Diagnosing BPH: What’s Involved?

If you are experiencing symptoms such as frequent or urgent urination; nocturia (waking at night to urinate); or difficulties stopping or starting the flow of urine, you could have an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But what’s involved in diagnosing BPH? And when should you see your doctor? Keep reading to learn more.

Understanding Prostate Enlargement

What is BPH? This condition affects about half of all men over 50; with BPH, your prostate cells grow faster than they normally would, causing your gland to become enlarged. In turn, the gland can press against the urethra, resulting in some of the BPH symptoms highlighted above.

Diagnosing BPH

Men who experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) typically associated with prostate enlargement may see a healthcare provider for relief. But before treating symptoms, the doctor must determine the cause of the enlarged gland by diagnosing BPH and ruling out other conditions, including prostate cancer.

To determine the correct diagnosis, your doctor will likely begin your exam by conducting a digital rectal exam, inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to determine if your prostate is enlarged or if you have any other abnormalities. A blood test may be ordered to measure your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. If your numbers are high, you could have prostate enlargement, but you could also have other conditions.  As such, your doctor may order other tests, including a urine test; ultrasound; or even a biopsy. In combination, the diagnostic results will help with diagnosing BPH and ruling out other possible causes for prostate enlargement.

After the Diagnosis: What Comes Next?

After diagnosing BPH, your doctor will help guide you towards your ideal treatment options. Some men can manage their condition with lifestyle modifications, focusing on diet and fluid intake, and reducing bladder irritants such as caffeine and alcohol. Other men may manage their symptoms with medication—an exciting possibility since this new study reveals that certain BPH medications could help protect you from Lewy body dementia. Finally, if you are unable to find symptom relief from these treatment options, you may wish to explore Prostatic Artery Embolization (PAE) a minimally-invasive procedure to shrink the prostate. An ideal option for those who wish to avoid surgery, you can learn more about PAE and explore your candidacy by requesting a consultation at the Texas Prostate Institute.