Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Alternative names:

benign prostatic hypertrophy; BPH

Symptoms:

Less that half of all men with BPH show any symptoms of the disease, which may include:

• urinary hesitancy (slowed or delayed start of the urinary stream)
• weak urine stream
• nocturia (needing to urinate 2 to 3 times per night)
• pain with urination
• bloody urine
• urinary retention (difficulty urinating)
• increased urinary frequency
• strong and sudden urge to urinate (urinary urgency)
• incontinence

Signs and tests:

A digital rectal exam (health care provider inserts a finger into the rectum to feel the size of the prostate gland) will reveal an enlarged, soft prostate.

• Urine flow rate may be measured (men with BPH have a rate less than 10 ml per second).
• Post-void residual urine (the amount of urine left in bladder after urination) may be measured.
• Pressure flow studies to measure the pressure in the bladder as you urinate
• An IVP may be done to confirm the diagnosis or look for blockage.
• Urinalysis to check for blood or infection
• Urine culture if signs of infection
• Voiding cystourethrogram
• Prostatic-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
• Cystoscopy to visualize the prostate and bladder

Additionally, you will be asked to complete a self screening form, evaluating the severity of your symptoms and the impact on your daily life. Your score on the screening tool will be compared to past records to evaluate progression of the disease.