Many men dread the thought of having a prostate exam and put if off as long as they can. The truth is, though, it's not that bad.
If you’re having enlarged prostate symptoms, you should conquer your fears and see your doctor. Doctors have many options for helping you deal with the symptoms, but they must diagnose you first.
A number of symptoms are associated with an enlarged prostate, a noncancerous condition that is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The symptoms include:
- Frequent urination, including a sudden, urgent need to go.
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty urinating
- Feeling like the bladder hasn’t fully emptied
- Leaking urine
These symptoms can also be caused by other conditions, such as a urinary tract infection or other bladder and kidney problem.
To make an accurate diagnosis, your doctor will start by simply asking you questions about your symptoms, possibly using the American Urological Association’s BPH Symptom Score Index Questionnaire.
You’ll need to give a urine sample, to help figure out if an infection is behind your symptoms.
The doctor will probably also perform a digital rectal exam, or DRE. In this exam, you will either bend at the knees or lie on your side on the exam table with your knees at your chest. The doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger in your rectum, which will allow him to feel the prostate gland. You may feel slight discomfort and perhaps a feeling of needing to urinate, but the exam is over quickly.
The doctor may also want to give you a blood test to check for prostate-specific antigen levels and other issues.
Depending on the results of the exam, bloodwork, and questionnaire, you may need other tests. They might include a urinary flow test and a postvoid residual volume test to check whether your bladder is emptying completely.
If you are diagnosed with an enlarged prostate, doctors have a number of treatment options, including several types of medications that can treat the symptoms.
If you have any questions or concerns about prostate symptoms, please don’t hesitate to call our team. We’d be more than happy to schedule an appointment to diagnose the underlying problem and develop a treatment plan.
Affiliated Urologists is an award-winning practice recognized both locally and nationally that has provided service to patients in Phoenix, Scottsdale, and surrounding communities in the Valley, for over 40 years. The physicians emphasize top-of-the-line comprehensive urological care and strive to deliver the highest outcomes for patient satisfaction. To make an appointment, call 602-264-0608 or click here.
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
