Alpha-Blocker Medications

These medications relax the smooth muscle in the prostate and bladder neck, improving urinary flow and reducing symptoms. Alpha-blockers are particularly effective for patients with difficulty urinating, and may be combined with other treatments for comprehensive symptom management.

Anti-inflammatory Treatment

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) help reduce inflammation and provide pain relief. For chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS), these medications form part of a multi-modal approach to symptom control.

Neuromodulating Medications

These medications modify nerve impulse transmission and provide relief from nerve-related pain as part of a multi-modal treatment plan in chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.

Physical Therapy & Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation

Specialised pelvic floor physical therapy addresses muscle tension and dysfunction contributing to chronic pelvic pain. Techniques include myofascial release, biofeedback training, and targeted exercises to improve pelvic floor muscle function. Dr Tan works closely with specialised pelvic physiotherapists to provide a holistic, multi-disciplinary approach to the treatment of patients with chronic prostatitis.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

This is a non-invasive treatment that delivers low-intensity shockwaves to the sites of pain in chronic prostatitis / chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This therapy can provide pain relief and promote tissue healing and repair. This is a newer option when traditional methods have not yielded effective results.

Wondering which treatment approach is right for you?

Dr Tan Teck Wei will evaluate your specific needs and recommend the suitable technique.

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Benefits of Prostatitis Treatment

Effective prostatitis treatment provides improvements in quality of life. Patients experience reduced pelvic pain and discomfort, allowing return to normal daily activities. Urinary symptoms including frequency, urgency, and painful urination typically resolve with appropriate therapy.

Sexual function often improves as inflammation decreases and pain subsides. Many patients report better sleep quality once night-time urinary symptoms are controlled. Psychological benefits include reduced anxiety and improved mood as chronic pain resolves.

Prevention of complications represents another crucial benefit. Untreated bacterial prostatitis can lead to prostatic abscess formation or sepsis. Chronic inflammation may contribute to fertility issues or chronic pain syndromes. Early, comprehensive treatment helps avoid these serious complications.

Long-term benefits include reduced recurrence risk through identification and management of contributing factors. Patients gain better understanding of their condition and effective self-management strategies.

Risks & Potential Complications

Common Side Effects

Antibiotic therapy may cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or diarrhoea in some patients. These effects typically resolve with treatment completion or medication adjustments. Alpha-blockers can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, particularly when starting treatment. Some patients experience reduced ejaculation volumes with alpha-blocker use, though this is reversible upon medication discontinuation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may cause stomach irritation if not taken properly with food.

Rare Complications

Antibiotic resistance can develop with incomplete treatment courses or recurrent infections. Allergic reactions to medications, while uncommon, require immediate medical attention and treatment modification. Chronic prostatitis may persist despite treatment in some cases, requiring alternative therapeutic approaches.

Prostatic abscess formation represents a rare but serious complication of untreated acute prostatitis. Sepsis can occur if bacterial infection spreads systemically, necessitating emergency treatment.

Our experienced urologist minimises these risks through careful patient selection, appropriate antibiotic choice based on culture results, and close monitoring throughout treatment. Regular follow-up ensures early detection and management of any complications.

Cost Considerations

Treatment costs vary based on the prostatitis type and required interventions. Initial consultation and diagnostic testing form the foundation of accurate diagnosis and treatment planning. Factors affecting overall cost include the need for imaging studies, specialised urine tests, and treatment duration.

Acute prostatitis treatment costs typically include antibiotics and follow-up visits. Chronic cases may require extended medication courses, physical therapy sessions, and multiple specialist consultations. Modern diagnostic procedures such as urodynamic studies or MRI may be necessary for complex cases.

Investment in quality care helps prevent complications and reduces long-term healthcare costs. Our clinic provides transparent cost estimates during consultation, helping patients make informed decisions about their treatment options.

Dr Tan Scrubs Photo

Dr Tan Teck Wei

MBBS (S’pore)

DFD (CAW)

MRCS (Edin)

MMed (Surgery)

FAMS (Urology)

Dr Tan Teck Wei is a Senior Consultant Urologist in Singapore who specialises in the management of complex urological cancers, including those affecting the kidneys, prostate, and bladder.

He is fellowship-trained in open, laparoscopic and robotic surgery. He also specialises in the management of other urological conditions including:

  • Prostate Enlargement
  • Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
  • Stones

To date, Dr Tan Teck Wei has been involved in more than 500 robot-assisted surgeries, building up his volume of cases from his fellowship training days and cementing his expertise in robotic surgery.

Dr Tan Teck Wei believes in the holistic management of his patients, and seeks to journey with them from diagnosis to cure.  Dr Tan is effectively bilingual in English and Mandarin, making him a popular choice with the young and old, as well as international patients.

Dr Tan Teck Wei possesses a wealth of specialist experience in the field of Urology. He has previously held positions as a Consultant Urologist and Director of Genitourinary Oncology at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.

Dr Tan’s expertise in conducting MRI-targeted Prostate Biopsies led to his advisory role with the Ministry of Health’s Agency for Care Effectiveness. Furthermore, he has served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Clinical Teacher at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine and the Nanyang Technological University-Imperial College London’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine respectively.

He has actively participated in humanitarian initiatives as a member of the Singapore Navy surgical team, collaborating with the Indonesian Navy to provide healthcare services to the communities in Padang and Ambon. It is his passion to improve the standards of healthcare to patients both in Singapore and overseas.

  • Former Consultant Urologist and Director of Genitourinary Oncology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital
  • Adjunct Assistant Professor, National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Clinical Teacher, Nanyang Technological University-Imperial College London’s Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine
  • Advisor, Ministry of Health’s Agency for Care Effectiveness
  • Surgical Team, Singapore Navy
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Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re experiencing symptoms of prostatitis, Dr Tan Teck Wei can help you understand your condition and explore treatment options. With experience in managing all forms of prostatitis, he provides personalised care throughout your treatment journey.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long does prostatitis treatment typically take?

    Treatment duration varies by type. Acute bacterial prostatitis usually requires 2 to 4 weeks of antibiotics, while chronic bacterial prostatitis needs 6 to 12 weeks. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome may require several months of multi-modal therapy. Dr Tan will provide a personalised treatment timeline based on your specific condition and response to therapy.

    Can prostatitis come back after treatment?

    Recurrence is possible, particularly with chronic forms. Acute bacterial prostatitis has a low recurrence rate if the antibiotic course is completed. Chronic prostatitis may require long-term management strategies. Risk factors for recurrence include incomplete treatment, underlying urinary abnormalities, or persistent contributing factors. Dr Tan focuses on identifying and addressing these factors to minimise recurrence risk.

    Will prostatitis affect my fertility or sexual function?

    Prostatitis can temporarily affect fertility and sexual function due to inflammation and pain. Patients experience improvement in both areas with effective treatment. Chronic inflammation may impact sperm quality, but this typically reverses with successful therapy. Sexual dysfunction related to pain usually resolves as symptoms improve. Dr Tan can discuss specific concerns during consultation.

    What lifestyle changes help manage prostatitis

    Several lifestyle modifications support treatment success. Regular exercise, particularly walking and swimming, improves pelvic blood flow. Stress reduction through meditation or counselling helps manage chronic pain. Dietary changes including limiting caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, which can reduce bladder irritation. Warm baths provide symptom relief. Dr Tan will provide comprehensive lifestyle guidance tailored to your needs.

    How is chronic prostatitis different from acute prostatitis?

    Acute prostatitis presents suddenly with severe symptoms including fever, chills, and intense pain, caused by bacterial infection. Chronic prostatitis develops gradually, usually with persistent symptoms lasting more than three months, and may not involve bacterial infection. Treatment approaches differ, with acute cases requiring immediate antibiotics while chronic forms need multi-modal therapy addressing various contributing factors.

    When should I seek immediate medical attention for prostatitis symptoms?

    Immediate evaluation is necessary for high fever, severe pelvic pain, inability to urinate, or blood in urine. These symptoms may indicate acute bacterial prostatitis or complications requiring urgent treatment. Worsening symptoms despite treatment also warrant prompt medical review. Our clinic provides urgent consultation availability for acute cases requiring immediate assessment and treatment initiation.

    Conclusion

    Prostatitis, while challenging, is a treatable condition with proper medical care. Our comprehensive approach addresses both immediate symptoms and underlying factors to provide lasting relief. Whether dealing with acute infection or chronic pain syndrome, effective treatment options are available to restore your quality of life.

    The key to successful treatment lies in accurate diagnosis and personalised therapy selection. Dr Tan combines clinical experience with modern diagnostic tools to develop targeted treatment plans. With proper care, patients achieve symptom improvement and return to normal activities.