BPH or Enlarged Prostate — Diagnosis
You may first notice BPH
or enlarged prostate symptoms yourself, or your doctor may notice that your
prostate is enlarged during a routine examination. If your primary care doctor suspects
that you have
BPH
or enlarged prostate, he or she may refer you to a urologist — a doctor who specializes
in problems of the urinary tract and male reproductive system.
Tests for BPH or Enlarged Prostate
Your doctor may perform some or all of the following tests to confirm or rule out
the presence of BPH or enlarged prostate.
- International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) or AUA Symptom Index
— a short questionnaire that asks about specific urinary symptoms associated with
BPH or enlarged prostate and how often they occur.
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) — during the physical examination,
the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the prostate.
This examination allows the doctor to get a general idea of the size and condition
of your prostate.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test — used to rule out prostate
cancer as the cause of your symptoms. PSA is a protein produced by cells in the
prostate, and the level of this protein is elevated in the blood in men who have
prostate cancer or BPH.
- Urinalysis — a laboratory test of your urine performed to rule
out the presence of an infection or condition that may produce similar symptoms.
If the results of these tests suggest that you may have BPH or enlarged prostate,
your doctor will probably perform additional examinations to help confirm the diagnosis
and determine the severity of the condition.
Such tests may include:
- Urinary flow study — measures the strength and amount of your urine
flow.
- Imaging tests — ultrasound may be performed to estimate the size
of the prostate and may also be used to look for prostate stones, kidney stones
or obstructions, or a tumor.
- Cystoscopy — a cystoscope (a thin tube containing a lens with a
light system) is inserted into the urethra so the doctor can detect problems, including
prostate enlargement or the development of stones in your bladder.
- Urodynamic studies — your doctor may recommend a series of tests
to measure bladder pressure and function if he or she suspects your symptoms might
be related to a bladder problem or a neurological problem, and not BPH or enlarged
prostate.
- Post-void residual volume test — ultrasound imaging is used to
determine if you can empty your bladder.
