How do I know if I have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
For the majority of patients, urinary symptoms are the first sign of BPH. When urinary symptoms are present, a digital rectal exam (DRE) must take place. This is where the doctor places a finger inside the rectum to check for changes to the size and surface of the prostate. Most men find the digital rectal exam to be uncomfortable, but an untreated prostate will become even less comfortable. Your doctor will then conduct a blood test to determine if the prostate is inflamed.
The doctor may also check the amount of urine left in the bladder after urinating by using an ultrasound bladder scanner or a catheter. In some cases a flow measurement or even urodynamics may be required to properly diagnose BPH.
If there is concern about kidney function or abnormalities in the urine, an ultrasound of the kidneys and/or a cystocopic examination of the bladder may be required to rule out more serious problems.
