Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Diagnosis: Rectal Exam, Blood Test

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - Diagnosis

What can I expect when I see a Urologist?

In the clinic, your doctor will speak to you to find out more about the symptoms you are experiencing. Your doctor will then do a set of routine physical examinations and tests, which may include:

Bedside ultrasound

This is a scan used to assess your bladder, prostate, and kidneys. Measurements of your prostate will be taken. There is no radiation in an ultrasound scan.

Digital rectal examination

A physical examination that involves the doctor inserting a gloved finger into your rectum to feel the prostate, giving him/her a general idea of the condition of the gland.

Uroflowmetry

You may be brought into a private cubicle and asked to urinate into a device to measure your flow of urine.

Prostate specific antigen (PSA)

This is a blood test to measure the level of serum PSA, which is a prostate cancer marker. Your doctor will discuss with you what the test result means, and if you need further tests to rule out prostate cancer.

At the end of the consultation, your doctor will discuss the treatment options for BPH and tailor one that is suitable for you.