An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a noncancerous growth of the prostate gland. The prostate sits below the bladder and surrounds the urethra, so as it grows, it may press on the tube that carries urine out of the body. Many older men notice urinary changes, and the likelihood of symptoms rises with age. Here are some tips for talking to your doctor about an enlarged prostate:
Share Your Symptoms
Describing your symptoms in detail helps your doctor understand how an enlarged prostate affects your daily life. For a few days before your appointment, keep a bladder diary. Write down how often you urinate, how much you drink, and how many times you wake up at night to use the bathroom; this gives your doctor concrete details instead of estimates. When you describe your symptoms, use specific terms, such as:
- A weak or slow urine stream
- Trouble starting to urinate
- Stopping and starting while you urinate
- A sudden, strong urge to go
- Dribbling at the end of urination
- A feeling that your bladder is not fully empty
- Waking up two or more times at night to urinate
Your doctor will ask when each symptom began and whether it has changed over time. Bring a list of all your medications, including supplements and over-the-counter products, because some affect urination. Your doctor may also ask you to complete a short questionnaire, such as the International Prostate Symptom Score; this rates how much your symptoms affect daily life.
Understand the Diagnosis
Your doctor will run several tests to confirm BPH and rule out other conditions. During a digital rectal exam, your doctor checks the prostate’s size, shape, and texture with a gloved finger. They may also collect urine and blood samples. A urinalysis looks for infection or blood, while blood tests measure prostate-specific antigens, which rise with BPH.
These results help your doctor determine whether your symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate or another condition. It also guides decisions about whether you need treatment and which options may be appropriate. BPH symptoms vary in severity, and not everyone needs immediate treatment.
Review Next Steps
Treatment depends on how much your symptoms bother you, the size of your prostate, and your overall health. Common approaches include:
- Monitoring: For mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend regular checkups and habit changes, such as limiting fluids before bed and cutting back on caffeine and alcohol.
- Medication: Some medications relax the muscles around the prostate and bladder neck, while others shrink the prostate over time.
- Procedures: Minimally invasive treatments and surgery, such as transurethral resection of the prostate, are options when other approaches do not relieve symptoms.
Learn More About Enlarged Prostate
BPH is a common condition, and many treatment paths exist. Tracking your symptoms, asking about each test, and reviewing your options gives you a clearer picture of your health. Every man’s situation is different, so the right plan depends on your exam and history. Schedule an appointment with a urologist today to discuss your symptoms.
