Do Not Ignore the Symptoms! Get a Test for BPH

There are several reasons why it is important to get a test for BPH by a healthcare professional;

Reasons to get a BPH test

1. Many urinary symptoms associated with BPH can also be signs of other conditions, such as urinary tract infections or even prostate cancer. Don’t put it off, getting a proper assessment by a healthcare provider ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of your condition.
2. BPH can vary in its severity and the impact it has on your daily life. By getting assessed, you can determine the extent to which your symptoms are affecting your quality of life and discuss appropriate treatment options.
3. It’s essential to rule out other potential causes of urinary symptoms that may require different treatments or interventions. Your urologist will consider your medical history, perform a physical examination, and may order additional tests, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or imaging studies.
4. Each individual’s experience with BPH may differ. By seeking professional assessment, you can work to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, taking into account the severity of symptoms and your overall health.

Remember, early detection and appropriate management of BPH can help alleviate symptoms, improve urinary function, and enhance your quality of life. You can also rule out Prostate cancer and other causes.

Classic 3 Ways Doctors Test for An Enlarged Prostate

If you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as urination difficulties you must get an initial test and assessment for BPH from your doctor. You can expect the following at your appointment;

You’ll be asked about your medical history, including any toileting issues you have been experiencing and how it affects your daily life. They will also enquire about your overall health, past medical conditions and review medications you are currently taking.

Your doctor will perform a physical examination, which may include a digital rectal examination (DRE). Don’t be embarrassed, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to assess the size, shape, and texture of the prostate gland.

A urine sample may be collected to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities such as diabetes. This can help rule out urinary tract infections or other urinary conditions that may be exacerbating your symptoms.
You most likely will have a PSA blood test to measure the levels of a protein produced by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA levels can indicate various prostate conditions, including BPH or prostate cancer. However, please note that an elevated PSA level does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer.

You may be asked to keep a record of your urination patterns for a few days or weeks, noting the frequency of urination, amount of urine voided, and any associated symptoms. In some cases, additional tests may be ordered, such as uroflowmetry, which measures the rate and force of urine flow, or imaging studies like ultrasound or cystoscopy to assess the structure and function of the urinary system.

Based on the assessment, your doctor will discuss the diagnosis and depending on the severity of your symptoms potential treatment options. Treatment options may include lifestyle modifications, medications, minimally invasive procedures, such a greenlight laser, Rezum, Holep, iTind or Urolift or surgerical options such as TURP or TUNA.

It’s really important to openly discuss any concerns or questions you have with the healthcare professional during the assessment process.

Think you Might have BPH? Check the 7 Classic Symptoms

The main symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) can vary from person to person but typically involve urinary difficulties. The main symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate range as follows;

1. You may need to urinate more often than usual, including during the night (nocturia). This can disrupt your sleep and affect your overall quality of life.
2. You may notice that your urine stream is weaker or slower than before. It may take longer to empty your bladder and you may not be able to completely empty it.
3. You may have trouble starting to urinate, having to strain or stopping urination.
4. You may experience a sudden and compelling urge to urinate that is difficult to postpone. Constantly having to plan your travel around toilet availability.
5. You may feel that your bladder does not completely empty after urination, resulting in a persistent sense of needing to urinate.
6. After you have finished urinating, you may experience dribbling or leakage of urine, which let’s face it is always troublesome!
7. If this is you, book an appointment to see your doctor. They can evaluate your symptoms, conduct necessary tests, and recommend the most suitable treatment options to improve your quality of life.