Diagnosing the symptoms of BPH.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of BPH, see your physician.

Only a trained medical professional such as your doctor or a urologist can tell for sure if you have BPH. If you think you might have an enlarged prostate, or if your doctor suspects BPH, these are some of the routine tests that may be used to diagnose it.

Digital Rectal Exam, or DRE

Even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms, your doctor may discover you have an enlarged prostate by performing this routine exam. By actually feeling the prostate, the doctor is able to get a good idea of its size and functional condition.

Prostate Specific Antigen, or PSA Blood Test

PSA is a protein that is produced in the prostate. At normal levels, there is no cause for concern. Elevated levels are sometimes an indication of cancer. This test is done to rule cancer out of the diagnosis profile.

Urine Flow Test

This is done to measure the patient’s urine flow rate. Reduced rates are often a sign that there is an enlarged prostate.

Rectal Ultrasound

An ultrasound is a common medical procedure. The machine uses sound waves to create a picture of the inside of the human body. If your doctor suspects prostate cancer, a rectal ultrasound will give a visual reference of the gland and the surrounding tissue.

Cystoscopy

If a blockage of the urinary tract is suspected, a cystoscopy may be performed. A tiny tube is inserted through the opening of the urethra in the penis, revealing the location and scope of the blockage.

Intravenous Pyelogram, or IVP

This is simply an x-ray of the urinary tract. A special dye is used to make the patient’s urine visible on the x-ray, so obstructions or blockages are easy to see.