How is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed?

How is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) diagnosed?

Your doctor will look at your medical history and give you a complete physical examination.

Your doctor will perform a digital rectal examination by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel the prostate, estimate its size and detect any hard areas that could be cancer.

Several studies may be performed to help diagnose your condition:

• A survey to evaluate how severe your symptoms are.
• A flow study may be conducted to measure how slow the urinary stream is compared with normal urine flow.
• A study to detect how much urine is left in the bladder after you finish urinating.
• A cystoscopy to look into the bladder.